Tumbling River Ranch

Well, it only took me 7 1/2 months to blog about our awesome trip to the Tumbling River Ranch. I think it's safe to say that life has been a little bit busy.

For the last several years Bompa had been suggesting going to a dude ranch for our Sheets' family vacation.  I kept vetoing the idea because I already felt like the odd one out on vacations with the kids and couldn't imagine how it'd be fun for me when I was wrangling you little kids.  Thankfully however, last summer, after Bompa reassured me that the experience was catered to families of all ages, he signed us up for a week long adventure.  He very generously paid for the week for our whole family, it was just up to us to get outfitted.  We checked out a few cowboy type stores (in Keokuk, Iowa for Alex's boots and just south of Normal for Aimee's tiny yet expensive cowgirl boots) and ordered the rest of the boots and hats from Amazon.  I even found a few cowboy shirts for Dad at a garage sale. Not all of the guests dressed up during their stay, but we tried to and I LOVED it.  It was so fun to throw on a pair of jeans, plaid or denim shirt, bandana of choice, with my cowgirl hat and boots!

We got dressed up one night, I took each person's picture, I stitched them all together with Photoshop and put us in front of this TRR ranch background that I found online.

To sum up the whole week in a nut shell, it was one of our very favorite vacations EVER.  You kids all want to be ranchers when you grow up :0)  We spent many meals together and some activities, but many were up to our discretion.  Some of the family went shooting, others fly fishing, or horse back riding.  You kids each had your own age group with counselors leading the activities.  (Lij & Alex, you loved your counselor Sabrina!)

One thing that made the whole experience even better was Bompa paying for the nanny service for the babies.  Each day Aimee and Abi were watched by their Nanny for 8 hours so us moms and dads could truly be on vacation and take part in all the activities that we wouldn't be able to otherwise.  Laney, Aimee's nanny was the owners' oldest daughter.  She was so sweet and had a lot of fun with our sweet Aimsey.  Though, it'll be fun to go the TRR in the future when those two are older and can take part in the fun as well!

Our group was the largest one there during that given week so we got to stay in the Pueblo House.  There are a few more pictures of it at the end, but just wanted to mention now that it was SO cool.  It was built over a hundred years ago and is decorated with authentic items from that time period.

Several weeks before the trip, our family worked on little messages and treats (gold fish, trail mix, twizzlers, etc.) to leave for everyone else each night.  The first night we left a paper pocket with their name on the front and that is where we'd leave their notes.  It was so fun working with Lij and Alex on different nights to sneak around the Pueblo House and deliver.

One of the first days we dressed up in our cowboy garb to get our family pictures taken professionally by a photographer.  I couldn't help but snap a few of my own in the process, which are the ones I've posted here.

Bompa & Mémé and all the grand kids

We were taking some great goofy group pictures when we realized that Brie hadn't heard to come back over, so she wasn't pictured.  Oops!

Here's one with all of us.

FISHING: Was one of the favorite activities for you kids.  You often head down to this little lake in front of the Pueblo House to fish with Bompa, Dad, Aunt Rachie, Buck and Em.

HIKING & OFF ROADING: We went on a few hikes during our stay.  The views were beautiful!  One day we decided to do our own Sheets family outing while you kids were on an outing with your counselors.  We loaded in Bompa's suburban and headed up higher in to the mountains.  At one point we couldn't go any further because of the snow, but were thankfully able to find a spot wide enough where we could turn around.  Heading back down we blasted some country music and sang along.  Good times!

HORSE BACK RIDING and RODEO: Riding horses was one of the major activities at the ranch.  Each adult (and older children which included Brie) was assigned their own horse for the week.  On our first real ride I almost had a panic attack and was crying big ugly tears.  I was SO scared of riding this huge animal through streams and down boulders and steep mountain trails.  I just wanted to get off my horse and walk back to the ranch, but that wasn't going to happen.  I at least got to ride behind the wrangler's horse on the way back.  But what I really want to mention is in the midst of my GREAT fears I was SO proud and impressed to see my 7 year old daughter so poised, calm and in control of her horse.  Brie, you looked like a natural.  You loved riding your horse throughout the week!  I guess I do not to add that I did "get back on the horse" and went on subsequent rides.  It got a little better, but still took a lot of bravery on my part.  You boys, Alex & Lij, got to ride Cinnamon, Chief and Oakie Dokie, the children's horses.  You loved that :0)

One of the final activities of our ranch experience was taking part in a rodeo.  It was so fun to watch everyone compete in the different events, especially you kids.  You did a great job on your horses!  This was one proud mama :0)

ROCK CLIMBING: Dad & I, and Uncle Matt & Aunt Erin did a double date one morning and joined a group in a rock climbing lesson.  Neither of us had rock climbed in several years, but we had a great time!  Dad was a natural and I was proud of myself for braving the mountain better than I braved the horse ;0)  Aunt Erin faced her fears as well.  At the end Dad and Uncle Matt raced up the mountain several times to see who was fastest.  I think Dad won first then Uncle Matt.  In any case, they were both SO quick, it was fun to watch their skill!

FINE DINING: I was really impressed by the cuisine during our stay.  We were so spoiled to have ALL of our meals provided, including amazing warm breakfasts each morning.  Two nights the adults dressed up and had nicer dinners while the kids had their own dinners (with their counselors) and played capture the flag. It was such a nice break to have delicious meals prepared and cleaned up for us.

DANCING: One of the nights we did line dancing.  It was a lot of fun, even for Brie (who danced with her crush, the owners' oldest son ;0)).  At the end of the night we were doing the limbo and unfortunately Mémé made a wrong step and seriously hurt her knee.  She was in a lot of pain and ended up having to go home early.

I wish I could remember all of the fun little details of our trip, but hopefully this entry will remind all of us what a great time we had together!  Here's to next time at the Tumbling River Ranch.

A few quotes from you kids:

"I had lots of fun with Sabrina and hanging out at the Critter Pen at morning time after breakfast.  I had some fun on the horses and playing with Sabrina at the play station.  I got to ride on horses and we got to ride in the woods.  We went to Georgetown on a train.  There was an open car that didn't have a roof and we rode on it and we could see everything!" (Alex)

"It was really fun.  I rode a horse named Chief.  And we went to Georgetown and I bought a little Beanie Boo named Rocco.  It was fun to go swimming.  We had kid dinners together.  I helped make a sign for the Square Dance night dance too.  We spent lots of time together, we went on rides together.  I made a friend named Jane." (Brie)

"I liked riding my horse, Okie Dokie, and riding another horse.  I don't know his name.  I rided another horse.  Three horses." (Lij)

Expedited workshop.

December and the beginning of January were rough for me.  There was so much going on to get us packed up and moved, then the holidays and getting settled and back in school right after.  I felt emotional and stressed and unhappy, BUT I wanted to have faith that God would help me through this part of the move too.  Thankfully the last week and a half or so things have been looking up.  I feel like we're getting settled, but beyond that I feel like the spirit has been teaching me so many things.  It's felt like an expedited workshop with lots of lessons to learn.  Though it was challenging (and still is in ways), I am very thankful for the companionship of the Holy Ghost and the way that He has been teaching me in the ways and with the timing that I've needed.