Marriott Ranch Family BBQ

We were invited to go to the Marriott Ranch in Hume, VA. The kids were resistant to go, we were not sure what to expect and they thought they would be sitting in meetings most of the afternoon listening to ambassadors and general authority's from Salt Lake speaking. Well, none of that happened and within minutes of unloading from our car they were in cowboy heaven and didn't want to ever leave!

Those Marriott's know how to throw a party. They thought of everything down to every last detail and I am so glad we got to go. We arrived to a welcoming party that showered us with cowboy apparel. Hats and neckerchiefs were donned and we were off to enjoy the festivities. 

There was great food all around. Games for the kids to play. American Indian dances and square dancing to watch and be inspired by. Seriously a great time. Hope we can go again next year. 

 The miniature horse rides were a favorite, the boys loved it for a few spins around. But McCall didn't want to get off that wagon. She was pretty sure that they were there just for her. The gentleman that was driving was happy to let her ride around with him over and over again while they boys were long gone getting into a little mischief elsewhere. I don't even know how many rides she took. We finally lured her away with pink sand - who would have thought.

 The boys spent half the afternoon trying to learn to rope and they finally got it down - they could rope that face steer all afternoon - over and over again. Grandpa Gulbranson would be proud and they could probably do it to a real steer now - if it were dead and laying there real still. But they did get the basics down and it was fun to watch them put their minds to it and stick it out.

 The sheer joy of finally getting that rope around those horns. This boy was so proud of himself.

 I showed of my calf tying skills- which I didn't know existed! But I hogtied those two boys together quick as a flash and they couldn't get out. Wish I had thought of it earlier in the day and I wouldn't have been so exhausted from running after four kids!

 The boys all build pinewood derby cars and participated in races. They were not impressed when their sisters thrown together and pink to boot, derby car beat theirs. She didn't care, she just wanted her car back.

What a fun day in beautiful country surrounded by great people. This day made me miss the mother land, the ranch, the cows, the hay, the tractors, my family - I loved every minute of it. 

We ran into this rowdy crew up at the ranch. Elders who knew how to rope and ride and were happy to teach anyone who wanted - I hate to say that my boys monopolized their time, but as it turns out they did. But we felt like we deserved it - see that handsome cowboy second to the left? Well that is Elder Davie - he is from our Daybreak ward and he is (was) a great elder. This was the last time we saw him in the mission and now he is back home with his family after two great years in one of the best missions on earth. We miss him around these parts, but they are so happy to have him back home! Send us another one!