Bumble Bee Ranch 2012

We were so excited to go back to Bumble Bee Ranch with HopeKids this year!! It is our favorite HopeKids event and look forward to it every year. This was our third year going and it was just as fun as we remembered it! You can read more about our past visits here and here.

The drive up the ranch is relaxing and the desert is so beautiful. We got there just as it started this year and started with the famous old time pictures. I have these from each year and love them so much!

Then we hit up the bounce houses before the crowds arrive.  Owen doesn't know how to jump yet, so he just flips around and sits in one spot as everyone bounces him. 

Kam bounced him for at least 30 minutes and let him wrestle with her. 

When the crowds started arriving, the bounce castles get crazy and we peace out.  My kids were both so excited to do archery.  I'm thinking their sudden interest in "bowd en arrows" has a lot to do with 'The Hunger Games' and Katniss Everdeen.  Kamryn rocked it and hit the target everytime! 

Owen didn't do too shabby with a little help from Daddy!  They have both asked for the Easter Bunny to bring them a "Bowd en arrows"... not gonna happen.  I told them they can save up all their money and buy one themselves.

It was time for the great ranch cookout, but first we wanted to jump on the Hummer Tours before the crowds.  Last year we waited a while to get into a hummer, but it was so worth the wait.  This year, we jumped right on and off we went into the desert! 

This is Owen's favorite part of Bumble Bee!  He loves the bouncy ride, driving through the creeks, up the boulders and on the steep trails.  The giggles are insane and the driver was thrilled to have such an enthusiastic passenger.

We got back to the Ranch and chowed down on some burgers, dogs, chips, and other goodies.  The kids stopped at the craft table as it started warming up outside. 

We ran into so many of our heart friends whom I love so much!  The heart community is amazing and I have made some amazing friendships along this journey.  I wish I would have taken pictures.. what was I thinking?  Anyway.. it was getting hot and the kids were tired so we stopped for one last photo on our way out.

Next year we will try out the rock climbing wall and they had a way cool barrel bull to bounce on.  Horseback riding will probably never happen again with my kids.. they aren't fans.. so we got to skip that this year.

Owen was so exhausted when we left that he passed out before I hit the dirt road. 

We had a fabulous time at the Ranch and I just want to give a shout out to Bridgette and HopeKids for putting this on!!  We are so grateful for this amazing organization and for all they do for our kids.  We can't wait to go back next year!!