Last Thursday we packed everyone up and headed to the airport. we have never flown as a family. I was a little nervous, i had no idea how the kids would do. It turns out I did all that worrying for nothing. we landed safely in Tulsa Oklahoma and rented a car. we landed a bit late so we stayed in town at a very nice hotel. the next morning we got up early, we were all very excited. we headed out with some written directions and a GPS.
We got to our destination with no problems.
Yup That's right we were invited by Ree to stay at the lodge on the ranch. It was surreal at first. I was so excited. I had met Ree before at a book signing last year and we tweet once and a while. Well she knows about my cancer and treatment and wanted to invite us as a family to come and relax and rest. she is the sweetest person you will ever meet! I really enjoyed staying at the lodge and got lots of R&R.
I spent a lot of time sitting on the deck and ogling at the veiw. It's so flat in Oklahoma, not like here in Maryland.
It's just so pretty. every morning we had cows in our yard.
Miss E refused to participate in the family picture taking. it was such a pretty back drop I couldn't resist. I should have asked someone to take a full family group shot, but I forgot.
I got to meet my friend @acranch in person for the first time and I also met @luvschrome too, why did we not get a picture of that girls?
For now that's all ive got. I'll continue my posts over a couple of days.
I will say that Ree cooked for us every night and yes she is as good a cook as you would think. She spoiled us rotten with all of the delicious food and wonderful company. She is so nice and sweet and the perfect hostess. Thank you Ree!
More from the Ranch tomorrow.
Wow! It's so beautiful there :) Looking forward to reading more about your trip!
Posted by: Virginia | April 06, 2011 at 12:37 PM
I'm so glad I was able to set it up for you! You (and your fam) really deserved a break.
It sure looks beautiful there and glad you guys had such a great and relaxing time!
Posted by: Kay | April 06, 2011 at 12:42 PM
I love the pic of you and the girls. You look radiant!
The pic of you and Julie is great too. I just saw it on Ree's blog.
Really happy you got to go and that everyone had such a great time.
It really does seem like a little slice of heaven on earth.
Posted by: Teri | April 06, 2011 at 01:15 PM
It is nice to see more pictures after just hearing you tell me about your weekend! I can't wait to hear more about it. xo, Sara
Posted by: Sara | April 06, 2011 at 02:19 PM
What fun! What a gorgeous place to visit. Glad you had a great time.
Posted by: NCarolinaAnnie | April 06, 2011 at 04:25 PM
As soon as I saw that deck, I knew exactly where you were - fabulous! Glad you all had such a good time. Did you shoot?
Posted by: quinn | April 06, 2011 at 04:42 PM
I am thrilled for you Sarah!! What a wonderful trip - You did two of MY favorite things - eat and rest!!
Welcome back to the east coast!
Posted by: Dot O | April 06, 2011 at 06:42 PM
All I can say is 'Awesome!!'
Posted by: Michele | April 06, 2011 at 07:08 PM
My word, how awesome is that! You and your family definitely deserved it too. Talk about being the envy of almost every blogger out there! LOL!
I didn't realize Ree had a guest home. Nice to hear she is such a wonderful hostess. Seeing a glimpse into her life must have been very eye opening.
No family photo? That's too bad. What a view!!!
Posted by: Sharon | April 06, 2011 at 07:16 PM
You know, as Stef and I drove home that night we wondered the same thing. Four cameras and no one took a single shot with them. If I hadn't said I wanted a pic of Josh doing the dishes I don't think any would have been taken. :)
It was wonderful to meet you. I can't put into words how happy I was to meet you in person. And I loved meeting your whole family!
Posted by: Julie | April 06, 2011 at 07:47 PM
Great pictures. Trip of a life time. Can't wait to hear the stories first hand. We need to have coffee and discuss.
Posted by: Brother John | April 06, 2011 at 07:54 PM
I just read Ree's blog and I was so excited to see that you got to visit with her!You look great,and I'm so happy that you took on this adventure!I live in Minnesota,we own about 150 area's of farm land there,we rent the land out.Where my husband is from is a little town of about 600 people,a town called Argyle.It makes Ree's place look like they have mountains,we are completely flat in this part of the country.We live in a city called Cottage Grove,only make it up to Argyle,once a year,but love that small town feel!
Posted by: Barb Labine | April 06, 2011 at 09:15 PM
What a great opportunity for some very special R&R and good eats too! You and your family so deserve this! I met Ree at a book signing in Cols., OH in February and she is so delightful and beautiful on the inside as well as the outside. I'm looking forward to hearing more about your trip!
Posted by: Pam McGlone from OH | April 06, 2011 at 09:35 PM
Oh, Sarah, what a wonderful trip and hopefully rejuvinating for your soul! I'm sure your days in the beautiful Oklahoma sun gave you some more fighten power!!!! Forget the odds, forget the chances, you are winning!! :)
Posted by: MontanaMom | April 07, 2011 at 11:51 AM
Good for you!!! You look great, and very relaxed. Can't wait to hear more!
Posted by: M.J. Jacobsen | April 07, 2011 at 12:02 PM
Your blog is beautiful and so are you and your family! What a blessing you got to spend a relaxing vacation in Heaven on Earth. I am from Oklahoma and it is so nice to hear others say that they enjoy our beautiful state. I think a lot of people take it for granted. Blessings to you as you are going through treatment. I pray for strength, faith, and courage for you!
Posted by: sj_penland | April 07, 2011 at 03:40 PM
You look great in the picture's. it must have so beautiful out there, so glad you had a great time!
Posted by: Mjwettig | April 12, 2011 at 09:48 PM
OMG. I didn't know that was you, Sarah. I saw the photo Ree posted with her phone last week. Stupid me, didn't even know.
What a lovely thing for a friend to do.
What goes around, comes around. And I'm sure, in fact I am positive - that you have kind things for your friends. So good to read this.
Posted by: Kate | April 13, 2011 at 03:46 PM
It is really amazing pictures.Peoples are looking so happy in these photographs.It was enjoyable visit.
Posted by: bird feeders | April 19, 2011 at 02:45 AM
This is so great. What a wonderful trip and experience. I'm glad you got the R&R.
Posted by: stephanie harsh | May 01, 2011 at 08:21 PM