Blazin' M

Our family enjoyed a great week last week and a full weekend with my husband's parents in town for a visit. We stuck with our typical weekend sports schedule, enjoyed a belated Christmas exchange with grandma and grandpa and headed north for a visit to the Blazin' M Ranch. Grandma Danna came with one agenda: visit the Blazin' M.

Having lived in AZ for most of my life, she was surprised that I had not heard of the Blazin' M.  After we found the website, I guess I was a little surprised myself. We hit the road on Saturday for a 90 mile trip north to Cottonwood, home of the Blazin' M Ranch.  As excited and focused as Grandma Danna was on going, our four kids were in the most opposite camp. "Why do we have to go the Blazin' M? Why doesn't Grandma just take Grandpa and tell us how it is?" They protested.  

"Grandma and Grandpa came a long way to visit and this is important to them, so we need to support them and enjoy spending time with them, building some new memories. I'm sure it will be fun." I encouraged. Still, their faces were glum.

The ride north was uneventful, except for the driving rain that pelted us as we traveled. After sitting outside all morning in forty degree, rainy weather while watching Colton's soccer game, I was praying that our evening would be dry. Sure enough, God graced us with lovely weather as we entered the Blazin' M.

Immediately, we saw the Olde Tyme Photoworks studio and all of a sudden I couldn't wait to go in and check it out. Entering the quaint corner room, we were greeted with the musty aroma of old clothes and soggy patrons. There was a large group just getting settled in to be photographed, each looking like they stepped off the plains of the old, rugged west. My heart pounded with excitement. We need a new family portrait. Won't this be fun!

Looking over at my husband, I saw the same look on his face and we both agreed, family photo time! The kids took a little time sizing up the situation and they each attempted to protest. "I'm not wearing clothes that other people have worn, without washing them first," our sweet, germaphobe, Audra, exclaimed.

Colton tugged relentlessly on my sleeve, begging me to leave. "Let's just go, mom. They haven't seen us yet, just turn and go." He protested.

"Honey, this will be so much fun. Your dad and I have already decided we are going to have the family picture taken," I explained to Colton.

"If you make us do it, then you will be the worstest mom ever," he cried, while I tried not to giggle at his eight year-old desperation. Bending down and holding him close, I reminded him that we would never do anything that wasn't good and this was going to be fun. He settled in and quietly watched the family before us.

"Can I hold a gun?" Buck asked. 

"Sure, you can, " his dad promised, hoping to hold a gun himself.

Finally, it was our turn. The lady picked a costume for each of us and we took turns in the small dressing room, emerging as if we were filming Bonanza.  It was great! Each time the dressing room curtain opened, everyone outside would cheer for the old-fashioned version of the family member who emerged. In the end, even the people waiting after us were cheering.

Grandma Danna and Grandpa Marvin were great sports and jumped in with us for some old-fashioned fun.  The kids quickly forgot their reservations and each had a giant smile pasted to their face. The photographer had us look serious and then she had us smile. We looked at each other and we all looked away. Us girls held parasols and fans while the boys held guns and rifles. Magically, we were transported to a different time and it felt simple, it felt good.

We left the Olde Tyme Photoworks with attitudes that were completely changed and excitedly headed over to the barn for our chuck wagon dinner show. It was a lovely evening filled with experiences and memories that none of us will forget. The kids loved the Ghost Riders In The Sky song, with the "ghost rider" racing in fast circles around the barn, under lightning.  The boys also loved Otis, the funny man of the show. 

Walking in, Grandma Danna definitely had the biggest smile. Walking out, we all had one just as big.  It was a great teachable moment for the kids, about going into new adventures with a good attitude.  Each one of them agreed. We also learned that with the right attitude, happiness is contagious!

Comments

[Gramdma Danna]

I am so glad the family enjoyed our time at the Blazin M, it was the highlight of our trip. We had heard what a fun place it was and we are so glad we went and that everyone had a good time especially after learning about the kids reservations about the outing. I got such a kick out of watching the expressions on their faces throughout the show. Having the pictures done was a riot. We have never done anything like that before and I am so happy we got to share that experience with out wonderful Arizona family. I'm sure we made some fond memories that will last a lifetime. Love Grandma

[S]

Yes, Danna...we really enjoyed it! It was nice to go with the two of you - the kids always enjoy spending time with you and I'm quite sure the memories will last a lifetime. Thanks again!