“My kids had an amazing time! They keep talking about all the cows and horsies they saw at the ranch and the cowboys! They had a chance to sit in the fire engine as well and adored the hay rides. I am still picking hay from my jeans and out of my car. It was a fantastic day of clean air and good fun. The Murphys are wonderful people to have foot the bill in total. I enjoyed them walking around and talking to us as well. It was educational and a great break from the ordinary. My three-year-old now knows that horsies "poop" on the ranch. It was a great reality check for her. Please thank the Murphys for us and bless them for being so giving.

"P.S.: The bus and the videos were a hit with the little ones, kept them occupied when they weren't coloring in their books. We totally enjoyed the day and they slept very well that night! “    Best regards, Sabrina Y. White, 11/09.

“Thank you so much for opening your ranch to our foster children! What an amazing day. I can’t believe it was the first one. You all ran it so smoothly. The information signs along the hiking trail were a great teaching tool. Our six-year-old foster son has talked about it many times since we were there. His IQ is not very high, so for him to remember it is great. Many times when I’m visiting with someone he’ll say,  “Member. Member that ranch? Tell them.” So we help him retell whatever memory he is having. He LOVED the big machines. One thing that he remembers the most is the turn signals on the front loader! Ha Ha! He motions with his hand and makes the sound. It’s really cute. He is a very troubled child and has terrible anger outbursts. He had a huge episode on our way to the ranch (we were in our own vehicle) and my husband and I discussed turning around and going home. However he calmed down and did great for about four hours. He had a small break down at the ranch but he got himself calmed down when we used 'one more turn on the tractor' as a motivator.”

Patti Waldrup, 11/09