the great bunkhouse reveal

This is one of my favorite views...

And wouldn't you know, this view is from one of my favorite places.

Many years ago, my family built a cabin with some longtime friends, the Ochs (Pete, Debbie, Austin and Lauren). Prior to building the cabin, we had vacationed together as families almost every summer and every winter since I was a little girl. Whether dirt biking mountain trails or skiing snow-filled peaks, our families never had a dull moment together!

Meet Austin, Danielle (Austin's wife) Pete, Debbie, Lauren and Jon (Lauren's hubby)

There really aren't enough words to describe the building of the cabin. It was a big 'ol project that still amazes me every time I visit our mountain oasis. For instance, the cabin arrived on semi-trucks like a giant set of Lincoln Logs. Seriously.

With the help of many, many dear friends, a crane rental and nerves of steal, the cabin came to life!

I'd just like to say that my mom, Debbie, Lauren and I stained every last log on the cabin. Impressed?

The work continued for several years - including work weeks, long holiday weekends and the occasional 2-day run from Wichita. Everything from electrical to plumbing was done by family and friends. This included installation of the incredibly steep metal roof. I distinctly remember my dad strapped in climbing gear as he worked to install the roof without slipping. There were undoubtedly many prayers for safety while the cabin was constructed.

It's been almost 15 years since the cabin was built. Over the years the cabin has become a very special place to our families. For me, it's home. It's a getaway. It's where life makes a little more sense. I see the Lord more clearly at the foot of the mountains. Maybe it's because His majesty is unmistakable through the vastness of His creation. Regardless of the reason, the cabin is a special, special place that I will forever love visiting.

But this story isn't really about the cabin! Nope, it's about the great bunkhouse reveal.

About 7 years ago, we started construction on a garage that included living space above it, which we fondly called the bunkhouse. We quickly made use of the garage but the living area above the garage remained in its stud-like-state for several years. Totally unfinished.

When the bunkhouse planning finally began, the guys (my dad, Pete, Jed and Dave) determined that it would be their space to design. They were taking full creative freedom - from construction to decor. And that's not all...they weren't just taking the creative reigns, they also decided that the girls wouldn't be allowed to see the bunkhouse until it was finished. Like as in, they put paper over all the windows and made sure to lock the doors when not around. This might actually say more about the girls in our families!

I think the guys had the most fun telling fibs about their design ideas - including velvet curtains and black lights. Pretty sure a rope bridge, helipad and zip line were also mentioned. They loved getting a rise out of us!

It wasn't terribly far into the bunkhouse building process that we lost my dad to non-smokers lung cancer. But, in the last few weeks of my dad's life, Pete came to the house one day armed with a pencil and notebook. He sat in my dad's room talking, laughing and ideating every last detail of the bunkhouse. Pete said that one of the last things my dad said to him concerning the bunkhouse was, "Now Pete, don't let the girls see it until it's done!" He was the master of surprises.

To say that dad, Pete, Jed and Dave had one of the most unique, special relationship is indeed an understatement. These men were (and continue to be) brothers. So it's no surprise that after we lost dad, these guys were determined to complete the bunkhouse according to the plan created with dad. Not to mention the many touches they decided to add to honor dad's memory.

Dave, Dad, Jed and Pete

I've never heard of anyone working so hard. I would later find out that weekend trips to the bunkhouse included: framing, plumbing, running electrical, installing a pine ceiling, hanging/staining timber beams, laying/grouting tile, installing granite countertops, creating/installing leather wainscoting (right?!), decorating and a multitude of other things. These three men worked incredibly hard to pull off the greatest surprise ever, honoring my dad in every way imaginable.

So about a month before the big reveal, all the girls received an unbelievable invitation in the mail...

The leather-laced invitation was branded with a custom brand, introducing the name of the bunkhouse - the Rockin' Antero Pines. The guys had worked incredibly hard to make even the invitations a memorable experience. I think I jumped up-and-down for 10 minutes holding the invitation upon its arrival. I. Was. Ecstatic.

So excited!

So fast forward to the big day. We were all so excited. Dressed in our boots and western-wear (as the invitation requested), we were ready! There are few words to express what we saw when we entered the bunkhouse so please see for yourself...

I could barely believe my eyes when I first walked into the bunkhouse. Not only was it simply breathtaking, there was significance in the smallest detail, making this place unbelievably special. 

Couple of things to note here. First, the plaques on the door represent four characteristics of my dad: faith, family, friendship and freedom. These are explained in more detail on a tribute written by Pete that hangs on the wall when you enter the bunkhouse. Second, notice the framed picture over the couch. This is an image of four cowboys riding the river together. The four men represent dad, Pete, Jed and Dave.

Although probably difficult to see in this picture, the guys used the custom Rockin' Antero Pines brand throughout the cabin. For instance, the metal tie rods that bridge the ceiling have the brand in the center of them. Probably easier to see in the below image.

Also, to the far right you'll see a small table. The guys had this custom made with a wooden chess board build into the top. The chess board was actually Pete's grandfather's. Another special touch.

Do you see the leather wainscoting? Pete said this was my dad's idea. So guess what...the guys learned to back and wrap boards in order to bring his idea to life. A true act of love!

View from bedroom

This is the bedroom just off the main room. If I were to rotate to my right, you'd see the door to the bathroom.

I like to call this the Rockin' AP Spa. Spoiled. Rotten.

From what I understand, the original plan for the bunkhouse was a bit different. The guys had originally settled on a mining theme. However, their planned changed after my dad found the mirror shown in the above image. They loved it and decided that the theme of the bunkhouse should change to western with a touch of cowboy.

Pete, Jed and Dr. Dave, 
Thank you for the hundreds of hours and tireless work you put into the bunkhouse. Thank you for honoring my dad with the many touches you so thoughtfully put into the design. Thank you for building/delivering dad's final surprise and allowing us to see a piece of him even after he was gone. It meant more to me than you'll ever know. 

The Rockin' AP will forever hold a special place in my heart and in my family's life. It will be a place that will someday help my children know their grandpa. It will be a place that teaches our children what true and deep friendship looks like. It will be a place where we'll find peace at the foot of the mountain, knowing that there is a kingdom waiting for us - a kingdom where our Heavenly Father and my dad are waiting for us. 

Your friendship with dad was something that Adam and I aspire to with our friends so we are thankful for the constant example you've been and continue to be in our lives. We love you dearly.

...I wanna be on the one that leads to awesome