Camp Mabry Open House 2015

Last year one of our favorite new things was attending the Camp Mabry open house.  This year, we also got the chance to attend.  We arrived early on Saturday morning. It was great because it was cool and not crowded. The only bad part was that because of the cloud cover, the air show that was planned was cancelled.  Still, we enjoyed going around to see all the different types of military and civilian equipment.

A rescue helicopter

STARFlight Helicopter

He was a helicopter coming in to land

Bryce and Evan enjoyed talking to the different personnel and learning all about the aircrafts.

Kids in front of an Apache

Buckle up!

A boat on a truck!

Caitlin preparing for battle

Since the air show was cancelled, we went over to the WWII demonstration area. We couldn't stay for the re-enactment, but we did enjoy checking out the area.

Caitlin and Ryan driving a jeep

One of the WWII tanks

Overall, a fun day even if we didn't get to see the air show.

Bluebonnets 2015

What a year for bluebonnets in Texas!  This year they were absolutely gorgeous. With cooler temperatures and lots of rain, they were spectacular throughout Central Texas.  It also made it difficult to find a good time to take pictures. Nonetheless, I had to make it happen.  I must officially be a Texan if this is a must-do on my to-do list!

Because of time constraints and weather, I really had one day in which I could do it. I convinced my sister to go with me. We checked out one spot that a friend had used and decided it would be too difficult so we then drove across town to a park and attempted them there. That's my first set.  After dinner, I convinced my mom to head back out with me to that first spot to try and get a few more.

Here are this year's pictures! Enjoy!

Ryan was being difficult this year - did not want to sit still or smile!

Caitlin on the other hand - LOVES to take pictures!

Caitlin enjoys "posing" so had to post one like that. I'm always telling her just stand normal!

One of my favorites!

Another of my favorites - she just looks happy and I got a good shot of the bluebonnets!

Easter 2015

Easter! Always a great time of year.  This year, Ryan was VERY into the egg hunting.  We always go to our nanny Elizabeth's church for their big hunt. The kids love it and they do a great job.

Chelsea and Ryan

All 4 kids ready to hunt eggs!

Little kids get to go first. Mema was a big help to Ryan.

Evan

Caitlin on the hunt

Mema and Papa came to watch and help

At Caitlin's preschool, they also do an Easter Egg hunt. Last one for this girl :(

Just before Easter, we had a switch of grandparents. Mema and Papa headed back to Michigan while Oma arrived in Texas!  I wasn't going to dye eggs but Oma promised to help so we did get to do them!

Each year, we like to do a flashlight egg hunt with our neighbors. The kids LOVE it! Here are all the kids after the hunt.

And of course, Easter morning the kids were excited to receive baskets from the Easter bunny filled with candy and other things they'd requested/needed anyway!

After opening presents, we headed to Easter mass which was great. The church even had an Easter egg hunt for kids.

Happy Easter from the Stacers!

Blue Bell Tour

Since our camping trip got rained out and we left early on Friday, we decided to make a side trek to Brenham, TX... home of Blue Bell!  This has been on my Texas bucket list for years so a chance to finally make it was great. I know that currently there is a recall (which is sad, we love Blue Bell ice cream) but I'm glad we got to go through before all the trouble!

I was worried we would have a long wait since it was Spring break but it was only about 30 minutes! We spent the time looking at memorabilia and taking pictures outside.

Finally it was time for our tour. It was very interesting to see how everything was made, all the different types of ice cream products, etc. I really enjoyed it and Evan asked some great questions.

Afterwards, you get a ticket for free ice cream.  It was delicious as always!

Glad to mark this off of my Texas list!