Camp Mabry Open House

Camp Mabry is the local National Guard/Army base here in Austin.  They had an open house one weekend in April where the public was invited to come see demonstrations and check out the base.  Lately, Evan has been VERY into everything army/battle related. He keeps bringing home books from the school library on tanks, submarines, jets, air craft carriers, etc.  So, when I saw this was happening, I knew it would be a great surprise.

First stop was an old jeep from WWI or WWII

Then we met a National Guard soldier who showed Evan how to hold his gun

We then had to wait for the military demonstration to begin.  The only bad part about the day is that this was running behind... I think we had to wait about 45 min past when it actually was supposed to happen, and we could not go to the rest of the area until it was over. And this of course turned out to be a VERY hot day for Austin in April. But the wait was worth it.

First they had two people parachute in with flags.

Then, a police helicopter landed.

Then it was the blackhawk/Humvee demonstration.  

The soldiers taking down the "bad guys".  They actually fired blanks (which was exciting for Evan but very loud for Caitlin). After the exercise, we met some soldiers who gave the kids some empty shell casings.

Smoke to signal the medical chopper

Here comes the rescue team! The Blackhawk helicopter circled the perimeter the whole time.

Lowering the medic to take care of the wounded soldier

And flying the soldier out of the combat area

After the demonstration, we were allowed to make our way around the parade route to check out the military equipment. 

First up was a little bird I think (Bryce knew all the names - I think he had as much fun as Evan!)

Evan getting to fly

Caitlin in the back of the blackhawk

Kids with the helicopter that had the cool lasers on the front (again, Bryce would remember the name)

Then, we waited in line so the kids could go into the "tank" which was really a Bradley (but looks like a tank to me and Evan).  It was VERY small/tight in there so only a few people could go in at a time.

Evan climbed up to the top to peer out

So did Caitlin

Say hi to Mom and Ryan! 

Climbing out of the tank through the front

\

Caitlin's turn

This is why I call it a tank (totally has tank wheels - don't you think?)

And I was there too just in case you thought I wasn't.

Besides the heat, it was a great day.  This is one of those things where I wish my Dad could have been there.  He would have known so much about all of it and could have told the kids stories and facts.  Plus, it reminded me of the days when we would go to the National Guard base as kids.  But I'm sure he was enjoying it with us :)  Evan loved it, and I actually thought it was all pretty neat. Definitely will do it again next year!

Easter Sunday

The kids were very excited for Easter this year. They completely understood that the Easter bunny was coming and he/she did not disappoint!

Here's each of their baskets. I try to incorporate things that they need anyway since they really don't need more toys, etc.

Evan got flip flops, a new helmet, and a kick stand (along with a Jake shirt, small toy, and candy)...

Caitlin got an Elsa doll (I can't believe I actually got one - it was random luck they had one left at Target since you can't find them anywhere!), a Frozen shirt, a Little Mermaid shirt, candy, and some princesses I had bought a long time ago but had forgotten about!

Ryan - PJs he really needed! Also some fruit snacks, markers (more for the older kids but he doesn't know), and another random toy car I found in my gift closet that I'd gotten for Evan a long time ago but somehow forgot about.

And Bryce and I even got baskets ;) Bryce got a fitbit from the Easter Bunny and has been using it faithfully since. He is down over 10 lbs already. He's doing so well and inspiring all of us to exercise and eat healthier.

Evan loved his Rescue Bot transformer

Ryan enjoyed opening gifts too!

My three cuties on Easter

After opening baskets, it was off to church! I managed a few quick pics before we left.

Caitlin had to dress like Elsa! Lucky we had a blue dress I guess.

After church, the Blankenships and Matz' joined us for a delicious brunch and easter egg hunt!

These kiddos are ready to go

We let Ryan and Chelsea get started first so they didn't get run over.

And they are off!

Caitlin finding eggs

Evan found a lot!

They were all over the yard.

Hope everyone else had a great Easter too!

Easter Egg Hunting

With Evan now being in school, our opportunities for activities are limited to the weekends. Fortunately, we had a break between soccer games on the saturday of the Easter Egg Hunt at the church our nanny attends.  So, we went over there to join in on the fun!

These two are ready to go.

Ryan is ready too for his first hunt!

Caitlin gathering eggs

Evan getting eggs

And Ryan finding eggs!

This was the area reserved for those under 2 which was great for Ryan

Evan got a lot of eggs!

Caitlin's haul

It was over in about 5 minutes but they had a blast. I think we are still working through candy they received from the egg hunt.  What a fun way to spend some of our extra time between games.

Spring Soccer 2014

The kids are playing soccer this Spring. Bryce is coaching both teams again as well and a lot of the same players are back.  Evan's team is actually all returning players and Caroline (who moved from Caitlin's team to Evan's team).

Picture of Caitlin's team - much better than last year (if you recall that last Fall's picture was a complete disaster).

Caitlin in her game

Caitlin and Caroline (her friend who is now on Evan's team)

My three kiddos

Hanging out before the game starts

Picture of Evan's team

This is the last year that Evan's team will get to play together. Starting with first grade, they do not do co-ed anymore. Not sure yet what we will do but we have loved having such a great team every season. 

Amazing that this is where we came from with Evan:

Evan's first soccer team (you'll recognize Brody and Alex who are still on his team)

First soccer game

Evan and Alex's first soccer game together

Where has the time gone???

Bluebonnets 2014

Every spring, Texas gets gorgeous wildflowers.  The bluebonnets are especially beautiful and an annual picture in them is almost a Texan requirement.  So far, I have managed to get pictures of my kids in the bluebonnets every year.  Sometimes the pictures aren't very good, but nevertheless, I try.  This year was harder to find time since Evan is now in school all week.  I took Ryan one morning for a few and then another day took all 3 kids.  These were some of the better ones.  

Enjoy our Texas Spring!

Picture of just Ryan one morning. it was very sunny which made it hard to photograph (with my limited ability too).

Second attempt! Much better. This field was actually right next to Bryce's Dell office! It was a great field of bluebonnets.

Probably the best of all 3 of the kids...

Evan - love this picture even though he has some crazy hair going on...

Evan's pic in the bluebonnets. That hair! What was I thinking not fixing it?

My sweet girl. She loves to take pictures now, especially when she gets to dress up!

Ryan gave me some good smiles that day.

My boys - probably the only time they've worn matching shirts!

Trying to get some of all 3 walking... not very successful!

But they had fun!

So that's our annual bluebonnet pics. Great flowers this year too. They were so lovely all around town. Late March/April is one of the best times to come and visit us so everyone plan your visits for next year.