Texas Texas YeeHaw!

We were so excited for the chance to head down to the Lone Star State for Easter weekend this year, where warmer weather, flip flops, and Tex-Mex abound! This was our first road trip in the Odyssey, and it was absolutely amazing! Truly, it was more peaceful in the car those two days than it ever is at home. I have been sold on that minivan since day one of owning it, but if I ever had any lingering doubts, they are long gone now! :)

Texas...how I have missed thee! The weather was so great while we were there. It was funny that I was so desperate for warmth that high 80's/low 90's didn't even seem hot. It is always great to be back home, and this trip was no exception. Since we were only there for a short three days, we didn't venture any farther than Dallas, but it was great that all of my family came up to visit and spend the weekend with us. Fun times and family--we couldn't ask for more!

Some of the highlights of our trip...

Arboretum

We had never before visited this grand attraction, but we will definitely be going back. I heard from a friend (thanks, Aimee!) that they currently have fairy castles on exhibit, and I knew my kids would get a kick out of seeing them. Sure enough, they were a huge hit! The gardens were beautiful, the sun was shining, and it was just a perfect place for the boys to run off their endless amounts of energy.

Brody lounging with GDaddy

This picture cracks me up, especially with Leyton on that little tiny deer!

With Aunt Bethany in Peter Rabbit's flower house...Wondering how I can get one of those in our backyard. :)

Leyton in the petting zoo

Easter Carnival

On Saturday morning, we took the boys to an Easter Carnival at a nearby church. The event was totally free and had more than enough to keep my men entertained. The bounce house is always a hit, as is the train, and face painting, and a cake walk, and snowcones, and popcorn, and an Easter egg hunt...

Brody was on a mission...see how fast he's running to Aunt Kelli to put his egg in the bag?! He was not about to let anyone else get more eggs than he did!

Leyton in the police car

Mmm...snowcones!

Egg Decorating

After the carnival, we set B & L loose in the backyard with a carton of hardboiled eggs and some dye! They had a blast watching the eggs change colors. Brody liked leaving his eggs in the dye for a long time so that they would come out really dark, while Leyton liked moving his eggs from one dye cup to another so that they came out almost tie-dyed!

Baby Shower

Saturday night, we left the kids at home with a sitter so that we could attend Kelli and Jeff's baby shower. What a party it was! I loved the picnic theme, with yummy fried chicken, mac 'n cheese, deviled eggs, and banana pudding! Yummy! Our little nephew brought in a ton of loot--he is going to be one posh baby! It is always fun to catch up with Kelli and Jeff's friends and remember what partyers they can be. :) I can't say that I've ever gotten home from a baby shower at one in the morning!

Look at that little baby bump!

Happy parents-to-be!

Baby H scored loads of gear and goodies!

Aunt Kelli and Oma

Easter

Easter Sunday was another great day with the family. After attending a nice church service at SMU, we headed back for some Easter egg hunting and lunch. B & L couldn't wait to dig into all their treats! As usual, the confetti eggs were quite a hit, especially with the biggest kids! :) Poor Kelli and Jeff will probably be cleaning up confetti for the next few months! After the fun outdoors, Kelli and I whipped up an Easter feast and celebrated with everyone before all the parents had to head back home. We spent the afternoon relaxing and gearing up to head back to MN the next day.

Easter 2011 Family Pic

A short but perfect trip! We are already looking forward to our next adventures in Texas, and we are all eagerly awaiting the arrival of our new little nephew. Can't wait to meet him!