Boobonnets, Easter Sunday, & Camping Out, Camping Outside!

The past few weeks have been jam packed with events, it seems like life has been set at a fast and furious pace. Between mine and Dirk's work events, swimming lessons, the home projects we've started, and weekend birthday parties, we don't get much downtime....that was why I really liked the idea of going camping for our 5th anniversary - with our kids. I couldn't think of anything better than spending time outside with each other, as a family. We reserved a cabin at Inks Lake and had the best time exploring the State Park and Longhorn Caverns nearby. Dakota had us singing her Bubble Guppies song "Camping Out, Camping Outside" on repeat. She loved the ducks, but her favorite part she told me was the s'mores. She actually cleaned her plate with a wipe, because it was so messy and she likes things to be neat. Baby Dirk was not fond of the hiking or even the caverns, but did love finding duck poop, sitting outside in our papasan camping chair, and playing in the water at Devils Watering Hole. Dirk Ryan was our fabulous chef, and got to cliff dive at the same watering hole. It wasn't the most romantic anniversary outing, but we loved introducing Dakota and Baby Dirk to camping and are looking forward to the next State Park!

Below is one of my favorite recent pictures! I was running back behind our neighborhood and found this gorgeous patch of bluebonnets. I always think of my Granny when I see bluebonnets, and couldn't help but think of how fond she'd be of all her great grandchildren if she were here. 

I loved our Easter weekend in Manvel. We got to hang out with the cousins at Derek and Jessica's, go to Blakely's 2nd birthday party at Urban Air, and see lots of family on Easter. Granddad managed to get Dakota to put lip gloss on his ear (Silly Granddad) and Katie joined the big leagues in Easter Egg hunting. The cascarones were fun, as always, and Dirk managed to grab almost all the prize eggs. 

I finally was able to meet the adorable Lillian, and she is just the most precious one year old girl. Mimi and T-Paw and Naynay surprised us all with Easter presents! We are so lucky and loved. 


Each and every year, I am more moved by Easter Sunday and how it brings our family together. I was sad I didn't get Easter Bunny pictures this year, but at the same time I was ok with it, because I never want Dakota and Dirk to misconstrue what Easter is really about. We celebrate that He is Risen! But we'll always hunt for eggs because its fun. And Devin and Dakota were hysterical to watch. It's a favorite holiday.

           

     

Dakota and Dirk and interacting more each day. Most of it is the most adorable toddler and baby giggling and babbling. I have caught them holding hands from their different car seats while driving to school and most times Dakota is a super awesome big sister. 

Here's a few from the Doud's First Official Camping trip. Inks Lake was a great pick - only an hour and a half away and lots of shallow water spots we could enjoy. We saw deer, squirrels, geese, ducks, two different kinds of lizards, a snake, and a few stray cats. The weather was gorgeous and only a few pesky mosquitoes. It was so memorable and a great way to celebrate. Happy 5 Years to us!!!