Easter Camping 2013

Easter weekend 2013 was full of lots of family and lots of nature.  We spent the holiday weekend camping  and enjoyed several days as a family, appreciating the wonderful spring.

To start the holiday off for us, Ethan's school had an egg hunt where he had a blast running around the playground with his classmates trying to beat everyone to the eggs.

We then spent an evening doing the traditional egg dying.  

The weather was so perfect, we were able to dye them outside.

Ethan was all about picking the color,

 and making sure they were covered with liquid exactly like he wanted.

Kelsey loved plopping them in the cup,

and then congratulating herself afterwards.

As with everything she touches, they had to go in her mouth first.

Malley protected by keeping an eye out for the birds.

Daddy helped entertain while we waited for the color to set.

And Mommy didn't buy white eggs so they turned out a little wonky, but still pretty!

With the holiday prep work taken care of, the next morning we packed up and headed out on a road trip to Garner State Park.

We spent the weekend hanging out, 

hiking, 

biking, 

fishing, 

and playing in the tent.  

Ethan got a huge surprise on one of his morning rides (while Kels slept)  - 

we had no idea the Easter Bunny was spending the weekend camping as well!

Easter morning the kids woke up to an egg hunt in the forest.  

They found eggs under logs,

in the brush,

and right in front of their noses.  

Kelsey was only mildly interested in finding the eggs,

until Dad showed her that there was candy in them.

And then she passed the secret onto her brother.

After that, the egg hunt was a lot more fun.

Camping shots:

Garner State Park from above, with the Rio Frio and the camp ground below.

An evening stroll along the crystal clear waters of the Frio.

Ethan being carried up,

and jumping down.

E pretty excited to play in the water.

Daddy crossing the river to fish.

The kids helping him get ready.

E getting his first fly fishing lesson.

Kels throwing rocks on the beach.

E and Daddy relaxing at camp.

Kels relaxing in her big kid chair.

It was a pretty place to camp,

and eat candy.