Blue Bell Ice Cream Factory

Have you ever had this ice cream? It virtually is the best out there. We are really going to miss it when we leave Texas. Who doesn't like Blue Bell Ice Cream? Bryan's favorite is cookies and cream. I like all, but if I had to choose one, it would be their holiday flavor called carmel pumpkin spice. 

 We took a tour of the factory in Brenham, on our way back from Houston. The tour ends with a free bowl of ice cream. Seconds were just $1. And these are not little scoops, these are 3 big scoops! The workers are even sampling the flavors with you as you pick out a flavor. In fact, the factory workers eat all the free ice cream they want! Lucky.

 Yes, I am squeezing the logos utters and eating a bowl of ice cream. 

We would go again just for the free ice cream and refill. Love it!

Conroe

For Bryan's graduation we rented some condos up at Lake Conroe which is about one hour north of Houston. We decided it would be fun to be out of the big city away from the crowds of graduations, proms, and mother's day weekend; plus, our house is being rented out to a family from our ward in Houston. The condo is right on the waters edge. We were able to see snakes, ducks, and fish from the balcony. Our neighbors were lazy and fished from their balcony. 

 My parents on the balcony with Lake Conroe behind. The weather was perfect for my mother (70-80 degrees) and not warm enough for my dad (he likes 90-100 degrees).

 Unfortunately, the Southern Empress Cruise was grounded until June time frame due to low water levels from last summer breaking the rotor. It would have been fun to have a dinner date on the lake.

 Left to Right: Sue, Debbie, Robert, and Mike hanging out at the pool. The water was a little on the cooler side, but once you got in, it was just fine.

 Early in the morning, Bryan and I took our kayaks to a island in the middle of the lake. It seemed a lot closer than it actually was. You can see the condos in the background (microscopic). The island had a dock, some grass, toys, and old beer bottles. Nothing too exciting. 

 This is my dad kayaking. The houses are so cool with boating docks and decks in the back yard. I wouldn't mind having a lake in my back yard. So fun! We didn't see any alligators- everyone told us to be careful because there are alligators in the lake. Strange how people are water skiing and tubing in alligator infested water.

 Bryan's parents left on Sunday night after two beautiful mother's days meals. We made whole wheat pancakes with strawberries, bananas, and whipped cream for breakfast and lasagna, green salad, and fruit salad for dinner. On Monday, we took my parents to hiking at Huntsville State Park. My mother did very well, even with her hurt knee. We still didn't see any alligators!

This is a 77 foot statue of Sam Houston, one of the many heroes of Texas. I think this is the largest statue of a historical person? I could be wrong. Our weekend was fun filled with tennis, swimming, hiking, kayaking, graduating, celebrating graduation, and eating! Thanks mom and dad and Debbie and Robert for joining our little party in Texas because we won't be here much longer!

Dr. Ahlborn

I am so proud of my husband! He is finally done with school... 4 years of books and tests and driving and separation! It has been long and rough for the both of us. We have gone through some hard times, but the end is here and we have been blessed throughout the journey and now we are ready to party!

 The Class of 2012 had a banquet at the downtown Houston's Aquarium on Thursday May 10, 2012. We had steak and fish for dinner. We had great entertainment and danced until midnight!

 Bryan's friends through the years. Left to Right: Casey, Kassie, Ruby, Ruba, Amanda, Bryan, Ben.

 Graduation was on May 12, 2012 at the Cullen Hall on the University of Houston's campus. The program was great; we kind of felt like we were at a Catholic church service with the music and flags. The speakers were especially well spoken.

Here Bryan is receiving his diploma on the left of the stage. Its a good thing we paid for a professional photograph because this picture sucks!

My mom and I decorated posters to embarrass Bryan when his name was called out. They were bright and obnoxious...perfect!  Bryan secretly liked it.

 My parents and Bryan's parents came out to celebrate this joyous occasion. Bryan couldn't wait to take off his cloak... it was really humid in Houston that day. I wanted more pictures in his Hogwarts gown though:)

Doctor Ahlborn

 One of the graduates was a graphic arts minor in her undergraduate and donated this picture to the college. It is an eye with the city of Houston's skyline. I like it.

 I decorated our car. I wanted to surprise him, but of course I couldn't keep a secret from him- he caught me in the act.

 We ate at Red Lobster and then celebrated the after graduation party with an Oreo Ice Cream Cake from Dairy Queen.

I love you Bryan and I am so very, very pleased with all your hard work and dedication to your studies. I cannot wait for the next phase in our journey!

Kayaks

My parents surprised Bryan with kayaks as his graduation present. I just had to convince him to make a trip down to the store with me without giving it away (I am terrible at keeping secrets!). We drove down to Costco in Austin for a special delivery...little did I know that there were going to be 2 of them! Bryan and I were both surprised.

Everyone at Costco kept telling us how awesome of a deal those kayaks were and if we were taking them out today. That made us super excited to go test the water, so we drove up the street to Lady Bird Lake.

We found an awesome spot to drop in the kayaks and took off. The lake was filled with other kayakers, paddle boarders, and rowers. It was a fun day!

Thank you mom and dad!