By the end of the summer in 2011, the water levels were dangerously low at many Texas Lakes, and some were completely empty. Remember those images of Lake Travis near Austin? They had dry, cracked dirt where the water had existed before, and docks were left high and dry.

This year, much better!

Lake Sam Rayburn has seen steady traffic this weekend and more boaters are expected there today. I've also got friends headed to Lake Cypress Springs, a few hours north of here. If you're headed to the water for Memorial Day, keep this in mind.

The weather forecast for the weekend shows nothing but sunshine, which gives us the perfect excuse to travel and enjoy the outdoors.

If you're not taking a road trip and are looking for some local events to attend, check out a few festivities we found, including lakes, veterans events, parades and more.

Whatever you decide to do, please be safe, and enjoy your weekend off!

Triple A says more than 34 million Americans will drive more than 50 miles from home over the three day Memorial Day weekend. In Texas, that's 2.8 million people clogging up the roads. And your plans?

My family plans to skip the road trip and do something totally different....backyard camping! Many of my friends have been doing it lately with their kids and posting the pics on Facebook. I'm inspired to try it. Apparently all we have to do to have backyard fun is haul the sleeping bags outside and pitch a tent back there, and save the cost of admission to a park. It is pretty smart. You have your own private space with no wayward frisbees finding their way into your business, and all the conveniences like showers and toilets stay within just a few steps. AND, you don't have to lug that heavy cooler either, with frosty beverages in the fridge nearby.

If you do hit the road this weekend, know the police will be watching CLOSELY for wrong moves.

There are so many bands on the bill, it will make your head spin.  Check it out.