Alcatraz

One of my favorite parts of our trip was going to Alcatraz Island. It was so fascinating, and I learned a lot. We took a boat over, and walked around the Island for a bit. When we got to the actual prison we did the headphone tour. Piper listened to it really well. I can not imagine actually being a prisoner there. It was so cold and lonely. 

 A lot of the original buildings are still there.

 This was one of the solitary confinement cells. Piper could barely go it it, she got a bit scared.

 Of course she thought the toilets were amusing.

The Piers

The piers in San Francisco are awesome. There is so much to see, and we really enjoyed being there. I'm pretty sure Piper's favorite thing was seeing the seals. She tried to name all of them, and begged to take one home. I'm not so sure they would enjoy NC weather. 

 Pier 39 is really geared for tourists. That usually isn't my thing, but it was actually quite fun. There was a lot of good food and fun things to see.

 Right before we went to Alcatraz we went around in the Ferry Building. Piper was the perfect travel buddy.

Golden Gate

On our second day we went over the Golden Gate Bridge. The fog was insane. Even when we were right on it we couldn't see the top. The sun was always so warm, but the fog made us feel so cold the entire time. As much as I loved the city I don't think I could live there, I hate being cold. 

This is Piper with the bridge in the background. The fog was covering most of it up. 

 We got out first In-and-Out burgers. They were pretty yummy, but I still think 5 Guys is better. The beach called to Piper again, so we spent the afternoon on the sand.

San Francisco

A few years ago when Asher was little we decided that when the kids turned five I would take them on a trip. This past week Piper and I went to San Francisco. Some of our closest friends moved there last summer, and we stayed with them. The trip was just amazing. I loved spending so much time with just Piper. She is so kind, and fun to be with. Focusing on only her was very special. 

As soon as we landed last Thursday we headed straight for the beach. There is no place either of us would rather be than laying in the sun listening to the waves crash. It was the first time either of us encountered the mighty Pacific.  

 We picked up the girls from school and went on an awesome hike. They were very happy to be reunited.

 The views at the top of the mountain were incredible. We were able to see all of the Bay area.

 Both of these girls have huge imaginations and put them to use. They found a dead flower and made a memorial for it.

 I love visiting new places and seeing different types of horticulture.

 Be prepared for blogging overload this week, I have a lot of pictures.

Hanging Around

The kids are finishing up their spring break, and we had an awesome week. My mom was here for Easter, and we had a lot of fun with her. 

On Monday we went to the beach, and Leah and her kids joined us. At one point we looked at each other and said "when did coming to the beach with 6 kids become easy?" Everyone got along, and laughed, and just really enjoyed being there. We topped off the day with burgers and shakes. Nate took off work on Wednesday and we went to Busch Gardens. I'm glad we got season passes, since we have a bunch of thrill seekers on our hands. 

Piper really wanted me to take a picture of her wearing my latest creation. It is so much fun sewing for her.

 I never get tired of seeing these two together. Piper is so patient with her and loves being a big sister to her. Emmy is quite the stinker these days, and is lucky she is the littlest. She may be small, but she is very feisty and opinionated.

 And then there is Dex. Oh man, this guy is just great. He drives me crazy with his pokiness, but I just can't stay mad at him.

 He is just so silly.

Annual Egg Hunt

We had our egg hunt last weekend. The weather was a little bleak in the morning, but it ended up being a great day. 

 The kids helped me hide the eggs earlier and apparently Asher hid a special one. He spent the entire time looking for it and ended up not getting any eggs. I think he regretted his choices.

The front yard was for kids four and under. Dexter did very well.

 Not too sure about Piper's face here, but she had a great time.

Dexter is 4!

Dexter today you turned four. You, my little buddy, my silly guy are four. I am constantly surprised by you. I can pinpoint so much of Nate and myself in Asher and Piper, but not you. Dexter, you have such an imagination and you are completely ridiculous. It is a joy to have you. Every day is a bit brighter with you here. 

We celebrated with a lunch party and had all your favorite buddies over. You requested a four layer chocolate cake with strawberries.  

 The group of friends that you have are a lot of fun.

 Gift time is always amusing with this age group. Everyone is very interested in the birthday boy and the presents.

 I love these boys. Stavros is in the middle, and he lives around the corner. These two are going to get into a lot of trouble as they get older. The other little cutie is Isaiah. They are such a happy crew.

 He partied hard, and passed out after everyone left.

 Asher and Piper were pretty disappointed to miss the party, but they enjoyed playing with all the new toys when they got home.

 Someday I will learn to take a decent photo.