Excuses-Dexter Style

I have to hand it to Dex, he has the most interesting/creative excuses out of all my kids. It doesn't necessarily help him get out of situations, but it does keep me smiling. Here are a few examples.

Dex, come and finish your apples- "I can't, my legs won't walk"

Dex, go and get dressed- "I can't, the stairs are too wobbly"

Dex, go take a time out- "I CAN'T, I HAVE A BUTT".

Dex, go in time out right now- "But I am naked" (it's not my fault he takes off every piece of clothing every time he uses the bathroom)

Dex, pick up the pencil and practice writing your name- "I can't, my hands are too big"

You hands are not too big- "Ok, my hands are too small"

Go wash your hands- "I can't, the water is too sticky"

Dex, pick up the toys in your room- "I can't, my eyes aren't working" (probably because they are closed)

Dex, you need to put shoes on before you go outside- "I can't, someone ate my shoes"

Dex, finish chewing your food- "I can't, my mouth doesn't work"

These are all excuses from just this morning. You can imagine what an entire day is like with him.

The last CA pictures

My tutoring business is quite busy right now with the school year wrapping up. This poor blog is suffering. I'll post the last of my San Francisco pictures. 

While we were near the piers we walked over to the Ghirardelli factory. Piper was very excited. The ice cream was pretty spectacular. 

I love these two girls. They have such great personalities, and fit very well together. 

 Piper is following Asher's footsteps and is opening an investment account. She wants to save and go back to San Francisco.

 One of the best parts of the trip was spending so much time with Patricia. I miss her so much, and it was great hanging out with her. We got to go out a few nights after the kids were in bed.

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.