Hyatt Family Blog

Bye-bye San Mateo

As you may know from reading my other blog, we are all moving to New York. Today was our last full day in San Mateo as a family (I'm going to be returning for a few days in a week).

I realize I haven't updated this family blog as often as I should. The problem is, I hardly have taken pictures the last few months. But I've taken some this past week, including some today on our final work in the park. Annelie said "bye-bye" to everything there. That's not unusual, she also says "bye-bye" to things every day. She just likes saying "bye-bye".

Bye-bye Ray's Tea Time

Bye-bye Giraffe

Bye-bye Dog

Bye-bye roses

Bye-bye Adriane

Bye-bye Erik and family

And bye-bye California! We'll miss you!

April sleepover

Last night, Jordan and Allison slept over. After dinner, a long walk, bubble play, and their first time in Grandma's Jacuzzi, they wanted to watch, "Wizzard of Oz" in my bed. They looked so angelic and cute together I had to take some pictures, for a change!

The next morning they were at it again!

Here are the "outtakes" from which I managed to get a few decent shots.

A little patience, a digital camera, and Photoshop works wonders!

It's a GIRL!!!

Well, after 2 1/2 years of life, Allison has finally decided to break out of her brother's shadow, stop looking and acting like a tomboy and become a "girlie-girl". It's been great! She now loves dress-up, dollies, princesses, etc. It mostly started a few weeks ago when she went to her friend Claire's princess party and got to dress up and have her makeup and nails done. She even lets me put her in dresses and tights! Still doesn't love to let me brush her hair though, but we're working on it. Here are some photos.

Spring Break Treat

Last week it was our Spring Break and we had a wonderful visit from my best friend from college, Deborah and her boyfriend Chad. It was great seeing Deb again and having a chance to meet Chad. We had lots of fun and packed a lot into 48 hours!

The four of us had a nice, childless dinner.

We all went to the new mega-outlet mall, St. Louis Mills, and spent all our time in the NASCAR section where Jordan got his first taste of skateboarding, the kids played in the tunnels, played skeeball, "drove a car" and watched their daddy and Chad race in the "big kid" cars!

We also went to the Butterfly House. Jordan was facinated and Allison kept saying "Butterflies TOO scary!"

Before we said our goodbyes, it was time for one more activity - to see the BIGFOOT truck store where you can sit in a simulated Bigfoot truck, drive a mini-truck, and even jump in a moon bounce. The kids loved it there, but I think that Chad enjoyed it even more!

We can't wait to see them again!

Visit from a new cousin

Today Jordan and Allison had a visitor from New York. Cousin Kate's daughter, Sunny, came over while I was babysitting. At first, she was very shy, but within two minutes, she was busy playing and learning some dancing techniques from Jordan and Allison. This picture is during the "shy" stage with Allison in her "non-smile" mode and Jordan in his "coy" mode. They got along great and we all enjoyed their brief visit.

Las Vegas Trip

After our terrible experience last time in Las Vegas, we decided to try it again this year. We stayed at the Paris Hotel...

We met Carole and Lenny, ate at many wonderful restaurants, especially, Commander's Palace in the Aladdin Hotel for their Jazz Brunch, shopped and walked alot, and saw great shows. We didn't gamble and the weather could have been better but, all in all, we had a great time.

Still working on walking

Well, it's been more than a month, and they still are not walking! However, I've discovered I can walk them with just one hand of support. Marin used to be better at that, but now Annelie can walk very well with one hand supporting her. One problem, though, is that she hates it. She walks great, but she cries and cries. Marin, on the other hand, laughs really hard when she only has one hand of support, but keeps falling down. It's very strange.