Hyatt Family Blog

Playground and Park

New York was hot this weekend. We took the kids to the playground on Saturday, and Marin got to play with the water fountain they turn on when it gets hot out. On Sunday we went to Forest Park, but we only saw a little corner of it. It was a nice corner though. The kids ran around and eventually started pushing the stroller. First Marin started, then Annelie saw this and took it over, and pushed it around for an amazing long time. She was so obsessed with pushing the stroller around that when we had to go home she cried and cried. She got another chance this evening, though, and ended up pushing the stroller all the way home and into the apartment. And when were in the apartment, she still wanted to push it somewhere, but I'm not sure where!

The Chervitz Family Goes Camping

A few weekends ago, the four of us drove about 2 hours north to Mark Twain Landing. This remote campground featured lots of RVs, some tents, several cabins, two fishing lakes, a run-down "amusement park" and a water park on the grounds. It also had one restaurant which we ate every meal but one at. While the place was a bit remote and run-down for my liking, we did have a LOT of fun and it really was a great get-away. Read further for more details and photos.

Here are some photos taken outside of our lovely "cabin", at the Restaurant and a of a large fish which we named "Flopidot" (a combination of Floppy and Polka Dot). The one where you just see feet is the one photo we tried to get of the 4 of us. (I guess those country folk aren't familiar with our fancy digital camera!)

The best part of the place by far, was an amazing beach on a beautiful lake. Since my kids had never been to a beach before, they loved making sand castles, splashing in the water, laying out, playing frisbee and even climbing a tree.

At the amusement park, we rode bumper boats, played miniature golf, fed the goats and jumped on the moon bounce. The kids wanted to go again and again.

We drove into nearby Hannibal one night for dinner and to see the sights, but all we really could see at night was this sign and a giant, rotating coffee mug!

On the last day, we went to the water park. We had fun in the giant wave pool and the lazy river. All that sun and swimming made Allie totally exhausted!

Budding Artists

I discovered a great new product that allows you to draw with special washable markers on mirrors and glass. I thought I'd try it out and see how Jordan and Allison liked them. What a huge success! At first, Allison wasn't interested but it didn't take her long to get into the swing of things although she did stop from time to time to play with other toys. It kept them busy for most of the evening. Each one took a mirrorred door and went crazy creating their masterpieces for Grandpa to see when he came home. After he admired their works of art, we spent a long time washing the mirrors, which they also thought was great fun!

I can't believe I let them mess up the closet doors so much but it was worth it to see them having so much fun and working so hard to get their works of art just right for Grandpa. I also gave them markers to try out at their house. The next day, Marianne was ready to kill me because she was experiencing the joy of cleaning their masterpieces off of her patio doors! I guess only grandmas enjoy this sort of activity.

Big Girl Bed

We had an exciting week with Allison this past week. Out of nowhere, she decided it was time to be potty trained. She's doing great with it, only a few minor accidents. Since she kept calling for us to get her out of her crib to go potty, we decided it was time for a "big girl bed". My sister-in-law Debbie had a beautiful trundle bed that my neice had used and was kind enough to let us use it. It looks great and Allison is SOOOOO excited about her new bed. Today I had to wake her at 9:45 am and right now she's taking her first nap in a long time. This is wonderful!

Wow! It's Another Wonderful Wiggly Concert!

Last night we took the kids to see the Wiggles in concert. This show was even better than last year's. Jordan danced the whole time with his friends from playgroup and Allison danced on Grandma Ady's lap. They brought roses for Dorothy the Dinosaur and really loved the big inflatable Jeff and Murray (their two favorite Wiggles). They are still talking about it today and are now asking for giant inflatable Wiggles to keep in our basement!

Park with Playgroup

Last week we met up with our friends from playgroup at a great local park. We haven't seen them a lot this summer due to camp, so it was extra fun!

Princess Party

Last week Allison went to her cousin Lilly's 3rd birthday party at Build-a-Bear. The girls all came dressed as princesses and got to create their own princess teddy bear. It was adorable. Here are some photos from that morning.

After the party, Grandma Ady and Jordan met up with cousins Cindy, Avery and Aidan at a concert for kids held at the same mall. Jordan loves spending time with cousin Avery!

Recent pictures

Greta and the kids have been here in New York for a few weeks now. They are having a great time exploring the area, and taking walks. They especially like to walk around the courtyards by our apartment, sit on steps. Both of them also like to put on shoes they find lying around. Also, they enjoy putting buckets on their heads, even while on the potty! Strange children. Enjoy these new pictures!

Zoo Class

Today I took Jordan to the zoo for an hour-long class. It was very interesting and hands-on. The children got to learn about and touch animals such as a dove, a box turtle, a millipede and a toad. My mom came with us to watch Allison (who wasn't old enough for the class). Other than being a bit hot and humid, it was really a fun outing.