Hyatt Hill Country Part III-Exploring and Playing

One thing the kids really love to do is explore outside fining rocks, sticks, flowers,etc. and their were plenty of opportunities to do that while on vacation. Many trail and lots of interesting things for kids to explore.

Stopping to smell the flowers.

Dad helping pick out some flowers.

Claire with her BIG stick.

Mommy grabbing a snuggle by the lazy river.

Dad with his sweet girls.

Cate exploring and finding rocks.

It's always good to have a tickle session with dad and the new penguin puppet.

Cate and Claire on the nature trail with the flowers they picked.

Climbing in the exercise area.

Hyatt Hill Country Part II--Swimming and Beaching and Lounging

We spent a lot of time during our stay hanging out by the lazy river and playing in the sand. It was so fun having Joe and James there for the kids to play with. I don't know how many times we went around the lazy river. Did I mention the "margarita" service around the pool was also exceptional.

Claire lounging poolside.

Cate doing the same.

Daddy giving an assist with teh sandcastle building.

Laurie and James.

Kevin and Joe.

Claire and Joe having a snack picnic. Check out the towels spread out as a blanket.

Brant found this big rock and wanted to carry it around for hours. Even in the lazy river.

Cate with her bucket bringing water from the river to the sand. One of her favorite past times during our stay.

Claire exploring the waterfall.

Daddy having a group swim with the monkeys.

Brant working on his sand castle.

My beautiful Claire loves the sand.

Laurie and Kevin enjoying the lazy river.

What's gonna work? TEAMWORK!

A Visit to Sea World

This trip to Sea World was short and sweet. The park didn't open until 10 am, so we didn't have a whole lot of time before we had to head back for naps but the kids enjoyed the time we were there. We saw the penguin exhibit, watched the sea lion show and viewed some of the animals. It was of course sweltering in San Antonio in August, so the splash area was also a big hit. We headed home for naptime with the intention of coming back afterwards, but just ended up hanging at the resort. We will have to come back once naps are over or on a day the Sea World hours are extended.

Everyone ready to roll!

Daddy holding Cate up to see the alligators.

My sweet Brant.

Our first stop was the penguin exhibit and the kids loved the moving sidewalk (although it made all my pictures come out blurry) and seeing the penguins swimming around. Of course, we all had to get a stuffed penguin at the end.

In front of the penguin exhibit with dad.

The penguins.

Getting out the snacks and waiting for the sea lion show.

The girls checking out the sea lions after the show.

Hey there--sea lions!

Brant running through the splash park. Time to cool off.

Cate turning a wheel to squirt even more water.

Brian took the kids on this climbing adventure with huge nets. The girls struggled a little keeping up, but they made it.

We love the water! One of the moms in the splash area commented to me on how "fearless" the twins are. I couldn't help but think she is kind of right.

Claire getting a lift from dad to see the flamingos.

Hyatt Hill Country Part I

Our family just loves the Hyatt Hill Country. It is a nice hotel, but also kid friendly and we can just feel comfortable with the kids there. Also, they have so much for the kids to do from a playground, to making s'mores in the evening, to the lazy river, pools and sandy beach area. We went to dinner the first night with Laurie, Kevin, Joe and James and it was so fun that they joined us for our time at the hotel.

The kids loved the piano in the lobby. I'm sure the other guests may not have loved hearing the not-so-beautiful music that they made, but we kept it short.

Cate always amazes me with her creativity, which I can fully appreciate. While waiting for dinner she decided to make this stair well a slide for her monkey.

A nice lady in the lobby offered to take a picture of the whole family and it was great to get everyone on film in the same photo . . . even if everyone isn't looking at the camera at the same time.

So many great things to find on walks at the resort. Claire showing off her rock.

Snuggling up to her awesome daddy.

Roasting marshmellows for s'mores. I was a little nervous because I'm sure that metal railing around the fire gets really hot, but no injuries.

MMMmmmm. Cate and Brant eating their s'mores with James.

Claire with her s'more snack.

Cate getting a little assist on the monkey bars. She is very athletic and seems to pick this stuff up so quickly.

Exploring the River Walk

On Saturday morning the Galloways had a birthday party to attend, so we took the kids down to the river walk for a little look-see. It was so nice not having to bring the stroller and letting the kids walk. They loved exploring all the flowers, rocks, birds and sights down by the river. I always forget how pretty it is and Brian and I enjoyed drinking our coffee and doing a little sight seeing ourselves. The girls wanted to go for a boat ride, but Brant refused so we decided not to push the issue. I wanted to take some great pictures because the scenery was so beautiful, but the kids did not want to cooperate and do a photo session. Oh well, no Christmas card picture from the river walk this year I guess. We did have a good time and ended up stopping for an early lunch before we headed back. I was so glad we went down there early because it was starting to get crowded at lunch time and we got to enjoy the morning with less company.

Brant is getting to be such a little man. I can hardly believe those preschool days are behind us and he is starting first grade this year.

Claire showing her excitement. The girls thought the riverwalk was so cool.

Brian holding his girls and hanging with Brant.

Daddy exploring with the kids.

I tried to pose for a picture with all 3 of the kids, but didn't get much cooperation. Here is our best effort.

Mommy with her girls.

So much to look at. Cate and Claire are fascinated by flowers and wanted to stop and see them all. Brant and the girls love to pick up sticks and rocks to bring along.

The kids with the beautiful river walk behind them.

Brant digging into his favorite dish--Queso!! I don't think there is a more perfect spot for it than the riverwalk. Viva San Antonio!