Stirling Castle and 70 Stairs!

This morning we all piled into our car and drove to Stirling, Scotland! Since the kids have been poorly they slept off and on all morning…as did I. 😉 Therefore, the drive passed quickly and we stopped in Gretna Green briefly before arriving in Stirling. This was each of our first time in Stirling. Except for Ryan, where we immediately walked to Stirling Castle. Kay and I followed the tour guide whilst Ryan walked Cora and Titus around. Then we explored the castle together before driving on to Edinburgh. Locating our flat was a bit challenging as it is on the pedestrian only part of the Royal Mile amidst many small shops. Ryan parked the car while I walked the 70 spiral stairs to the top floor where the flat we are letting resides! This is quite a challenge for Kay, so we are trying to not make her climb all these stairs more than once a day! For dinner we ate delicious curry, and the kids ate fish and chips, at the Royal Spice restaurant. It was agreed this was some of the most delicious curry we have had; just the right mix of spices…yum! After dinner, the kids and I could not get hot water for a bath, so I helped them take hot showers while attempting to stay dry. Kay, Ryan, and I had tea and delicious Scottish shortbread! Now we need the kids to go to sleep so we can all rest up for another day exploring tomorrow!

Settle and Otley

After Titus had rugby practice this morning we drove Grandma Kay to Settle, within the Yorkshire Dales (the hills dotted with Spring lambs), as it was a village filmed in the movie Calendar Girls. We had a nice time walking about the village and popping in and out of shops. We also enjoyed a mid-afternoon tea at the Kettle cafe where the kids delighted in their birds nest treats. 🙂 We purchased a few nice trinkets to take home as well. On the way to our supper in Otley, we stopped along the roadside to see if we could get close to sheep. Unfortunately none were keen. So on we went to the Cove restaurant in Otley to treat Ryan’s Mum to proper fish and chips. Later the kids said this was the best part of their day! 😉 Following our delicious meal we walked about Otley so Kay could see the statue of Chippendale whom was from Otley. The children laughed as they chased ducks in the park. The swans showed themselves proud to see Cora and Titus. So thankful for this lovely day out as a family!

Easter Assembly

Yesterday Titus had another singing part in assembly. His Reception class sang “Five freckled fronts sitting on a log”…too cute! Each student was asked to make a pattern on an egg and bring it to be judged by the school council. Awards from this contest were handed out and each child whom participated were given a Cadbury chocolate egg, with which Cora and Titus were thrilled. Titus also received his first letter for being in the Gold Book four times! And Cora stood in recognition of earning another blue badge! At the end of the assembly, all the students sang “The Lord of the Dance”! This is one of my favourite songs and I am still amazed that it is allowed to be sung in a public institution. We were also very blessed that Grandma Kay was there to see Cora and Titus both doing well in school!

Bronte Home

This morning Ryan and I took Kay to see the Bronte home and museum in Haworth. The weather was atmospheric as we drove through dense fog. One could imagine just how the Bronte sisters wrote such stark novels when the weather was so dreary. Even in this weather we had quite an enjoyable day touring the Bronte home, museum, and Haworth village. We enjoyed a quaint lunch at a local cafe, where we warmed ourselves with Yorkshire tea. Then we walked the village and popped in and out of shops. In honour of the day we decided to try watching Withering Heights tonight, but had to turn it off as it was most depressing! Still Kay enjoyed her Bronte day on the Yorkshire Moors.

Headingly and Arndale Centre

Loved popping in and out of charity shops today with Kay and walking her around the Arndale Centre! Kay found a new handbag, which will enable her to have additional organization on her travels. I found a vintage milk jug (to complete my tea set), a beautiful scarf, and a Thomas Kincaide handbag! This Kincaide bag retails for $35 in the U.S. and I only spent $6.50! Totally unexpected! After all our shopping, we enjoyed a delicious lunch with Ryan at Costello’s (Steak and Stilton pie, special mash, mushy peas, gravy, tea)! Yum! So thankful for this time together!