Manchester/Museums

Today we were able to go into Manchester to meet up with my cousin Allison and her family.  This is the boys in front of the stadium for Manchester United.

We spent the majority of the day at the Manchester Museum which was very interesting.  I loved the fact that it was free to get in and explore all the great things they had.

Every one had to have a go at flying the glider.

Stefan showing us his dance moves under the lights.

This was in the train part of the museum.  Very fascinating.

I was very excited to be able to see my cousin Mark.  I can't remember the last time that I saw him.  I figure it was when I was a little girl.  He and his family just happened to be driving through on their way back to Scotland so it was short but sweet.

My Aunt and Uncle with their two oldest grandchildren and by brewed.  LOL

Lancaster Castle

This was a day spent with just us as a family and it was nice to do some exploring.  We made out way out to Lancaster to visit the castle there.  The history of this castle was very interesting and up until just recently it was being used as a prison and it now houses the courts for the area.  So we weren't able to take any pictures of the in side but it was neat.

The boys outside the beautiful church in Lancaster.

Another family photo with the city behind us.

Chester and Conway Castle Wales

It was so nice to be able to have my mom with us for the last bit of our time in Northern England.  We were able to take my children to all the places that I remembered going to with my mom and dad.  This was our first stop of the day, a beautiful town/city call Chester.

There is something so beautiful about the architecture in England and the history.

I am sure that after a while my boys thought that it all looked the same but it was so nice. 

A little door just for them to enter into the church.

We were even able to take a boat tour up the river.  The sun was shining and it was wonderful.

Walking the wall of Chester.

The building behind the boys dated back to the 1600.

Really I wish that Canada had this type of history but we are just too young.  LOL

Our next stop of the day was in Wales at Conway Castle.  I have been here a few times and this was the boys favorite stop of the day.  It is a very old castle with lots to explore.

Strike a pose boys.  LOL

 

On top of one of the towers.  It was a little nerve racking standing with our backs to the edge but what a great picture.  :)

View of the castle from the highest point.  Amazing!!!  It is hard to imagine how much work would have gone into building this breath taking structure back in the day.

One of the entrances to the castle.

We then had some time to get some lunch.  Of course it had to be fish and chips.  LOL  We loved being able to sit outside and enjoy the sunshine and our yummy food.  ;)

A beautiful day in Wales.  Perfection!

The Lake District

This is one of my most favorite places to go when ever I go to England and that is the Lake District.  I feel like I never have enough time to explore this beautiful part of the country but we were able to go for the day and boys was it fun.  Of course while we wait for the ferry we have to get a 99 er ice cream cone.  Tradition.  LOL

Here they all are with their yummy treat.

We even managed to do a small hike.  The boys really enjoyed being outside.

Cousin R helping Stefan get down the steep rocks.

The ever handsome Keagan.  Strike a pose.

This was really cool.  It was an old fallen log that has had money hammered into it.

The boys had to get in on the action and do their share.  It was fun.

Poor mom she had arrived just that morning and the first thing we do with her is take her for a rather long walk.  LOL  At least it helped to keep her awake.

Thank you to A and H for taking us out on their boat.  It wasn't super warm but it wasn't raining and it was beautiful out.

Miss C and I had to sit at the front and let the window blow in our hair or make a mess of it.  LOL  And yes that is Keagan driving the boat.  ;)

St. Annes Carnival

I love a good carnival.  I was happy to hear that there was going to be one in St. Annes where my Grandmother lives.  So we thought we would take the boys down to have a look.  I love the sound of the bag pipes.

The boys were very happy when they saw that they would be able to shoot some paint ball guns.  Rylan had some serious rapid fire.

 

Darien taking aim.

Stefan

and Keagan

They had some of the cutest old school rides that I have ever seen.  LOL

The boys were happy to win some cool little guns.  I know boys and their guns.

Then it was time to play at the park.  Even the dads got in on the action.

 

Decorating cupcakes.

Riding the donkeys.

Then it was time to play at the beach.  Jamie and my cousin Jim

Stefan and Great Grandma Orrell.

My boys with their Great Grandma.  I love this picture.

This women will very ever amaze me.  She is so full of life at the ripe old age of 94.  I am so thankful that I have been blessed to have her in my life for so long.  Plus she adored my dad and all the wonderful stories that she shares are great.

Great Grandma with her some of her great grandchildren.