I started this blog a little over 6 years ago to document our life as a family and to share with friends and family, near and far. As we began this new season in Scotland, I hoped it would serve as a place to share our lives with those we love who aren't close enough to experience the day-to-day with us. This season is a unique one and with it comes lots of changes and growth and experiences. As we ventured out for the first time to really travel and see the world, I wanted to share this trip with all who have supported us and helped to make it possible for us to be in this place. Our family, our friends, and our Church family have all showered us with prayers, generosity, and gifts that have made this adventure a reality. So, one way we can say thank you is to take you along with us as we go and let you experience our life here and all the wonderful things we get to see and do while Joey works on his PhD. All that to say, I'm going to blog about each day of our trip so those who like to "walk" this path with us can do so. I hope you can see a part of the world you haven't seen before, be reminded of a place you've been to once before, or dream of coming to see us and exploring! So, thank you...and enjoy.
Joseph has 2 weeks off from school for Spring Break so we decided to use the first week to take our first family vacation on this stint overseas. We chose England since it is so close and has several places we were eager to check off our travel list. We left on Friday and drove about 6 1/2 hours until we got to Clifton, which is outside Deddington, which is outside of Banbury (i.e. a very small village). Joey did a stealth job of navigating the larger roads and the M6, which felt like multiple hours of rush hour traffic in a large metropolitan area. We stayed in a lovely flat that was called "The Stables". It was the perfect size for us since we just needed a little space to sleep and get ready before heading out each day to explore.
Our first stop was to Warwick, England to see Warwick Castle. The site began to be used as a fort way back in 914 and gradually took on the form it still has today. Located in Warwickshire, it was where the Earls of Warwick resided, and the castle was the setting for some interesting chapters in English history. One Earl of Warwick presided over Joan of Arc's trial, and another helped to depose two English kings. The castle was lucky enough to avoid being destroyed or heavily damaged, and so it now looks much as it would have long ago.
As soon as we got in, we stumbled upon a kid's play area and had to go in to let the boys run and play. It was a great castle themed playground with slides and swings and room to run. Joseph and James both loved trying out the zipline.
James was technically too young and we weren't sure if he would manage to hold on the whole way but he did great and loved it.
Unfortunately, we ran into some trouble before we got inside the castle walls and these two got locked up ;)
There was a beautiful grassy courtyard inside the castle walls and wonderful views of the entire castle.
We spent most of the day exploring. This castle is really kid friendly so there were several exhibits and demonstrations geared towards children. We happen to catch a talk on weapons in the Great Hall and our two knights-in-training were all ears to hear about the various swords and other things that were used in fighting.
We really enjoyed our time at Warwick Castle. It was a grand (and fun) castle experience that will be hard to top. With our first day in the books, we drove through Stratford-Upon-Avon and headed back to rest up for Day 2.
Joseph has 2 weeks off from school for Spring Break so we decided to use the first week to take our first family vacation on this stint overseas. We chose England since it is so close and has several places we were eager to check off our travel list. We left on Friday and drove about 6 1/2 hours until we got to Clifton, which is outside Deddington, which is outside of Banbury (i.e. a very small village). Joey did a stealth job of navigating the larger roads and the M6, which felt like multiple hours of rush hour traffic in a large metropolitan area. We stayed in a lovely flat that was called "The Stables". It was the perfect size for us since we just needed a little space to sleep and get ready before heading out each day to explore.
Our first stop was to Warwick, England to see Warwick Castle. The site began to be used as a fort way back in 914 and gradually took on the form it still has today. Located in Warwickshire, it was where the Earls of Warwick resided, and the castle was the setting for some interesting chapters in English history. One Earl of Warwick presided over Joan of Arc's trial, and another helped to depose two English kings. The castle was lucky enough to avoid being destroyed or heavily damaged, and so it now looks much as it would have long ago.
As soon as we got in, we stumbled upon a kid's play area and had to go in to let the boys run and play. It was a great castle themed playground with slides and swings and room to run. Joseph and James both loved trying out the zipline.
sweet brothers outside the castle
The boys favorite part was getting "real" swords. They sheathed and unsheathed for most of our walk as well as engaged in some imaginative fighting.
Joseph practicing on the bow
a huge sword
trying to get everyone to pose doesn't always work
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