Wales

We had originally planned to spend 2 days up in the Peak District, but Thomas and Grandpa had got together and decided that they wanted to visit Wales. Thomas told us that Grandpa thought that we would say 'yes' if he asked us. Since no one had any objections that's what we decided to do. The only problem with going to Wales though is that it's a pretty long drive, around some pretty windy roads, which meant that I did the driving.

One of the great things about being here at this time of year

is seeing all of the new little lambs in the fields.

We knew that we were in Wales once we saw that mist

We had planned on taking the train up to the top of Snowdon (the highest mountain in Wales), but when we got to Llanberis we found out that there was a good chance that you wouldn't be able to see the top since it was so foggy. Since it was pretty pricey to ride the train up there we decided to take the other train that went around the lake. I felt bad for dad since this was the second time he had driven up to do it, but there didn't seem a whole lot of point if we might not even see the summit.

Ready to board the train

Our train. It was pretty stinky at first with all the smoke.

Hayley, dad, mum, and Josh

Our family attempting a picture

Having fun

Snowdon was in there somewhere!

During a short stop the kids were able to go up front and see the driver. He even let them wear his hat. Sadly these pictures are a little foggy because there was something on the lens (Spenser took them!)

Zachie

Mr. Thomas

On the way back another stop was scheduled at the National Slate Museum. We had a quick look around and then went back to get on the train. Sadly, we we took longer than our allotted 15 minutes and so the train left without us. It may actually have worked out to our advantage though, because we think it was actually a shorter walk to the car park than from the station. It was pretty fun seeing Thomas and Grandpa run out yelling for the train to stop though.

Zach liked the slate. We took a bit of it home in the car.

On the way back the boys spotted some castle ruins and so went on a hike to see what they could find.

They found Dolbadarn Castle which was built by a Welsh princess

There wasn't too much of it left

We decided to head out towards Manchester on the way home so that Spenser could take a look at Old Trafford. It was a little bit out of the way, but we got to drive the faster coastal road.

We stopped for a look at Conwy castle along the way. It was a pretty impressive medieval fortress.

Thomas was quite disappointed that the castle was closed. He seems to have a thing for them since his trip around Windsor castle. He keeps telling me how that has been his favorite part of the trip so far.

We did manage to get ourselves into a bit of trouble when we pulled into Old Trafford. Zach had fallen asleep and when we pulled in he woke up and we discovered that he had peed himself. This wasn't the first time, so I did have clean clothes. He has had a hard time wanting to use the public restrooms so we've managed a few accidents along the way. I pulled him out of the car as Spenser took pictures and had him finish off next to the wall. A man from inside came out and yelled at us and told us that we had to move or he would call the police. I let Zach finish what he was doing and changed him first. Spenser was telling me off because he's always so scared to get into trouble. I don't like too either, but if there is a more pressing issue at hand then I always think that should be dealt with first! I am pleased to report that although the man continued to glare we didn't get arrested!

Thomas outside Old Trafford

We then drove out to the Trafford Center and got something to eat. By the time we had eaten our food it was pretty late and we didn't get home until almost midnight. We definitely like to make the most of our time.