Wales

This summer Micah and Ryan joined forces with us to conquer the best part of this country : Wales (just kidding to all of you English, not kidding for anyone else). Wales is awesome. It seemed like at every corner we had to stop the car to take pictures and fully appreciate the complete incredible-ness of it.

Here we are chillin' at our campsite near the little village of Beddgelert at the base of Mount Snowdon. There is this really sad story about a dog that dies that we won't get into because Ryan will get choked up, but you can read about it yourself here. Anyhow, the boys got full trial by fire the first night with camping in what they call "summer" here. I think we were all wearing about three or four layers each and were lying rigormortis-like in our tents all night, too afraid to sleep because the tents might have blown away! Good times. We cooked our meals on a little stove by the river and sat on rocks while we toasted marshmellows over the burner (no campfires allowed, can you believe that?).

We visited Caernarfon Castle along with thirty or so eight-year-olds dressed up like knights, princesses, and even a dragon. They were just behind us in line and you could hear them clomping impatiently on their coconut "horse hooves" to get in. Then they stormed the castle. After some exploring, we decided to get our priorities straight and get the boys some proper fish and chips.

We also went to this really bizarre place called Portmeirion. lt is supposed to be this place where this Welsh arctitect was inspired to build a sort of idylic utopian village. The guidebook said that it was supposed to have "inspired novels, films and the Beatles" and was a setting for a Dr. Who ephisode. To us, it was just a bit weird and kind of creepy. Anyhow, we had a chance to walk along a beautiful beach, hiked the trails, and paid hommage at the dog cemetary (Ryan, don't cry!).













The day we hiked Mount Snowdon was perfect. Beautiful weather, plenty of snacks, and no lack of views like this:

This was by far a favorite day amongst the four of us for the entire vacation. Nothing like the breeze in your face and the world at your feet! ...to be continued