Just a little run...

When we arrived here in Liverpool we heard that there was a half marathon coming up in March.  Seeing as though this was something Dave has wanted to do for a long time this was the perfect opportunity.  There has been a bit of hilarity watching Dave train for this event - some afternoons he has had to wear long pants, long sleeve shirt, beanie and gloves due to the cold conditions.  Dave had a great run on Sunday 1hour 40 mins.  - m

Before

 

After

A visit from Josh...

Last week we had a visit from Dave's brother Josh.  It was wonderful to have him here in Liverpool for 6 nights at the end of his missions trip to Cambodia.  Even though the time was short, we were able to pack heaps of fun things in.  Zeke really enjoyed having one of his uncles around to play footy in the park and we were able to share many hot chocolates and cups of tea together.  It was awesome to be able to catch up with him!  

Football (soccer) is huge in the UK!  Josh kindly purchased some tickets for us to go to a game on the Saturday night.  It was great to be amongst the Everton fans and to see the Aussie Tim Cahill in action.  We're thinking it was a good idea that we didn't wear our Liverpool gear to this match!    

A highlight for us all was exploring historic Chester on Sunday.  The town was originally a Roman army barracks nearly 2000 years ago, and still retains some of it's original walls, amphitheatre and a church which is about 1300 years old (& still in use!).

We were sad to have to wave Josh off at the train station on Tuesday, but it was great to have him visit and was a real encouragement to us.

Zeke waiting at the Lime St. Station for Uncle Josh!!

Zeke showing Josh around our new place

We were able to show Josh around Liverpool city.  We had a ride on the Yellow Duckmarine

The boys loving having Uncle Josh around

Dave, Josh & Zeke went out for a yummy brekkie on Saturday morning

A highlight was the Everton vs Tottenham game.  Everton won: 1- 0 

The atmosphere was amazing   

On Sunday we took the train to Chester.  We had a lovely day exploring the sights with Josh

Our farwell hot chocolate (with cream!) with Josh at Lime Street Station on Tuesday morning  

Our visit to Wales...

A couple of weekends ago we had the great opportunity to visit Wales.  It was such a lovely time for us as a family.  When we drove over on the Friday afternoon the weather was dull and rainy, but by the Saturday the weather was just perfect - blue skies and mild temperatures.  It was so beautiful and picturesque - a great day to be out exploring.  

We stayed in the coastal town of Llandudno.  During the day on Saturday we travelled through some tiny towns, driving through narrow, windy roads, overlooking some of the most beautiful landscapes.  We managed to find the home in Guilsfield where my Grandma Bet was born - a real highlight of the weekend (I've attached heaps of photos for Grandma to see).  

On Sunday we headed out to visit Conwy Castle.  Zeke had been asking whether he could jump on the castle, thinking that it was a jumping castle!  Whilst it was not of the jumping type...he certainly wasn't disappointed! There had been a slight snowfall during the evening before, so we thought it would be a great way to finish the trip to visit the snow.  We had a ball mucking around throwing small snowballs at each other.  

Things are once again back into the normal routine after a lovely time seeing the sights of Wales.         

Poor Zeke thought that going to Wales would mean that we would see whales!

The beautiful green grass and narrow roads

Little Toby enjoying some afternoon tea by the side of the road

Zeke enjoyed his usual scrambled egg order at the B&B that we were staying at in Llandudno

They boys ready for a road trip to find their Great Grandma Bet's place

Guilsfield is a beautiful little town with extremely friendly locals - I soon discovered after door knocking a few :)

The lane that led to 'The Moat' where my grandmother was born

HERE IT IS!! (Front of the home - sorry it's blurry...was too scared to climb the fence for fear of getting shot for trespassing!)

Side view of 'The Moat'

Back Door

Believe it or not...pronounced Clandudno!

Looking over the Llandudno coastline


Llandudno

Conwy Castle - north coast of Wales

 Built between 1283 and 1289

The view from the top of Conwy Castle

Tobes & his Mum

We went for a small drive to locate some 'snow fields' 

We were able to throw a few small snowballs while Toby was sound asleep in the car.  The three of us had a ball!