Whitby Abbey and the 199 Steps

For homeschool Dustin will pick a place that he wants the kids to research, write a paper on, and then we get to go visit it. Because we travel to so many places the kids sometimes don't see the excitement in things like they used to. Oh, we are visiting a castle this weekend? No big deal. We have found that the kids get a lot more out of it when we make them research the place before hand. This trip they told us what they wanted to go see and they were able to tell us the history and facts about everything. We actually took this trip at the end of February.. 

There is a quaint little seaside town situated on the East Coast of North Yorkshire. The history of this amazing little town dates back to 675 A.D. The town is only about an hour from us and the scenery was breathtaking on the way. We cannot wait to go back when the grass is green and the flowers are blooming and maybe a day of possible sunshine. 

                            

The streets of Whitby, we stopped in a little restaurant by the water and had fish n'chips. I wish I would have gotten a picture they were gigantic.. all of us girls and Skyler could have split one. 

 199 Steps to St. Mary's Church and the graveyard. It is tradition to count the steps as you go up. I was too busy taking in the amazing view that I tripped over the old wooden steps of few times. But the kids (and Dustin) enjoyed counting. This is where Bram Stoker received inspiration for Dracula. 

St. Mary's Church 

The top of the step and headstone path to St. Mary's 

A statue that Kennedy got a kick out of

My lovelies at Whitby Abbey

Whitby Abbey was destroyed by viking raiders in 867. I thought it was pretty neat that we got to walk around where ever we wanted to unsupervised. I am sure that most of the other visitors thought we were obnoxious Americans, but we really had a great time. It was a perfect day, cold and all. 

Moaning Lisa was at Whitby today, because we gave him money he let the kids take a picture with him. They were really creeped out by the whole ordeal and Skyler would not go near him. I personally think he is hilarious! 

Stopping for Hot Cocoa in a little cafe in the town

One of my lenses must have had a smudge on it because that little dot showed up in quite a few pictures. And the cloudy British weather did not disappoint and joined us like usual. 

All Pigeons beware.. Skyler will chase after you. 

 There are still a few more things that we need to see in this Old English town. Hopefully we get to visit again soon. 

York Minster and other things Yorkish

I live in England. Sometimes I just say this aloud to myself when I am driving on the left hand side of the road. It is amazing and astonishing and crazy.. If you would have told me 5 years ago that I would be living in Selby, North Yorkshire in the UK, I would not have believed you. I am continually amazed at the places we have been to in the last 3 years. The people we have met that have made such a tremendous impact in my life is unforgettable.

Photo courtesy of Becky's Iphone

Today, we went to York. I have been to York quite a few times to go shopping but never as a tourist. I will be going back ALOT! I seriously fell in love. The fact that I only live 20 minutes away is even better. Today we took 333 pictures.. Kennedy and her friend Bailey had the camera most of the time so quite a few are of them taking photos of each other.. but I was impressed that most of them turned out really good. So good that I am having a hard time deciding which to ones get to go on the blog.

At the York Wall.. Cole is behind Skyler, you can see his arms waving from jumping

Now we can see him... Now if only Becky was in the picture. 

We liked the purple man, he reminded us of the silver man in New Orleans. 

We turned the corner just in time to watch a Viking combat.. These two ladies were going at it. They did not let up until the Viking men pulled them apart. It was hilarious.

The kids loved the Market, Raigan found a book about Queen Elizabeth from the 1800's and just had to have it.. I love that she values a good book just like I do. 

We had to pull them away or they would have spent the entire day looking at everything the Market had to offer. 

Tyken and McKay - with King Richard III in the background - his bones were just discovered in Leicester and the kids have been learning about him. 

Moaning Lisa - He cries until you give him money. He talks non-stop.

The Shambles 

Tyken's treat at the American Store - One of the last Twinkies

The kids spent quite a bit of time looking at one of the antique stands at the Market. We eventually had to pull them away. Raigan ended up with an 18th Century book of the Queen of Britain. She is a girl after my own heart, she loves collecting old books. 

Our next stop was to York Minster. We are just starting into Medieval Times for history and we are very fortunate to be able to go to a place that was built during that time period. The intricate details were  impressive to say the least. 

I was running around with Skyler most of the time trying to keep him out of the "no" zones and I did not get the chance to read about all the different statues and their meanings. Next time. I know the kids learned a lot because they have been talking about it and quizzing each other for days. I love that I get to teach these awe-inspiring kids at home right now and that we have the opportunity to learn through experience and not just textbook. Simply Amazing.