Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Chi's Birthday

We spent one day in Edinburgh. (Most people here would pronounce that Ed-in-bur-ah.) We walked through Prince's Park and up to Edinburgh Castle. There are some fantastic views over the city and the Firth of Forth. A firth is an estuary, in this case of the River Forth. This is one of those names that is just fun to say. :)

We saw the Scottish crown jewels, and Mary, Queen of Scots was holding an audience in the Great Hall. She asked Gabe to dance, but he was too shy and refused. She let him go, but told the audience to remember that it is unwise to refuse the Queen. 

This sometimes happens while we wait forever for Matt to take a picture. :)

One of the coolest things about Edinburgh Castle is how it was built right on the rock and in several places you can see the natural rock and man made walls blend together.

Mary, Queen of Scots

Where the keeper of the castle lives.

We then walked down the Royal Mile, which is quite touristy really. Old buildings, but mostly filled with tourist shops. Giles Cathedral was very beautiful but we weren't allowed to take pictures. 

The Mile ends at Holyrood Palace, which is the Queen's official residence in Scotland.

Because this was an added expense and the boys didn't really seem interested in looking at one more building, we passed on going inside.

The Scottish Parliament building is near Holyrood. I love the modern architecture. It's one thing I like about the UK. They have plenty of old buildings so they seem to really embrace new styles as well. It's a great blend of old and new.

We didn't climb Arthur's Seat (the big hill) because we figured it was too much for the boys.

Heading back to the train. Everything is a hill. :)

We also did many things in Glasgow including the Glasgow Cathedral and the Necropolis, The Riverside Museum which is all about transportation, and we did a 'spy mission tour' of the West End. We had clues that led us around as we tried to stop the bad guy. :)

It's hard to get over the fact that flowers and plants grow and bloom in winter here.

Malachi's photographic efforts and goofy Gabe.

Riverside Museum

Mobius Strip with bikes at Riverside Museum

Often we just hung out and played games.

We also did a trip to the Highlands, but I'll share those pictures in another post.

Malachi turned 7 just before they had to go home. He wanted a Batman cake, so I did my best to make that happen. 

It was a small affair. Just his choice of dinner: chicken nuggets, corn, carrots, and chips (which are fries). Notice a theme? It was actually completely accidental.
 

Matt did a Harry Potter party for him at home.