Edinburgh-Day One

On December 18, Nick and I loaded the kids into their strollers, strapped on a backpack each (Not bad considering we had to pack layers for a family of 5, 3 meals, and numerous snacks), grabbed the diaper bag, and walked to the train station. We spent two good days and one night in Edinburgh, a trip provided by Nick's parents as part of our Christmas.

Noah and Cooper are now seasoned travelers.

Our adventures in Edinburgh began at the Waverley rail station.

Our first stop was at the Christmas Village.

Caleb demonstrates his mad throwing skills. 

Cooper prepares to pelt someone with a snowball.

We enjoyed a lovely walk along the Royal Mile. St Giles Cathedral, pictured below, has been an Edinburgh focal point for around 900 years.

It was extremely cold, and everyone was getting a little cranky... 

so we stopped in a cafe for some hot chocolate...

and a snooze.

All better! 

We went back outside for a stroll and took in awesome sights of the city.

Cooper was thoroughly impressed with the castle's natural defenses.

We walked down to the Royal Lyceum which is located just down from Princes Street Gardens.

We watched the Peter Pan matinee, a highly anticipated event.

It was a great first theatre experience for the boys.

Noah was focused on the stage throughout and was a little distraught during intermission. I think he thought we were leaving.

The entire crew was hungry and exhausted after the show, so we walked back to the Royal Mile in search of a place to eat. We ended up at Deacon Brodie's Tavern, a very cool pub. The life of Brodie inspired Robert Louis Stevenson's "The strange case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde."

The building housing the tavern was built in 1703.

Cooper enjoyed views of the Royal Mile while we waited for our food.

With full tummies, we went to the hotel and called it a night.

We stayed at the Learmoth Travelodge...a decent walk from the sites but very comfortable.