The BEST Surprise

Leigh and Josh are here!!

I love this memory!

November 10th: I went to pick Leigh up from the airport. Leigh had spent the previous two weeks in Africa for work and decided to spend some days with us! Yay us! I had gotten a text from Leigh that she had landed. I was in the airport, anxiously waiting for her to come through the doors. When she comes out we give each other a great hug and someone taps me on the shoulder...it was JOSH!! I had passed right by him as I was searching for Leigh! Of course I was totally shocked! Tears of joy flowing! Such a wonderful memory to look back on! 

We are headed back to the flat, Seth and the kids have no clue that Josh is here! Seth's reaction just warms my heart! (the pictures aren't the best, but you will love them as much as I do!)

Still makes me tear up! We had a great visit to say the least!

We took an afternoon walk to Holyrood Park, stopping first to get some coffee and yummy pumpkin cookies from one of our favorite little bakeries, Three. 14! If ever in Edinburgh, this is the cutest little bakery with lots of homemade goodies!

We finished the evening with a new game that Josh and Leigh brought called Cobra Paw, and books before bed. 

November 11th: First stop Craigmillar Castle - might seem like we go here a lot, but the kids really love this castle. It is not commercialized and the kids can easily go explore! They even give them an explorer pack equipped with binoculars, a torch (flashlight), a jesters hat, puppets and a map! 

Off to our next stop: another favorite coffee shop, Black Medicine Coffee. We grabbed a small bite to eat, some needed caffiene, and set off for more exploring!

We explored a lot of the city! Greyfriars, Grassmarket, Princes Street Gardens, New College, The National Art Gallery, and everything in between! We were soo ready for dinner!

The Flodden Wall was completed in 1560 to protect the
city against an English invasion that never came. 
Only a few pieces of the wall that once encased 
140 acres still stands. 

View of Edinburgh Castle from the Castle playground in
Princes Street Gardens

One of my favorite pictures of all of us!

View from the steps that the kids are standing on 

New College

 Now time for dinner. We tried out a new gastropub, The Ox. In Britain, having a Sunday roast on Sunday is a tradition, so that is what we did. It was the best Sunday roast we have had. And haggis was on the table, and everyone loved it!

                                     

Our picky eater eating haggis!

Haggis bonbons

November 12th: After taking the kids to school, we started our day with a beautiful walk up Arthur's seat.

We picked up the kids from school and enjoyed a snack of scones with clotted cream and jam at The Meadows. 

After dinner, cards and games at home, Josh, Leigh and I went out for the evening. We ended our evening at Pickles pub for drinks and a pickled egg!

November 13th: The kids had school again, so we ventured out on another hike. We went to Holyrood Park and walked the Salisbury Crags. Walking along the ridges takes you to Holyrood Palace and the far end of the Royal Mile.

We followed our hike by a wonderful breakfast at The Edinburgh Larder. This is by far one of our favorite sit-down breakfast/brunch spot! They have the best homemade scones!

We went our separate ways today, I had to get Asher from school, Seth had class, and Josh and Leigh went to explore some more! Josh and Leigh met back up with Seth at a little pub called The Devil's Advocate for a drink. We had dinner at the flat, followed by a game of spoons and pants on fire. We ended the evening watching Outlaw/King. Part of this movie was filmed at Craigmillar Castle. It is pretty historically accurate in capturing the life and events of Robert the Bruce.

We have really tried hard to live by the definition of hygge. (Thanks to our friends Josh and Sarah for introducing us to this term!) Hygge is creating a warm, cozy environment with blankets, soft lights, candles, sweatpants, yummy food and drinks and wonderful people to share these things with! A glass of port and a warm chocolate chip cookie to end each night is our definition of hygge! Also a new tradition with Josh and Leigh!

November 14th: A trip to North Berwick! One of our favorite places to go outside of Edinburgh. It is the cutest little coastal town right on the Firth of Forth and only a 30 minute train ride!

First things first, COFFEE! Once we arrived, we went to a cafe called Steampunk to get some caffeine and a mid morning treat!

Once energized, we caught a bus and headed to Tantallon Castle. A beautiful, 14th century ruin with stunning views out to the North Sea. Welcome to Tantallon Castle!

Through the Gates:

 Bye Tantallon, until next time:

There is something fun about playing on the beach in hats, scarves and gloves!

We have had such an amazing visit with Leigh and Josh! It's been so special to spend this time together. Having Josh surprise us with his visit will definitely go down as one of the greatest memories of this trip!