Visiting family!

Tuesday was spent visiting my cousin Jason, his wife Starr and their kids in Leeds. We had planned on 2 days with them but gotten shortened down to one after travel delays. It was such a great time staying with them in their 19th century terraced house with steep stairs and lots of character. We were able to walk with the kids to their school and just spend some time getting to see what life is like over there.

With the two older kids in school, Jason, Starr, little 2 year old Rose took us on a drive of Yorkshire. We stopped at an old-time candy shop and got some amazing candy! Lemon sherbets, chocolate honeycombs, and black licorice for Chet. Yummy!

Then we headed out to one of their favorite places in the countryside... Bolton Abbey. Part of the old Abbey is in ruins but half is still a functioning church. It is a beautiful area of trails, sheep in a pastoral setting and the most relaxing feeling you can imagine. Below are pictures from the Abbey... prepare to want to go there yourself!

Jason, Starr and Rose with the Bolton Abbey in the background. They were such wonderful, delightful hosts!

Stepping stones across the river. There was also a bridge but this what existed prior to bridges. Apparently, if you are going to cross a river and attack, it is much slower and harder to do it while balancing on stepping stones than storming across a bridge! These stones are maintained so they were stable... no falling in the river for us!

Chet, Jason and I on the stone path! Thanks to Starr for taking this from the bridge! I love the reflection in the water.

Rock walls are popular in this area... this is a little path wandering away from the Abbey. The gate is to keep sheep in the right areas... they are all over the grounds.

Us in front of a view of the Abbey! Oh, so lovely!

I had to post a picture of sheep. They are just so cute scattered on the green hillsides.

After the kids got picked up from school, we just hung out with their family at the house, visited, played with the kids and relaxed. It was such a wonderful day and we enjoyed our time with them. Our only regret is not having longer! We'll have to go back and visit again someday, if they continue to live in the area! Many thanks to Jason, Starr and family for hosting us and being so wonderful! We were certainly blessed by this visit!