Knareseborough

I used to think that a two hour drive is quite a long drive. When I was little I used to think that going from Lviv to Dubno by car (that takes about two hours) was a BIG trip.  Even when we were in dental school, living in a Minneapolis suburb for four years, and Robert’s cousin living in Rochester, MN, 1 hr an 40 min away we only drove ONCE to see her…yeah, our perspective has changed.

Robert’s brother and his family live two hours north of us. Two hours does not sound like a long distance at all any more compared to how far away we are from the rest of the family.  So one Saturday in March we went up to see the other Watsons, just a few weeks before their new baby was born.

Robert has been up here, near Harrogate before, but this was my first time visiting this area.

I fell in love with their town of Knareseborough (you just pronounce half of the letters written and you’ll be fine)…..It must have been the hills or something, but I just loved looking at all the cute houses and old streets.

This is all the bridges and castles and beautiful houses that I used to see on TV and now I get to see it person!

We spent our morning at the sight of the very ancient (12th century) Knaresborough  castle. Cousins just wanted to run around together.

Our prisoners.

As I mentioned above, the area is very hilly here compared to Cambridgeshire where we live. The castle is standing on a hill, and so is the city centre (yes, I am trying to spell in British).

The other Watsons took us to the best fish and chips in town. Oh, it did not disappoint! Massive pieces of fish, breaded in perfection with some malt vinegar on top….Yum! Although I am sure eating it more than once a couple of months can do no good for your body, and that fact that it is FISH inside does not help-haha.

Mark—fed and happy.

After lunch we drove half an hour pass Harrogate to Yorkshire Dales (at first I thought it was Dells, like in Wisconsin Dells). 

Sheep and ancient stone walls were everywhere.

It was a lovely view.

Finally we got to the Yorkshire Dales Ice Cream Farmhouse.  This place was not simply an ice cream place. It was a giant barn with hay, swings, ropes and play structures. Katya, Alex and Everett had a blast in the “big kid area”.

While the little guys enjoyed all the play equipment on the other side.

Outside, they had a great playground as well.

Katya, the best “pusher” in town. Or what exactly is she doing?

Love their faces in this picture.

So fun to be with cousins!

And waiting for promised ice cream.

It was Robert’s brother’s birthday, so we after all the fun in the park, we headed home for some yummy dinner and cake. It was a great family day! Now we need to make a trip up north again to see their new addition.

Lyana