Arthur's Seat

One of the things we wanted to do before the end of the year was to hike to Arthur's seat with the girls. If not to the top, at least as far as we could reasonably get with three girls in tow.

So on December 29th, we set out mid-morning with Deaun in the pack on Dallin's back. 

The morning was gorgeous and not too cold, but once we made it to Holyrood Park, the ground was quite frosty and slippery. We only made it about 2/3 of the way up before we decided to head back.

That was mostly because I was uncomfortable going farther with the ground so slick and  the girls needing hands to hold, I was worried about the girls slipping and falling in the mud. Don't worry, they didn't. Although I did twice while trying to prevent them from falling. Haha. Dallin told me my second fall was the most awkward, slow fall he had ever seen! And he's right. It felt awkward. Haha. 

But we had a good time and the views were amazing, so we can't wait to try it again once it warms up a bit. 

St. Anthony's Chapel- Holyrood Park

Last Saturday, whilst experiencing a very tiring growth spurt, Deaun needed an extra nap in the late afternoon. Dallin and the twins were itching to go adventuring, so I stayed home with the snoring child while they headed to Holyrood Park. Holyrood Park is only a 5 minute walk from our flat, so we've been several times. It's so big that everytime we go, we see something new. 

Wandering, giggling, running, and exploring ensued. They walked about two miles across the park (and then caught a bus home) and Dallin says that the twins were just in heaven running free in whatever direction they wanted to go.

(Pushing the wind back)

During their wanderings, they visited St. Anthony's Chapel on the north eastern side of Holyrood Park. While the origins of this chapel are unknown, it's been around since at least the early 1400's. Hugo Arnot, author of "History of Edinburgh" (1779) wrote that St. Anthony's Chapel was, "a beautiful Gothick building, well suited to the rugged sublimity of the rock." Aren't these ruins just breathtaking? The stone is just gorgeous and it's so secluded. I love that even in the middle of the city, you can get so far away from people and just be alone in nature.

Dallin loved being able to have a "date" with the girls. He's been really busy with school, so I think it was good for them to be able to go out together without Deaun and I slowing them down. Dallin is such a wonderful dad to take them out adventuring and they all had a really wonderful time. (Or so he tells me...)