For Thanksgiving this year, the Spaulding trio were invited to join our friends Chris, Jen, and their two month old son Cole in Wales. We had a lovely drive out to Snowdonia, watching the British terrain move from flat forests to hills and small mountains. For an island about the same size as the state of Alabama, the United Kingdom has a very diverse landscape. The other big difference is that signs in Wales have two languages on them. A road sign will say both "Slow" and "Araf." Growing up in the states, I always knew that Ireland and Scotland were fiercely independent. Only after moving to the island did I realize that Wales is just as autonomous.
We spent the first day checking out a local village near the cottage. Its an hiker's dream town, with Mom and Pop shops and more out door clothing stores tan you can shake a stick at. Wales is also dog heaven, since most of the stores in the town let dogs in the door. Risby and Tess (Wee) also devoured some sausage as the rest of us enjoyed warm drinks and a snack at a local tea shop.
The next day was even better. After a grand breakfast we set off to hike to a lake with two dogs, a baby in the Bjorn, and Ollie in a backpack. The dogs had the time of their lives, and the rest of us truly enjoyed all that nature had to offer. Cole was snug as a bug next to Jen's chest and Ollie did well riding up on Tim's back. We didn't quite make it to the lakes, but we had a great time hiking up the mountain. Ollie surprised us by walking down 95% of the mountain.
It was a trip that we'll never forget, made perfect by our friends Chris and Jen. Ever the most gracious hosts, the Spaulding clan loved spending a holiday with the Wees. Thanks again guys!
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