A Day in Norfolk

Our family had a rare Saturday with nothing on the calendar, so we took off for a day trip with the whole family! Those "empty calendar days" have been few and far between lately, so it was nice to have all of us there for the fun.

We decided to head north this time, to Castle Rising, to see the castle.  Yes, we saw Castle Rising Castle.

This is the lovely entrance to the keep. 

We spent some time wandering the grounds before venturing inside.

The grounds also held the remains of this 11th century Norman church, built before the castle was.  Once the castle was there, the chapel within made the chapel on the grounds unneccesary, and it was abandoned.

When we finally made our way to the entrance, we were greeted by this highly appropriate sign.

Look at that entrance!  Perfect for ceremony and grandeur.  And falling...not that anyone took a tumble while we were there.  I could just imagine it though, with all the heavy clothing and long gowns.  Yipes.

We had fun going up and down the narrow spiral staircase as we explored.

The castle has fallen into disrepair due to the collapse of the floor of the Great Hall, as well as the ceiling of the building.  All you can see when you look up is the sky.

And these cool carvings!

Once we had a good look around, we headed back outside to walk the earthworks surrounding the castle.  Their height was very impressive, though we had to keep a close eye on the little ones to make sure we didn't lose anyone over the edge.

As we walked, I was amazed by this home's lovely garden--just one example of the many beautiful and well-kept gardens here.

Once we finished our walk, we had a nice picnic lunch under one of the massive trees on the grounds, and then hopped back in the car to head up the road to the Hunstanton Sea Life Sanctuary.

Josh had been there on a school field trip, and had really wanted to go back with the whole family.  It is a nice facility, and they do good work there.  We had fun looking at and learning about all sorts of creatures. 

I also learned that it's almost impossible to get a good photo inside an aquarium.  Sorry about these...

We even got to stick our hands in the water and touch sea stars and anemones.

Just so you know, they're slimier than they look.  Promise.

Isn't this guy amazing?!  He'd just shed his shell a few weeks ago, which explains his brilliant color.  I didn't even know lobsters came in blue!

Dad and Dallin had fun checking out the rescued seals, and we also got to watch a penguin feeding.  Aren't they cute?  Stinky, but cute.

The Sanctuary also has a great pirate-themed play area for kids who've had enough of the inside stuff.  Dad took Abby to browse the gift shop, and I stayed and watched Josh and Dallin roll around in the sand.

I think it's a safe bet that once the little ones start eating the sand, they're done.

I know these guys are.

Now it's off to the beach--this time it's sand, not shingle.  Whew!  Much easier on the tootsies.

Josh had been watching this boat come closer and closer to shore, and was surprised when it came right up on land!

It was a fun and tiring day, but we have learned that when those free Saturdays come along we've got to grab them, before they get taken over by cleaning and laundry!