Iceland Day 11 - James' birthday

Happy Birthday My Love! 

James' birthday is today and we celebrated by cleaning the house and packing. It was a slow and lazy day since we were all worn out and knew that soon our trip would be over and real life would begin again. David and I packed this afternoon while James took Jon to get us all lunch and then took the kids out to a local playground. They have been begging to go to one this entire trip so they were thrilled with the opportunity.

Will reading in the morning

Christian having fun

Christian on a ball swing

Uncle David plays with the kids. He has been amazing!!

After the playground we all went into Selfoss for a birthday dinner. The first restaurant we looked at was full of old people silently eating their meals. Deciding that this was not the place for us we traveled on to the coast in search of a good meal. We have finally found an unimpressive part of Iceland. There are no mountains here, just scrub filled plains with only the occasional horse or sheep. But we found an open restaurant which seemed more welcoming and whose patrons were speaking in normal tones.

Will and Christian playing

They made up their own game and fought in slow motion

Our meal was good but not the best Icelandic fare. We have been spoiled though. Will and Jon ordered the kid's steak and were given lamb. I don't know if it was a mistake on the menu or by the server but we didn't tell the boys what it was until after they had finished their meal. They were both a little shocked and Will said that he'd rather eat cows because lambs are too cute.

Birthday dinner!

Will's lamb

After dinner we stopped for ice cream in Selfoss and had a fantastic experience. Unlike most establishments there was no English at all on the menu and we had to rely on our server to make sense of the flavors for us. I tried some honey ice cream which was really good in small amounts but rather overwhelming as a whole scoop. Jon and Christian had ice cream with candy floss on top so they were in heaven. 

enjoying ice cream

Christian finishes his ice cream

We all loved the ice cream and were only disappointed that we hadn't found this place sooner. The girl who helped us was wonderfully nice and very patient. I have been really impressed with all the Icelanders we've met. Every one of them has been kind and has cheerfully spoken English to us since we can't even attempt to speak a word of Icelandic. (I've tried but my tongue can't do it!)

Ice cream place

Can yo believe we ate here? The hot dogs are good but this sign is too strange!

It is late now and we leave tomorrow. I have really loved our time here and I know that we will come again. I did not expect to love Iceland as much as I do! It is a truly beautiful place.

Goodnight and goodbye until the next trip!