We finally had daylight saving here in Scotland on March 29 so the sun is out longer. And then the tourist season is starting again…it starts around April 1st, but won’t be in full swing until after Easter. This past weekend we finally got out again to do some sightseeing. Matt had Friday off work and his co-worker invited us to stay at his house Friday night in Edinburgh. I have been wanting to see a few sites near Edinburgh, so this was the perfect weekend to accomplish it.
First stop – The National Wallace Monument. This monument celebrates the life of William Wallace, along with some other Scottish Heroes in the Hall of Heroes. However the monument is constructed on a tower that you have to climb 247 stairs to get to the top. Not that fun or easy task to do when you are 33 weeks pregnant!
Stirling Castle is just a couple of miles from the Wallace Monument. There is so much history behind this castle. Stirling Castle has been attacked or besieged at least 16 times and many kings of Scotland have been baptized, crowned or died here. Plus the castle sits on a volcanic rock so it is seen from miles around in every direction.
On Saturday we left Matt’s co-workers house and headed to Scone Palace (pronounced skoon). This is the site that over 45 kings of Scotland have been crowned throughout the centuries. Part of the Palace is closed to the public since the Murray family still lives in the palace with over 15, 000 acres of private land.
And our last stop was Glamis Castle. This is the site where Queen Elizabeth “The Queen Mother” was raised and where she spent some of her time with her family after she was married. It is a beautiful castle with some great grounds for walking around, plus a bunch of Highland Cows!
We came home and listened to the prophet and apostles speaking at General Conference. Overall, it was a FABULOUS weekend. We only have a couple more weeks left here in Scotland and still have so much that I want to see and do.
About 3 weeks ago my sister and her husband and 6 month old daughter came to visit us in Scotland for a week. It was great to have my sister and her family come visit us and experience the “Scottish” lifestyle that we have been living for the past 9-10 months.
Some of the highlights of their stay with us include:
* Loch Ness & Urqurhart Castle
* Inverness (where this photo was taken)
* Elgin Cathedral
* Elgin Bible Garden
* Coastal Trail Drive
* Slanis Castle
* Bullers of Buchan
* Boddam Lighthouse
* Duff House
* Tolquhon Castle
* Fyvie Castle
* Huntly Castle
* Kildrummy Castle
* Dunnottar Castle
* Watching Jaedyn while her parents went to London for the day
Kalani really enjoyed having her aunt and uncle here to play with her and I was grateful that they gave her attention. And it was FANTASTIC to see Kalani being so helpful with her little cousin. I know that Kalani is going to be a wonderful big sister and so helpful after seeing her interact with her 6 month old cousin.
A couple of weeks ago we took a trip to St. Andrews. It is probably most famous for being the city that invented GOLF (Gentlemen Only Ladies Forbidden). But, we aren’t golfers, so we found some other activities that we enjoyed.
Our first stop was St. Andrew’s Aquarium. Kalani is taking after her father with a love of learning about animals. It was an okay aquarium, but nothing like the Monterey Bay Aquarium. One day we will take Kalani to Monterey to see the aquarium there.
Next stop…St. Andrew’s Castle. This castle has been around since the 1100’s and has a really long history. It is ruined now, but still pretty spectacular as it was built right on the edge of the North Sea.
Last attraction was St. Andrew’s Cathedral. This cathedral was built in the 12 century although the site has been a place of worship since the 8 century. Again there is a lot of history associated with this cathedral.
This past week our
church celebrated it’s women’s organization “Relief Society” 167th birthday. Here in Scotland they decided to celebrate by having a
High Tea. I guess in times past…before Scotland was “Americanized” they would eat dinner earlier in the day and then have “high tea” later in the evening. So, here is what was for our “high tea” evening.
Each person had their own proper tea set. We were given either Gammon (ham) or Macaroni-n-cheese. (I split my meal with another lady so we could have both) There was also a plate of pancakes, ginger bread and scones. Plus a plate of bread for you to butter.
After the meal a plate of desserts was brought out. Lemon bread, coconut/cherry bread, meringue, shortbread caramel chocolate toffee and yummy pastries.
And to finish the evening we were given the choice of Caro or Hot Chocolate to drink. I had never heard of or tried Caro, so I tried it out. I am not a fan. It is what I would imagine coffee would taste like. I didn’t even think to add sugar or milk…I just downed my drink so I could get some hot chocolate. I now know that I don’t like Caro…I’m a hot chocolate lover.
“Today it is your birthday and we sing to let you know. That you will be queen for the day, whatever you say goes.” (Barbie-12 Dancing Princesses) Today Kalani turned 5 years old! She had a few requests:
- Breakfast in Bed
- I sing her that birthday song from 12 Dancing Princesses
- We visit a castle
It really is such a joy to have Kalani as our daughter…although my first year as a mother was difficult. She is NOT shy at all and makes friends rather easily which allows me to make friends. She is also pretty easy to travel with, which is nice for us since we like to travel! Happy Birthday and We Love You Kalani!
