Shelli had to go to Prestwick, Scotland for business so what better opportunity for Zoe and me to tag along? Weeks before the trip, I ordered Zoe a few books about Scotland. We read them several times and the closer and closer the trip got, Z got more and more excited. She even took her books to school for her teacher to read to the class. It was a big deal to her. The night before we left, Zoe could hardly sleep. I didn't know how she was going to make it through school.
The time had finally come. Zoe had her book bag packed with a million and one things to do, tons of snacks, and of course her ipod fully charged. It was GO time. The flight was 7 hours and we flew at night so I was just as anxious as Zoe hoping we would be able to sleep.
We got to the airport (passports and tickets in hand) as we made our way to the international concourse. Security was crazy. The line was super long with people all over the place. Of course as we were in line Z was chatting with everyone. There was an older couple behind us and they asked Zoe, "Where are you off to?" Z smiles and says, "Scotland!". They chatted most of the wait talking about bagpipes, castles, fairies, and the Loch Ness Monster. This whole trip in the eyes of my 6 year old was all about seeing the "Loch Ness Monster". After reading about it, she was determined to she was going to see this creature.
We got on the plane, got all settled, and taxied out onto the runway only to hear we were plane TWENTY for take off. That put us back a good hour. At this point it was almost 8pm and Z was hungry and tired. After waiting patiently the plane finally took off and we were on our way. Dinner came out shortly after take off and we all enjoyed our vegetarian fare which included yellow rice, asparagus, fresh fruit, bread, and salad.
After dinner, I took a Tylenol PM (it was about 9:30pm) and we all went to sleep. I knew it wouldn't be a good sleep but we had to do the best we could. I guess we were all exhausted because we woke up just in time for breakfast. How is that for perfect timing? We enjoyed bagels and juice while looking outside. Counting the last hour down before landing in Scotland! We were more than ready to get off that plane and start our day (and brush our teeth -Ewwww!)
We managed to find our way to the car rental place where again; Z was getting fussed over by the car agent. By the time we got the keys in our hand, Zoe was hugging and blowing kisses to Ms. Pamela. We stopped for some cash (pounds) and off we went on the adventure of our life. Renting a car in the UK is nothing to joke about. Not only do they drive on the wrong side but the streets are so confusing. Half the time we didn’t know if we were on a one way or not. It was crazy but we made it safe and sound. When we got to the hotel,(which was an hour from the airport), Z was fast asleep and I was fading fast. We were working on a few hours of sleep so we opted for a power nap for a couple hours before doing some sight seeing.
After a much needed three hour nap, we found the nearest bus shelter, caught the bus and headed to the Royal Mile in Edinburgh. We spent the rest of the day shopping, looking around, and taking it all in. Zoe saw a few bagpipe players and bought a kilt. We had to talk her out of the bagpipes, so she figured a kilt was the next best thing. What a way to start her vacation. I on the other hand loved all the cafe's along the way and even enjoyed a few beers with Shelli at the local pub. I had to stick with the half pints!
Friday, we didn't roll out of bed until about 11am. We missed breakfast all together and trying to get Zoe up was almost impossible. We were going hiking at Mugdock Country Park. It was definitely in the country. The roads were narrow and Shelli had herself completely worked up about driving. I made her pull the car over and let me take over to avoid any further fights -ha! I told Zoe to buckle up that Mommy was going to get us there safe and sound. Boy was that the drive of my life. Once we got to the park and there are really no words to describe the beauty, pictures cannot do it justice either. It was amazing. Rolling green hills forever dotted with sheep along the way. Zoe was running through the fields picking flowers, looking for birds, and enjoying every second. We must of hiked several miles and could of probably done several more.
Saturday it rained all day long, but that didn't stop us from going to check out Culzean Castle. The park had several neat things to see and I'm glad we went. The plan was to picnic at the park but the rain kind of screwed that up so we ate in the car, but it was still delicious. We stopped at a local market along the way there and picked up fresh French bread, Gouda cheese, grapes, and chips. (Mamaw style) After our lunch we drove through as much of the park we could by car, and then we had to see the rest on foot. We were freezing and soaking wet but it was SO worth it! We stopped at the local tea house/cafe to warm up. Zoe and I picked out some lovely teas while Shelli opted for a latte. It was a nice break, and warmed us up for the ride back. We even got a chance to go by and check out Mimi's work before getting back to the hotel.
The hotel we stayed at was beautiful. It was on the water (Firth of Clyde). We could see the water from our room. Z was looking for whales the entire time. The room was very big and quite comfortable; there was plenty of room for everyone to stretch out. The pool was amazing too. If it were up to Z we would of sent much more time in the pool. She is like a little fish.
On our last day in Scotland, we hit up two more spots. The Dundonald Castle which was super cool. We went in and checked it out and got a tour. When we left there we went to Dean Castle, where it just so happened it was the 30th anniversary celebration and they had all kinds of stuff going on. Zoe got to hold an owl and we saw all sorts of other animals. They also had an area for kids to zip line. Z jumped right on and then wouldn't get off. She loved it! On the way back to the hotel, it was all country roads so we would pull over here and there to pet and feed the horses. Zoe has zero fear of animals, she would jump out of the car and run up and hug and kiss them all.
Shelli let me drive the rest of the way back to the hotel, and it was still odd, but a little easier, I must say. I could get used to it if I had to do it every day! Once we got back to the hotel, we relaxed for a little bit and then Z and I started to get packed up for our long flight home. Mimi dropped us off early at the airport and then headed back to the office to get ready to start work.
What an amazing trip, it ranks right up there with our trip to Spain, and I didn’t think anything would top that one! The best part of this whole trip was that Zoe got to experience it. That was absolutely priceless!
I had a hard time keeping up with the kids. They were running, looking for bugs, picking up sticks, and of course jumping in every mud puddle they could get their little feet into. I, on the other hand, was tying to let Donovan take it all in. We looked for birds, squirrels, and deer while saying, “tree”, “water”, “Zoooeeee”, and “Shawnnnnn” along the way.
This morning we went to a very fancy tea party to celebrate Meera’s 3rd Birthday. We’ve known Meera from the day she was born - Well, before if you count my hands all over Heather’s stomach while she was pregnant –ha!
This party was, hands down, the most beautiful party I have attended in my entire life. There wasn’t one detail missed. All the kids were dressed up and everything was picture perfect. I had the best time watching all the kids. It’s amazing how time flies and how fast the kids are growing-up.
Everyone looked amazing and I had a blast! Happy Birthday Meera, We love you! 
