The second part of our trip was in beautiful Scotland. We arrived Saturday afternoon and went straight to the Dalhousie Castle Hotel for KTL's birthday party. We can't believe Catherine is four years old! We celebrated with cake and lunch in the Orangery. After lunch, Alex, Emily and the kids explored the grounds and I took another long nap. I was a frequent napper this trip.
Our second day in Scotland, Alex's dad came with our family for a Scottish road trip. It was so much fun! We drove up the coast, then turned inland towards the highlands. We stopped in the famous luxury golf town, St. Andrews, for lunch and then made it all the way to Loch Lomond. We hadn't planned on doing any hiking, but ended up hiking up a steep hill for the best views of the loch.
We had to leave the castle for one night due to a large wedding, so we all packed up and headed to Edinburgh to stay at the amazing Balmoral Hotel. It was by far the fanciest hotel we have ever stayed in! They had such cute treats for Harper and the kids including a little robe and slippers, bubble bath, cookies and chocolates on arrival, and a turn down service complete with a new stuffed animal and book. We felt like royalty. We explored the city and made a stop at The Elephant House where it is rumored that JK Rowling wrote part of Harry Potter. We did an unexpectedly strenuous hike up to Arthur's Seat for great views of the city before heading back to the castle.
We had one day where we split into two different teams for two very different activities. Michele, Frank and I took the kids for pony riding lessons near the castle. Harper was very nervous at first, but warmed right up and was asking for a pony by the end of it. We walked the kids around gorgeous scenery while they rode happily on their ponies. Alex, Emily and Dave went fly fishing off in the Scottish countryside. Alex caught eight fish!
Our last full day in Scotland was spent exploring several nearby destinations with quintessential beautiful Scottish views. We went to Rosslyn Chapel, where part of The Da Vinci Code was filmed. Then we headed over to Dean Village, a picturesque historic city on the outskirts of Edinburgh. After we got back to the castle, Harper and I took a long walk around the woods and I, unfortunately, ended up with a tick.
It was an amazing, whirlwind of a trip that we will always remember. I can't stop looking at the beautiful pictures we took throughout our travels. We are very thankful to the Scheers for providing us with this experience!
KTL's birthday cake!
I loved my little pot of coffee.
The Dalhausie Hotel
Queen Harper
Our room was beautiful.
Harper slept in her own bed every night!
The view from our room was amazing.
I spy a little girl picking flowers.
Running back to mommy with Zuzu's petals.
Our first stop on the road trip was an industrial town on the water. We had to drive on the coastal roads which were very narrow, winding and nerve-racking! Both Alex and I drove during the trip. It was our first time driving on the left side of the road and it was scary!
Our next stop was comical with a near disastrous car situation followed closely by projectile vomiting by Harper (only second time in her life!) Since this baby never seems to need an extra pair of clothes, we were unprepared without an extra outfit. Instead of giving up and heading home, we wrapped her in our jackets and went out exploring anyway.
We found ruins and a beautiful light house.
We got very lucky with the sunny weather. It was pretty chilly the farther north we got, but people were out swimming in the water!
We stopped in the quaint town of St. Andrews to get Harper new clothes and to pick up some lunch.
Next, we headed over to Loch Lomond. We couldn't find access to the water from the town as it was all private and fenced off. We found a sign for a "short hike" up to better views. It turns out the hike was straight up a steep hill with hundreds of stairs, a lot of mud, and quite the elevation change. I was wearing heels, as I was not expecting to hike, but I couldn't miss the opportunity to see Loch Lomond.
The views from the top were worth it.
Hello sheep!
Dave and Harper
Our room at the Balmoral Hotel was fantastic.
Harper pretended to call GiGi to tell her about her robe and slippers.
Cute goodies for Harper!
We went out to explore Edinburgh before the rain.
The Edinburgh Castle was breathtaking.
The town was very hilly.
Luckily, I did not wear heels. Happy thirty weeks NB!
Alex tried a whisky flight.
The Elephant House
The bathrooms were covered in quotes from the Harry Potter books.
We had yummy drinks at every stop.
Hot chocolate over a napkin on a sleeping baby.
I loved the look of the buildings.
Harper gave some money to a man playing the bagpipes.
All ready for our bubble bath!
We were so tired from exploring that we had a most wonderful room service dinner instead of going out.
We started the next day with a hike up Arthur's Seat. It was intense! All of us fell at some point on this hike.
Somebody was carried all the way up and all the way down.
Almost there!
We made it!
We rewarded ourselves for the crazy hike with an afternoon tea back at the castle.
Alex, Emily and Dave headed out early the next day for their fishing trip.
Harper was a little anxious about riding the ponies at first.
Her horse was named Goldie and is older than me!
Harper thought these spotted horses were cows!
Thank you Goldie!
Rosslyn Chapel was gorgeous.
They had fun activities for kids to do inside the museum.
Dean Village was beautiful, but most difficult to drive around. I am very impressed with Alex's left side of the road, too big of car for such tiny lanes full of parked cars and pot holes driving.
Our last day in Scotland, we all participated in falconry. It was awesome!
The bird flew right to Michele!
We were able to pet this little owl.
Harper held the owl for a little bit.
Then ran away leaving the glove with Alex.
I was too afraid to hold this eagle.
Harper and I explored the castle on our own one afternoon.
We found these neat ruins on the grounds.
I love the view of our hotel.
We had a special dungeon dinner our last night at the castle.
It was fun being kid-free!
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