Highlights:
- Each and every playground from Iceland and throughout Scotland was a treasure to the kids. Kids traveling can take such little culture and make something of it. Instead, it's doing the everyday fun things with Mommy and Daddy, whilst seeing how they are different in different places that really does make them happy.
- Falkirk Wheel was impressive with it's engineering and the kids enjoyed the activities there such as walking on water, driving water boats, and of course a playground.
- Cilzean Castle followed by dinner in Ayr by the sea was definitely my most memorable day with the kids. David was so excited to take the kids there and made sure they had loads of time to explore caves, rocks, water puddles, and the ocean underneath the castle. It was picture perfect and really adventurous. Ellie and Max enjoyed puddle jumping in their wellies and seeing in the caves. They were so proud of themselves. Clair went with the flow and enjoyed the exploring as well. I enjoyed taking loads of gorgeous photos. Grannie enjoyed showing the kids a special place she used to take Dolan and David. Great fun and highly recommended.
- Kids spending extra time doing the day to day with Grannie in Scotland was special. They each enjoyed an opportunity to bake something at Grannies. Ellie made amazing chocolate chip cookies, Max Spider man cookies, and Clair some delicious fairy cakes.
- The moderate temperatures for July couldn't have suited our family better. We hate the heat and were glad to be out of the hot and humid Maryland temperatures for July, enjoying 60s and 70s.
- We visited a new country, even for David and me. Seeing Iceland and exploring the city and the country side treasures was truly energizing. The kids didn't blink much about the fact that signs were in another language. The only really challenging thing was that it didn't really get dark, and Clair wanted to be away with the sun was awake.
- My return to Dublin after 12 years was such a great time for me. I loved exploring the city and seeing what's changed and what hasnt. I loved having crepes as my still favorite little crepe shop in the world each morning. I loved familiar shops. I loved touring the city on a bus. I loved backtracking around the city and visiting my old stomping groups.
- Seeing everyone was fantastic - Grannie, Millar, Dolan, Sarah, David's friends in Glasgow - Dorian and Family, Farah, Helen, Bobby and Aoife
- The looks on the kids faces when they enjoyed something new, or remembered something from a previous visit.
- Reminiscing about David's childhood and family. Giving the kids a chance to know their Scottish heritage.
- Grannie wanting to babysit freely and often. David and I enjoyed a couple nice evenings out.
- Learning that although visiting is great, I am glad that our family didn't relocate to Glasgow right now. It's not for me. I was happy to come home as well!
Low lights:
- Losing my new iPhone was really depressing. Despite everyone's best efforts, the phone was lost somewhere between Grannie's flat and ours after a long day in Edinburgh. Many photos and videos not backed up were also lost. That is sad.
- The frustrations of travel, along with my germophobic tendencies and the uncharted territories meant that I often lost my cool with the kids stepping out. I regret that. I hope this isn't what they remember about the trips.
- I didn't sleep well; that was hard.
- Clair didn't sleep well; that was hard and a big part of why I didn't sleep well.
Lessons Learned:
- I need my systems - things have a place, the kids know that things have a place, the kids need my systems to keep me sane. I need my systems to keep me sane. It's hard thinking about the details of the mondane and coming up with a new system for where to put the shoes, dirty clothes, tooth brushes, bags, stuff, etc. every couple days. We didn't move as much on this trip as the one 5 years ago, but it was still too much for kids this age.
- Living in a place with 1 bathroom with this family at this stage is not only painful, but risky at best. There are too many people with weak bladders and undeveloped warning systems!
What did I miss the most?:
- My bed. I love my bed!
- My car. And the silly little back up camera that makes parking so darn easy.
- Country music. There is none, even in Scotland, to be found!
- Iced Coffee. There are too many places that don't have ice there. Really? Really?
- My washer and dryer to keep the clothes clean. Yes, that's a sign of young kids and a old sole.
Hopefully this list allows my adventurous side to show through even with some of the mature Points of View around Home Sweet Home!
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