Arthur's Seat - Edinburgh, Scotland

 

One of the most appealing aspects of a city is having the ability to leave the world of concrete and head into a world of serene nature.   

Edinburgh was a city designed for those who enjoy green space, so we naturally felt right at home.   

Prior to our trip, we read about Arthur’s Seat; a hike that takes you to a high point of Edinburgh (823 feet to be exact) and offers commanding views of the city.   

Despite an unknown forecast, we knew this was something we simply had to do.   

With Noah strapped on to Robert’s back and intense winds, we made our way up the mountain.   

Once on top, we came across hail and relentless winds, but we were happy to have made it.   

The day was filled with hiking, basking in the views, relishing in the glimpse of sunlight that broke through the clouds and just enjoying being outside in a gorgeous setting. 

 Bird in flight as we make our way up Arthur's Seat.

 Ruins from an old church...pretty impressive.

 Melinda hiking - 7.5 months pregnant

 Views of the city below

 Noah bundled up to avoid the cold and wind

 Family shot at the top

 Here comes the hail!

 Noah and Robert

 Noah and Mom

 Gorgeous landscape

 Noah and Dad having fun in the green grass

 Lake below

 Another shot of the church ruins

Just how we envisioned Scotland!

Happy Father’s Day!

 

Wishing all of those incredible Dad’s out there a day filled with the joy of your children’s voices and adequate time to reflect on how you have positively influenced those lives big and small.   

The world is a better place when a child has a father to lean on and we not only thank you, but we celebrate you as well.

And to my husband, my love for you has only grown since watching you become the best father to our incredible son.  

 And on the eve of welcoming our second child, I know you will bestow upon this new child all of the love, fun and gifts you have shown Noah over the past 2.5 years.   

I love you!

Edinburgh, Scotland Part II

 Edinburgh wasn't necessarily on our radar, but with inexpensive tickets and easy accessibility (especially being about 7.5 months pregnant at the time of the trip) we thought it would be a great destination.  

With little planning, but hearing so much about this fabulous city, we made the most of a four day trip.  

With our itinerary in hand, we walked, and walked through the streets of Edinburgh.  

Walking through this city certainly has its charms.  

You get to hear bagpipes, see men in skirts (they can really pull them off) and fall in love with the rhythm of the streets. 

We relished in the opportunity to speak English freely to the locals, dined at some fabulous veggie places and felt as though we truly got to know this delightful city.

 Views from the Edinburgh Castle

 Views from the castle

 Cannon at the Castle

 Inside a museum at the Castle.  Noah wasn't a big fan of the museum's, so this was one of the only ones we visited.

 Noah and Mom outside on the grounds of the Castle

 Calton Hill

 Noah and Mom at Calton Hill...me very pregnant

 Noah enjoying the fresh air and beautiful scenery.

 Does it get any better than this?  A man in a kilt, playing the bagpipes?  Sweet bliss!

National Monument - A tribute to those who fought the UK during the Napoleonic Wars - thank you Wiki.  The monument was never completed due to lack of funds.  No worries though, the site is still very impressive!

More to come on our climb up Arthur's Seat...AKA a hike in the extreme wind and hail.

Edinburgh, Scotland

Scottish monument...

Some things we learned in Scotland...

1.  Yes, men do wear skirts and they wear them quite frequently.

2.  Bagpipes are incredible...especially when played on open grounds under a whispering breeze.

3.  Scones are delicious and plentiful.

4.  Scottish accents are intoxicating!

5.  Hot and cold water in the sink do not combine to make 1 flowing faucet of warm water.  Hmmm.

 Bagpipes...delightful!

 The castle.

 Castle from the ground.

 Noah enjoying a local playground.

Much, much more to come.

2.5 = Noah

It is hard to believe that on the 12^th of June, our sweet Noah will be 2.5.   

Two and a half years of growth, discovery and a life full of wonder.   

And who would have thought that a child so small could add so much love and joy to our lives?  

 In Noah’s short time with us, he has visited six plus countries, seen a Tour de France, watched Lance Armstrong race in the Tour de Suisse, swam in the Mediterranean and Atlantic oceans, accumulated more frequent flyer miles than most people do in a lifetime, but all that aside, he has been one of the biggest gifts we could have ever imagined.   

We love you Noah, we wish you a healthy and abundant 2.5 and look forward to continuing to witness the world through your eyes.   

You are so very loved and we are so blessed that you are our son!

 Noah and White Bear

 Noah getting ready to go on a ride with Dad.

 Noah wearing "Daddy's shirt."

 Lunch time fun...that is berry smoothie all over his sweet face!

Too cute for words.