A day at the seaside

So today dawned bright and cheery - some little puffs of clouds in the sky but other than that, clear blue.  We thought this would be the case so continued with our plan to go to the seaside.  We went the scenic way which was very very scenic today with all the autumn tree colours glinting at us as we passed by.  Still no Highland cows though!

We passed through Keith as we had found out that one of the most scenic distilleries - Strathisla was there and worth a visit.  We got there 15 minutes too early.  Matt decided that it really wasn't worth the wait and anyway he has bought 6 bottles so far this holiday so isn't lacking so we carried on.  The landscape began to change, to rolling hills dotted with woodland.  The woodland gives away the fact we are in Scotland as they are mainly pine woods - very different to woodland you get in England.  Also there are a lot more cows in the scenery here than you get back at home - mainly Aberdeen Anguses - but way more of these than sheep.

Macduff Harbour

Me and Tom by the sea

Finally we got to the coast, we passed through Banff and ended up at Macduff where there is a little aquarium.  We got there too early!  It didn't open until 11am so we decided to go for a walk.  We thought tea and a bun would be a good idea but all the tea rooms we saw were closed!  We then saw a sign saying there were tea and cakes being served at a church hall - so we thought we would do that instead (we must have been desperate as this is an activity we would normally never do!)  We got there and were charged £7.50 before we even sat down - ouch!!!  Turned out that it was a fundrasier for the RNLI - you sat down and then were served tea, coffee and squash and could help yourselves to pancakes and some strange croissant like scone thingy.  We don't mind supporting the RNLI but we were the youngest people there and Tom started reading out all the God messages on the posters around the hall - hummmm.  Oh well it served a purpose.

War memorial

We then found a hill to climb with a tower on top serving as a war memorial for the town, a good view could be had from the top.  We then headed back to the aquarium which was now open.  It was only a very small aquarium, but it was really very good.  We spent a good half hour at the rock pool bit playing with various creatures: starfish, sea urchins, sea anemones, crabs etc whilst learning all about them from a French member of staff (no Scottish personnel here at all as far as we could tell).  Tom unfortunately had retreated into his shell again and had to be really persuaded to touch the starfish and urchins - not sure why he is so scared of these, we showed him they had no teeth etc but he was certain they would hurt him!

Lurking

Sea Anemone

Anyway, it was a good place, I really enjoyed it and am now an expert cod spotter!  We said goodbye mainly because our stomachs were rumbling and headed to Boyndie Centre just outside of Banff for lunch - this was recommended to us by our next door neighbours who have just moved to Ingleton from Banff.  It was a good, busy place, everything homemade.  I had some fish (well we are by the sea) as did Tom (if you count a prawn sandwich as fish).  We then set off exploring along the coast road.  The communities here are much bigger than in Speyside, I guess that is a historic result of the highland clearances.  They are pretty, buzzing communities.  We saw plenty evidence of positive activity - a busy ship yard, plenty of fisheries and associated industries and, of course, the odd distillery.

Pretty Girl MacDoris

We stopped where we found a point of interest - hurrah - we found a field with 3 Highland cattle in it - one of whom was by the fence and looking straight at us.  We got our cameras out and took the much anticipated photos.  We then found a lovely sandy beach in Sand End where we played silly racing games.  Next stop was Port Knockie where we clambered on the headland.  All the time we were looking out for castles that were marked on our map - but with no luck they had either all fallen down or we were blind!  We ended up in Buckie, where we headed back inland along the Spey to Fochabers - the Head Office of Baxters.  We did think about going in to buy some soup - but weren't motivated enough!

Moo on the beach

We got home around 4.30 - just about in the light.  We then did a quick internet search to find somewhere for dinner.  The choice seemed to be a pub that sold just pie and chips or pubs with very posh nosh.  We went for pie and chips.  The pies were very good - very tasty but suspiciously like Pie Minister pies.  Matt did a quick search and found that Pie Minister pies have exactly the same names and ingredients - we rumbled them (although to be fair, they didn't actually say anywhere that they made them themselves, just marketed them as Connoisseur Pies).

We came home with full bellies.  Did some half hearted packing and then vegged out for our last evening here.  This house really does feel like home, feels an age since we left Ingleton.

Whisky and Walks

After two very full and exciting days we decided to take it easy today.  We had a very leisurely morning including a cooked breakfast with white pudding (Matt’s favourite).  We decided to visit Tonintoul (pronounced Tom-in-Towel – so obviously a very silly place name in our household!)  This is the highest village in the Highlands, but not the highest village in the country – I wonder where that would be?

There really wasn’t much to the village – it has its own distillery (of course) but not much else, not even a co-op.  It didn’t look particularly prosperous either.  However, it does have a shop called The Whisky Castle which Matt was quite keen to explore.  We left him to it whilst we looked around the souvenir area.  I must say I am very disappointed with the souvenirs around here – in particular the lack of any patches.  They have so much opportunity – Cairngorms patch, town patches, highland moo patch, nessie patch etc etc, but all you can get is Scotland.  Very disappointing.  Also disappointing has been the lack of Highland moos, after all we are in the Highlands.  There have been plenty of Aberdeen Anguses but we’ve only come across the odd field of Highland Moos and when we have there has either been no-where to park or they have been too far away to photograph.  Bit disappointing really.

Anyhow, I digress.  We left Matt to his own devices in the whisky shop and lo and behold when we next saw him he had two new bottles of whisky to try out: A Tomintoul 12 year old port cask and a peated Ben Romach.

Pretty tree

In the Cairngorms

As there really was nothing else to do in Tomintoul we decided to head back to The Glenlivet Estate which is a crown estate where there are a number of waymarked walks.  As we had a big breakfast we needed a walk so chose a short one to fit in before lunch.  It was a good one, as in three miles we saw a ruined castle, walked along a river (The Livet) and searched for Gruffalos in a wood.  I forgot to mention earlier that it was very mild today, so mild that I was wearing just a T-shirt, on the last day of October - very strange.  It was overcast, but I would take that over being cold and wet anyday.

Whisky sculpture

Nice looking cellar!

As we were close to The Glenlivet distillery which we knew had a cafe, we decided to find some lunch there.   I had soup (it's the traditional Scottish thing to do don't you know) whilst Matt and Tom both had sandwiches.  After a quick stop at the pack horse bridge nearby we decided to head to Dufftown for a look around.  

Pack Horse Bridge

We weren't having much luck today as it turned out to be another dull town.  Very strange because there are 9 distilleries in Dufftown including Glenfiddich which is huge.  You would think that these would generate a decent income for the place, but it didn't feel like it.  I guess people come here, go to the distillery and don't even venture into the town.  There was a very well stocked whisky shop in the town so we went for a look and Matt came out with yet another purchase, this time an Old Ballantruan which is from the Ballindaloch distillery just down the road from here.

An open pub - a welcome sight

We came back via Craigellachie hoping to stop in the hotel where we had lunch on Tuesday which is famous for its whisky bar.  We were told last time we were there that the bar opened around 3pm.  It was 3.30 so we thought we would be in luck - but no today it didn't open until 5pm.  Humpfh!!!!  We carried on through to Aberlour.  I was reading in the guide book that the Walkers factory has a factory shop in it, so we thought we would stop by and see if we could find any bargins.  We came out with a stack of oat cakes and some Ecclefechan Cakes, but no shortbread!  Shame there wasn't a viewing gallery - I find factories very fascinating places.

We then thought we would try the one pub in town to see if we could have our whisky - we parked right outside and were pleasantly surprised to find it open so we headed in.  A very friendly lady gave us a huge book full of the whiskies on offer so I set Matt the task to order us some, I get bamboozled by the choice.  We then headed home with warm bellies.  Another nice day.  Thinking of going to the seaside tomorrow...

Boys outside their comfort zone...

Pretty boy

Today dawned bleak with grey skies and some rain, but the weather forecast was for an ok day with little wind or rain so we decided to go ahead to the Landmark Park - this is the Highlands answer to Thorpe Park - not quite on the same scale and the rides quite tame, but it was Tom's first experience of a theme park and Matt doesn't like rollercoasters etc so not such a bad thing.  On the way we saw a huge magnificent highland cow bull - quite the pin up don't you think?

All week we've been telling Tom that he needs to be a bit braver, not say no immediately to things and to at least try new things (He isn't the most courageous person in the world bless him!).  Well today he blew us away.

Me on my treetop adventure

We took things easy at the start, doing the tree top walk - a decked walkway that takes you up in the trees, full of information boards telling you all about the environment, local wildlife, trees etc.  After that we headed to the main part of the park.  First stop was an adventure play area - we had a go on a couple of slides (adults could play too which was nice).  We then noticed a tree top adventure thingy - a bit like Go Ape - where you are suspended by rope and walk along various obstacles in a circle.  Tom surprised us by saying he would have a go.  We all got harnessed up and ascended.  I went first, then Tom, then Matt.  Tom managed to get onto the first platform, but would not put his faith in the rope he was suspended from and got very scared.  So scared, that he had to go back.  Not a great start, however, I carried on around the obstacle course and found it quite scary myself.  (I used to love all this stuff before I was 35 (around the time I had Tom) and am now a little bit of a wuss myself!)  In a way I was glad he had turned around as once you start you can't suddenly stop - you have to make it around as there are no escape routes.

Fun fun fun

Wheee - no hands needed!

Whist he was watching me do my rope walk, he spotted some water rides and told Matt he wanted to have a go.  Once I was down, we headed over and he and Matt climbed up the tower for a go, they came down at a tremendous rate.  He was buzzing when he came to me and insisted I had a go.  He was right it was fun.  You sit on a little rubber dingy, hold on to the handles, get tipped up on a ramp and away you go: whhhhheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!  There were three different options - a bumpy ride down, a ride in the dark going round and round in a tube before being spilt out and one which is straight down.  We did the bumpy one a couple of times and then the dark curly one.  The dark curly one really was quite scary as it was pitch black, you can't see a thing and you move from side to side quite abruptly.  I was surprised that a) he did it and b) he wanted to do it again.  I'm not sure how many times we rode down but it was a good number.  Get this, as it isn't Scottish half term we pretty much had the whole park to ourselves, we didn't have to wait at all for any rides, just pitched up and got on - my idea of a wonderful theme park experience! Tom would have quite happily stayed there for the rest of the day, but there were other things to see and do.

Waterslides: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ll7yENAI21Y,
                    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SuLotAl2h20

We did a labyrinth next - thinking it would be a small affair (it looked it from outside) but it was much bigger and every time we had a choice of paths we chose the wrong one!  Oh well, we got there in the end.

Next stop was a rollercoaster - quite a tame one (no up and over) but still you went up quite high and turned round corners quickly.  Tom went on with me first (Matt doesn't like rollercoasters) and although I wouldn't say he enjoyed the experience he did well.  Matt was waiting for us - he wanted to have a go, but wouldn't go on his own.  At first Tom didn't want to go on again but after explaining that he would be doing it for Daddy who needed him he agreed.  Of course this time they were first on and got the two seats at the front.  My camera battery decided to die just as I took a photo meaning I don't have any evidence, but Matt survived and Tom was enjoyed his double dose of adrenaline.

Matt all roped up!

Next stop was the bigger tree top trek for Daddy.  This was a bigger, taller version of the rope adventure I did.  He did really well - he does have a much better sense of balance than me (that's my excuse anyway!)

Tom on a plate

We then headed over to the restaurant to warm up and have lunch - which was surprisingly good considering the mediocre offerings you usually get in these places.  Once rested we headed to Bamboozleum - an indoor feature full of optical illusions which was fun: we have pictures of Tom's head on a plate of salad (no body), lots of funny mirrors, pictures turning into other pictures etc etc.

We then headed deeper into the woods where we came across some more optical illusions which were really well done.  One room in which Tom was just as big as me (I didn't like that one bit!), another with a rotating tunnel of lights which then made you think you were moving, making it almost impossible to then walk along the level walkway even with holding on to the handrail.  Tom almost didn't make it in this one, but dug deep and found some courage to do it - well done him.

I like this one.

I don't like this one!

Next stop was a working saw mill - using a steam engine to power it.  Once it puffed into action Tom was hooked - just his thing, a big working thing with plenty of action cutting wood etc.  Next stop was a fire tower which we climbed, taking us above the tree canopy to view the forest within which we were.  A splendid view over the Cairngorms.

Tom enjoyed it but wanted to get back to the water rides so we did (after first indulging me in another go on the rollercoaster).  We spent quite a bit of time on them - this time he tried out the third one which was a straight ride down - stomach in mouth type of thing, over in seconds but great fun.  He chose Matt to go with him first, Matt was a little nervous, but he couldn't say no and they both came off with huge grins.  I then had a go - it was fun.  We stayed there quite a while, I lost count how many times Tom went on them, but it was many!

Matt's leap of faith

My leap of faith

Matt then announced that he wanted to do the Skyfall - where you get hooked up to a rope harness, climb up a telegraph pole to the top and then step off and fall back to earth.  It takes a huge leap of faith in the equipment to do it.  Half way up Matt had the wobbles and said he had made a mistake and started to climb back down.  The lady manning the jump was great and told him to come down a little bit more and then jump from there.  Once he was comfortable he went for it and jumped down.  Assured that it wasn't going to be that bad he climbed back up to the top and jumped.  Wow!  It took a lot of courage and he did it.  Tom was impressed, so much so that he then demanded that I did it.  A bargain was struck, if I was to do it, he had to try the rope top adventure again.  He agreed, so I got harnessed up and climbed up the pole.  This was the hardest bit - the grips were really cold and slippery making it actually quite hard to do.  Once at the top it took me a couple of seconds to build up the courage and I took the leap of faith and fell down to earth - it was certainly an adrenaline rush and reminded me of the bungie jump I did many years ago (as I said I was much better at these things when I was younger!)

Careful does it

Over the wobbly bridge

Tom was very excited, but now he had his side of the bargain to fulfil.  He got harnessed up and went on the treetop ropeway with Matt.  He was completely out of his comfort zone and quite scared for most of it (crying half way round) but he dug deep and found his courage and made it round (many thanks to a very patient Matt who helped him).  I couldn't quite believe what I saw, I never thought he would do it - he amazed both of us, I was crying with pride when he finished.  Wow!!!!  Who thought that timid Tom would be able to do that????!  Tom was absolutely buzzing when he came down as he should have been.  We went back to the water rides as a reward for a couple more turns and then headed to the cafe for a drink.  Tom then got a chance to choose a toy from the shop as a reward for being so brave - he chose a bullet train (of course).

A rare photo of the 3 of us

We then headed back home.  We had been in the park for 6.5 hours - it didn't feel like it at all.  This was a really really good day out - we all overcame our fears at some point.  Can't wait for our next day out at a theme park...

Up and down Cairn Gorm

Today it dawned beautiful blue sky, it confirmed our thoughts that today would be mountain railway day.  We were wise for this holiday and looked through Tesco Clubcard boost a week beforehand.  We got tickets for the Cairngorm Mountain Railway and Landmark Adventure Park.  This meant that today's day out cost us the pricey sum of £1 - not bad.

We drove the long but scenic way to the mountain - hoping to come across some Highland Coos, but to no avail - where are they all?  We've only seen two fields of them since arriving here.  Angus and Agnes who have come with us are most disappointed!

On the train

We arrived at the foot of Cairn Gorm (the mountain the railway is on is the actual Cairn Gorm (Blue Mountain) after which the mountain range and National Park is named.  Confusingly though the mountains on the whole are known as the red mountains after the red base rock.)  Today it was clear, but cold, it was 5 degrees when we arrived, so out came the hats, gloves and scarves.  Luckily Tom was given a very smart, very thick duffle coat in Dollar (one of Lewis' old ones) this kept him nice and cosy all day.

Driving the train

We got tickets for the funicular railway (Tom's first) and waited patiently 20 minutes to get the best seats on the service.  Matt took this rather good film of the trip.  It was only 8 minutes long, but it was a good trip - Tom was certainly all smiles.  We got to the top where train passengers are not allowed access to the mountain (you have to hike to be allowed on it - due to environmental management measures).  However, there was a good exhibition with a mini funicular railway for children to play on complete with buttons which light up and make noises which Tom of course loved, plenty of interactive displays and a film show.  We then went to the restaurant for tea and a bun before going on the terrace to see the views down.

Trip up the mountain: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uqj4VKwIFWM

View from above

Highest telephone box in the UK

Funicular Train

A quick look around the shop and then we got the train back down.  We had a look around the mountain garden and at the camera obscura before heading to the cafe for lunch.  A bowl of thick, home- made and warming soup for Matt and I and a panini for Tom set us up for another trip on the railway (the tickets we had bought for £1 were all day passes).  It was quite busy this time, but the sun had broken through the haze so the colours were better - therefore some time was taken re-taking all the pics from the morning.

Tom at the top

We then came down - all happy after a good day out.  Tom really enjoyed his funicular experience.  We then headed into Aveimore for a look around and a shop.  We found a rather good butchers where we purchased a huge homemade steak pie and some other bits and pieces for breakfasts and dinners.  We then had a look up and down the main street.  To be honest I wasn't that impressed with Aviemore.  It didn't really have the feel of a nice charming town, more a functional place to hold all the visitors for the area.  It had all the usual outdoor shops - I went looking for a new waterproof jacket (my current one is no longer waterproof) with no luck unless I wanted to pay over £200!  However, one shop stocked lots of Mammut goods including Mammut mammoths.  Guess who fell in love with a big one... not me...not the boy - but my big softie of a husband.  I could see him having problems, he had fallen in love and before we knew it, he left the shop with a big black Mammoth under his arm!

Cute flower display at Aviemore Station

Oh well, I wasn't going to say no was I?!  Another one to add to the herd, just the 10 now!  We then went to a rather crowded Tesco to stock up on bits and bobs and then headed to Grantown on Spey for dinner out.  Now, if I had to live in this area I would definately choose Grantown over Aviemore.  A lovely place, full of grand residences, a great main street with lots of interesting looking shops and 2 Indian restaurants.  The lady in the tourist office in Aviemore had recommended one to us, so we went there, Sylhet Brasserie.  We are glad she did as it was excellent.  Very friendly service and interesting menu - we had 2 curries we hadn't heard of before.

Tom was in good form today - a happy boy, we didn't have any arguments over the toilet as we have had the last couple of days which was a relief.  He even put pen to paper in the restaurant and wrote his first poem:

1. I love Tom
2. I love you
3. I love pee
4. I love door

I think he belongs to the surrealist movement...

So a grand day out.  A little on the cold side but no sight of rain at all.

Day around Aberlour

No one may pass!

Number of distilleries seen: about 10 if not more
Number of distilleries visited: 4
Amount of whisky bought: just the 2 bottles

Today it was very very miserable when we woke up, but the BBC said that it would get better and we would see sunshine by the end of the day.  We decided that today would be a whisky day - to head towards Aberlour and then do a walk if we could.

Pretty autumn colours 

Thomas Telford Bridge (he got everywhere!)

We got in the car and stopped at the first distillery we came across: Glenfarclas, and had a look around the shop: it had the usual ambiance of wealth, including a bottle on sale for £14,000 for a 1953 vintage.  Matt actually managed to hold himself back here and didn't buy anything.  We then headed pass a number of distilleries (the concentration of distilleries here is higher than anywhere else in the world!) before stopping at Aberlour where Matt bought a litre bottle of Tormore.  By the time we then parked the car in the village centre and looked around in the shops the rain had stopped and there was a distinct prospect of the weather clearing up so we decided to walk along the river Spey to Craigellachie - a pleasant 2.5 mile walk along an old railway line.

Collecting leaves

At Craigellachie we found a hotel which is famous for a bar of 600 different whiskies - so we thought we would stop there for lunch.  The bar was closed, but never mind they had another bar which was serving lunch at reasonable prices and we were all starving so were happy.

After lunch we walked the same way back.  By now the clouds were clearing and we could see blue sky in the distance - yahoo!  The scenery here was very very beautiful, all the trees are multi coloured and we spent the way back finding colourful leaves - collecting many of them.

Blue sky and sunshine over the distillery

As the weather had perked up we decided to head further into the whisky country and ended up at Glenfiddich - the biggest of the distilleries around here and had tea and a bun (yep you've guessed it - another whisky cake).  We then crossed the Spey so we could finish our circuit, stopping off at Cardhu on the way.  This wasn't the most beautiful of the distilleries but the lady in the shop was brilliant.  First of all she opened the shop for us, when it had been closed for an hour, she found Tom a box of lego to play with, meaning we could relax and she could go through all the whiskies with Matt and then she gave Tom some Haribo.  It was definitely the most pleasant shopping experience of them all.

The Glenfiddich deer

We then headed back home for stew and bed.

To Scotland and friends

After a non eventful Saturday we packed the car and headed North on Sunday morning.  It was a quick trip up the M6 to Moffat.  The plan was to stretch our legs there and find ourselves a nice tea room to enjoy, but it was lashing down with rain, so we made a split decision to go to Moffat Mill which had a tea room.  It probably wasn't as nice but we would have got drenched trying to find somewhere in Moffat.

We then drove along the A701 through some very lovely countryside (in the driving rain) to the outskirts of Edinburgh.  We went to South Queensferry from where you can see the Forth Bridges.  We were lucky in that it just stopped to rain as we got there so we decided to go for a stroll.  It was very very windy but for once Tom didn't really mind.  In fact he even went to stand by the railings to see if he could get splashed by the sea???!!!  (Very out of character, but nice to see).

The Forth Bridge

Cold but not raining

Once refreshed we got back in the car and headed across the Forth Road Bridge to Dollar where we were staying the night with Neil, Sharon and Rory and Lewis.  It rained the whole way there.  Oh well, Lewis and Rory were waiting for us when we got to their house and Tom was made at home immediately (except he was scared of their very old cat, meaning it took a long while for him to get on the floor and play with the very many toys on offer).


The children were playing so well with each other that we were able to have adult conversation.  We were just telling Neil about the story around Max (his girlfriend being the best friend of an old school friend of mine) when a FB photo went up of Helen, Max and Isobel in Stirling!  Too good an opportunity to miss so we decided to meet up Monday morning.

Neil made us a very very good stew and that with some wine and an evil chocolate pudding meant that we were more or less comatose on the sofa that evening.

Monday morning, Tom and I walked with Rory and Lewis to school (their half term was 2 weeks ago) then Neil drove us into Stirling to meet up with H, M & I.  Neil was also in their chemistry class

A motley crew...

so was also curious.  We had coffee and cake in a strange cafe (lots of staff, we were the only customers, they couldn't rustle up a menu and took an age to get our order to us - a touch of Tavistock Pasty House) and caught up again.  Helen was as easy company as before.  Turns out we both did Geography degrees - she has actually had a run of geography related jobs including her current one at Transport for London which makes a nice change to the usual teacher or something completely unrelated (cake decorator for example!).

We said our goodbyes (they were off to Loch Lomand for the afternoon) and Neil drove us back to Dollar.  We then quickly repacked the car and headed North.  First stop was Perth and Tesco for lunch and food shopping.  We then headed up the A93 via Braemar through the Cairngorms.  This was a fantastic route - the roads were great: nice and smooth and very very empty.  Unfortunately it did rain the whole way, but that didn't matter - the views were good even with the rain.  We passed through ski areas (no snow yet) and many glens.  The scenery is quite similar to the Dales, but bigger and higher.  When the heather is out it must be glorious.

Our distillery for the week

Despite the weather, we made good time and got to the Speyside area quicker than we thought.  We saw Glenlivit distillery in the distance and decided we had time for a quick visit before heading to our cottage.  We passed a field full of good looking Highland Coos before parking up.  The distillery was handsome, the shop interesting and the cafe full of good looking cakes (we took 2 home including a very lovely whisky fruit cake).  Matt made his first purchase: a Glenlivit 18 year old.  We then headed back on the road and within 10 minutes had found our cottage (in the grounds of another distillery - Tormore).

A good, sturdy cottage - very well kitted out, 3 big bedrooms, we will be very comfortable here.

Then it was a case of unpacking the car, trying to the get the central heating to work (got there eventually) making tea (burgers - nice and quick) then bath and bed for the boy, with us following not long after.

Glasgow for the day

Steam Train

Saturday all of us went to Glasgow for the day.  Matt had a translator's event in the afternoon and found out that it really didn't cost much for all of us to go for the day (£30) and he found out about a new transport museum which of course Tom would like so we thought we would all go.

The trip up was fine - Tom as usual was very excited to be on a train, once we arrived at Glasgow we got a local train to Partick and walked to the Riverside Museum.  It was named European Museum of the Year 2013, so we were expecting it to be good.  It was.  First stop was the cafe for lunch (we were starving) and we were surprised to find imaginative menu items and then very happy when they turned up looking and tasting great.  Matt (of course) went for the haggis pie, Tom had an individually crafted sausage, bean and potato pie whilst i went for a vegetable curry.  We all left with happy tummies.

Wallace Young?

Oh, almost forgot to mention - as is my usual experience of Scotland - the weather was fantastic - deep blue sky and lots of sun.  A little windy, but really a very nice day - we ended up carrying our coats and jumpers for most of the day.

We then looked around the museum which was absolutely stuffed with exhibits.  Lots of cars, trains, motorbikes etc.  There was a street from the 'olden days' all very well set up including a photographers studio with a huge dressing up box (do you like Tom's beard?)

Do you like my beard?

Matt then left us to go to his meeting whilst Tom and I explored some more.  Upstairs we found a conveyor with boats on it.  This had the same effect on Tom as a model railway, he was glued to it watching boats moving up and down.  Time went far too quickly meaning we had to leave before we were ready (there was a tall ship outside to explore), however, it did mean a train ride so not all was lost.  We went to find Matt in his hotel with his translator friends.  Here Tom suddenly became the main attraction and he loved it.  He went into 'show off' mode and was well received.   At 5pm we got the train back to Lancaster.  We had sandwiches on the way to kill some time and arrived on time.  A good day was had by all - Tom was asleep in minutes.

Sunday we thought we should have an easy day.  We went swimming in the morning (I've noticed at swimming lessons, Tom has got really lazy and isn't even trying to swim!)  He did ok, but as usual is very very nervous about going out of his depth - and won't listen to reason.  This is what is holding him back.  If he can touch the floor he is lazy and doesn't try, if he can't touch the floor he panics and clings.  Oh hum, we are going to try a different teacher next half term to see if she can make a difference.

In the afternoon we went to Clapham Park where we met up with Fred, Matthew, Charlie and Harry for the afternoon.  They all played together really well - Tom decided he was in football mode, so did that most of the time, with Harry and Charlie playing with him.  We are so glad we did this as it was a miserable afternoon - but with all the boys together it really didn't matter - they didn't care!

All in all a good weekend.

Weekend with my cousins

We had a lovely weekend this weekend.  Saturday was a little bit slow to start with as I was cooking huge amounts of food for the weekend.  Matt and Tom went down to the school with a load of jumble and white elephant stall goodies as it was Autumn Fair in the afternoon.  We then went out for lunch and waited for the Branches to arrive.

An Amber Tiger

They arrived about 15 mins before a party we had all been invited to, Tom and I went ahead as we were transporting some others along with us and then they came when they were ready.  It was Charlie and Harry's birthday party.  As we expected it was a mega party.  There were loads of craft activities and a bouncy castle.  As expected Tom didn't even look at the crafting and spent the whole time bouncing.  We told him before Jake and Amber arrived that he would need to look after them as they wouldn't know anyone there, he was true to his word and spent the whole time with Jake.  Amber, spent an age waiting patiently for her face to be painted and ended up a lovely looking tiger.

By the time food was served, there were two very hot and sweaty boys at the party - guess who?  We all blame Pop Pop for that.  They had their fill of food (Jake even ate some bits and pieces that he normally refuses - it's amazing what you will do when you aren't in your comfort zone isn't it), then some more party games and home.  A good time was had by all.

3 in the bath...

We then returned home for crisps and G&Ts for the adults whilst the children played.  We had worked out that it had been 17 months since we last saw each other (bit naughty).  There was every reason for the children to be shy etc, but they weren't at all, they instantly got on with playing.  It was as if they had last seen each other last week sometime.  Great for all concerned.

They all got on so well that they all slept together in Tom's room after only a little messing around - result.  (In fact it was only Jake and Amber messing about - Tom fell asleep whilst they were messing around, lightweight!) They did get up early though, after a while I gave up, got up and put Frozen on for them.  Funny... at school Tom hates Frozen because it is too girlie, however, when his cousins are here he loves it!!!!!

We had breakfast and then headed out to Malham for a walk.  It was bright sunshine in Ingleton, but as soon as we left the mists descended and we couldn't see a thing.  I was beginning to get worried that the trip out would be a waste of time, however, the mist started to clear as soon as we arrived, meaning we saw the scenery with an eerie ghostly misty side.

The children had a good run to Malham Cove, a scramble over the rocks at the base of the cove and then decided to climb up the steps to the limestone pavement.  Amber started to fade half way up the steps so Clare had to give her a piggyback up.  Wow Clare is fit these days, as is Jake - he just doesn't stop - wanting to be in the front the whole time.  We had a slight clamber on the limestone pavement, but Clare was a little nervous of the edge and with Jake being desperate to explore, wouldn't allow him, in case he went too mad (echos of Simon at the same age?), so we headed back down and walked back to the village where we sat outside one of the pubs for tea and a bun enjoying the winter sunshine.  Amber by now was very very tired and lost it over not being allowed her own hot chocolate.  Dad came to the rescue and took her away to calm her down.  The boys however, were still full of energy and ran round, skidding on the grass.

Clambering

We returned home the scenic way,  Amber slept the whole way and the boys sang the whole way.  When we got home Amber continued sleeping whilst the boys played outside and I made a roast dinner.  We then sat down, ate loads of food and then said goodbye to everyone.

This was the most relaxed meeting between the two families we have ever experienced.  Helped by the gorgeous weather I'm sure, but if every time we meet up the atmosphere is similar, it might just happen more often.  I guess with the children all being a little older it helps, they certainly played together very well.