Abernethy, Scotland

Ethan had a fantastic time on his Prep 6 trip to Abernethy. They did all sorts of things. They canoed, swam, climbed, hiked, and did all fun things outside. One thing they did not do: SLEEP.

That sweet boy was a zombie Friday night and Saturday. He's all caught up and we've enjoyed hearing about his adventures. Here are a few pictures. Enjoy.

Just off the bus.

His buddy James.

His roommates, Chris and Cameron.

(check out that house they stayed in!)

On a trek.

And his girlfriend Vicky. I know, I said GIRLFRIEND! I will say though, he has good taste like his daddy!

And Middle Child and Daddy Make 5

Christopher and Scott arrived home this morning safe, smiling and exhausted! Christopher had such a good time with Grandma and Grandpa Nicol and all of his Texas Cousins. And Scott worked his tail off but enjoyed the time he had with his familytoo.

Tonight we sat at the table as a family of 5 and shared stories of our week. It was a meal filled with laughter and noise and oh how I loved that noise.

I think we all appreciated each other a little more this evening. Now we'll see if it will last through breakfast!

One Home

Ethan returned from his adventure camp exhausted but great. He had a blast and the stories are still unfolding. Taking camera to be developed today and will post as soon as possible.

Charlie did not leave his side until he crawled in his bed last night!

One Child

I'm down to one child this week and it feels SOOOOOOO weird! Ethan is on a week long field trip in Abernethy, Scotland with his entire grade. They are at an outdoor adventure camp and the grin on his face Monday morning was priceless! We are especially thankful for the beautiful weather they are having in the highlands. I know he is having a ball. He has a disposable camera with him, so I hope to post pictures next weekend.

Christopher left this morning on a last minute trip to Arlington, Texas! Scott has meetings tomorrow and Thursday in Dallas and we decided that it would be a special treat for Christopher to have that one on one time with his Daddy and his grandparents! You should have seen the grin on his face this morning. He is also thrilled to be missing a week of school and getting to see his Texas cousins.

And Charlie, he is stuck here in Glasgow with me! It's nice to have him all to myself and when I asked what he'd like to do this week his answer was as follows: "paint, playdoh, drawing and playing outside." It's the simple things. And when you are the third child, sometimes it takes the disappearance of all of the distractions to focus on the simple things.

And God sent me a special message yesterday morning. I stepped out of my car, tripped in a pothole and sprained my ankle. So slowing down with Charlie just got that much easier and I am grateful for it!

I do miss the chaos and noise though!

The Glasgow Academy

I apologize for going on and on about our "goings on" here in Glasgow.

In the day to day same old same old, I've forgotten to continue to share with you all of the the things that we now take for granted. All of the things that we continue to learn. The nuances, the language, the culture. I promise to do better!

Scott's brother Todd kindly reminded me that we needed to post simple things like pictures of the house, the boys' school and other everyday things. Thanks Todd for the nudge. I needed it!

Here is the school.






This is the original school building on this campus. Today it houses the main school office, the rector's office, the senior school library and a few senior school classrooms. The Glasgow Academy has been in this location since 1878! Here is a link to the school website with a little information on the history of the school.


http://www.theglasgowacademy.org.uk/ntga/admissions/history.html







As the Academy expanded, they purchased the surrounding tenement buildings which until last April, housed the Preparatory school offices and classrooms. Then, the completion of the new Prep School building allowed the student and staff to spread out a little!








This past year, all three of our boys have been in this building. Ethan and Christopher have classrooms along this glass wall which over looks the River Kelvin! It's splendid.

I hope you've enjoyed your tour around the Glasgow Academy.

Cricket - Not the chirpping kind!

Another new sport coming your way. My brain is overwhelmed with all of the sporting rules we've learned in the last 18 months. Rugby. I can almost follow along. Fencing, I'm getting there. International tournament today helped. Cricket. I have no idea.

I've had the chance to see Ethan at cricket practice but I really know nothing about the sport. I really do not understand it. Most of my friends say they've been watching for years and they still don't understand it.

When we first moved here, we thought Ethan would love it since we thought it was similar to baseball and he LOVES baseball. He was frustrated by it last year. Maybe his brain was in new sporting rules overload. This year however, he's really enjoying it. He's required to play it at school in the rugby off season so I am thankful he likes it more now.

Last weekend, Scott went to watch a match and he loved learning the rules and basking in the Scotland Summer Sunshine! Maybe by the time Charlie is playing, I know the rules to this one too!

Here are a few pictures of Ethan bowling and batting:

4:34 am

That is the time of today's sunrise. Angus is very confused and thinks it's time to play and eat. And today, Charlie was confused as well. Our bed was full this morning.

Help me Ronda!