Blessings from Meadowknoll Drive

Last Tuesday, I was driving through town with Charlie in the car and we were blocks from the boys' school and only a mile from our house when low and behold, guess who we spotted taking photographs of the Kelvingrove Museum???

Our next door neighbors from Dallas, the Dowlings: Michael, Melissa and Katherine. I performed a very illegal U-turn and rolled down the window to surprise them! We were all shocked!

They did not realize that we still lived here (somehow I left them off our change of address card list this spring - so sorry!) and of course we did not know that Melissa would be attending a conference at Glasgow University. What a bonus and a blessing for our week!

We toured the St. Mungo Museum and Necropolis on Wednesday afternoon then picked the boys up from school. They came for dinner and margaritas and we laughed and chatted and caught up on so many things. (Poor Scott was entertaining a group of businessmen at a restaurant and he missed all the fun!) Michael and Katherine brought a gift of a "trebuchet" kit for the boys and it was a huge hit! We worked so hard to build that thing after dinner, determined to see things fly through the air.

On Thursday, Michael, Katherine and I went to the Burrell and Pollok Park while Melissa was at the conference and the boys were at school. It was pouring rain so it was nice to be inside.

The Dowlings were great neighbors, they are great friends and we miss seeing them on a regular basis. Micheal, Melissa and Katherine, thank you for spending part of your holiday with us! We loved seeing you and will look forward to seeing you again sooner rather than later!

Adjusting

Charlie said to me on Thursday (his 6th full day of school this year):

"You know mom, I am really not adjusting well to Prep 1!"

Oh to hear such a grown up, philosophical phrase out of such a wee little man! I thought my heart was going to break and I thought I would burst out laughing all in the same moment.

Sweet little guy. These longs days of school are not what they're cracked up to be. He is sleeping so hard and he loves having homework like his brothers. But I think sitting still for a chunk of the day and using his brain as much as he is, has worn him out!

If we can just make it to the long September weekend then he'll have a little break!

Happy Birthday Christopher!

Happy, Happy, Happy Birthday sweet Christopher. (I am not going to be able to do these birthday posts next year because they are making me too sad.) I can remember his fuzzy strawberry blond hair from the first picture like it was yesterday. I can hear his little voice telling me the names of all types of tractors while making the drive from our house to grandma's. I love that his wet hair still looks that crazy when we pose for pictures today. And the light in his eyes when he smiles has always been there and will melt my heart any day.

Christopher, we love you, we are proud of you and you are a blessing beyond words. For us and for all of those around you. Happy 8th birthday precious boy!

"Watch over thy child, O Lord, as his days increase; bless and guide him wherever he may be. Strengthen him when he stands; comfort him when discouraged or sorrowful; raise him up if he fall; and in his heart may thy peace which passeth understanding abide all the days of his life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen."

Book of Common Prayer

PS.......Notice the new front tooth he has this week! It's only been three years!

Weather

I continue to be amazed by the weather here. The rain is relentless. It's never like the violent thunderstorms we experienced in Texas. It's just constant. Continuous. RAIN.

When it's not raining and the sun peeks through, the days are GLORIOUS. And I think it's the only way people have survived here for centuries. This country is so beautiful and we are reminded of it often. The green hills and trees everywhere. And the blooms on flowers not parched by the hot sun, they're spectacular.

My friends get out in the rain. It's my nature to stay in. I'm not used to going anywhere in the rain. But people here don't let it bother them. It's what they know. They play tennis, rugby, golf, football, cycle, and walk their dogs in the pouring rain. Everyday. Ethan loves the rugby practices in the rain. It makes my laundry more interesting.

There is a saying here that there is no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothes!

I'm learning to accept the rain and am bracing myself for the Scottish Winter!

Back to School

Today marked the end of summer for the Nicol Clan. The boys went back to school this morning in the pouring Glasgow rain. It was bittersweet for me. The boys were delighted!

Charlie had a big day starting Prep 1 (kindergarten). He was excited to go but surprised us with a few jitters this morning. Once in the classroom with his friends, he was good to go! I thought I would be weepy, but off to the gym I went; not a tear in my eye. (Don't know what that says about me as a mother!)

And Christopher and Ethan didn't need us to hold their hands! Apparently, Prep 4 and Prep 7 boys don't need hand holding . They left us at the school gate.

All three had a great day and were relieved not to work too hard. Again, time is flying!

Apologies

I don't really have anything eloquent to say about the Lockerbie scandal. It's strange to live less than 75 miles from the site of this tragedy and yet feel so distant from it. Last year, we followed the presidential election in the British press, and it was a bit surreal. I have the same feelings this week. I never really felt like an expat until now.

I will tell you that we've had multiple apologizes (in jest) from friends here in Glasgow. Most Scots do not agree with the decision to release Megrahi.

Thank goodness it is not ultimately for me to judge.

Birthday Cake

Charlie requested spaghetti and a monkey cake for his birthday meal. Our beloved babysitter Gemma and our neighbor Angus joined us for dinner and I think the little birthday boy had a good day. Gemma brought a new race track which was a big hit with all of the boys.

Charlie was melancholy but I think it was the realization that his party is not until Saturday and he'd have to wait 5 more sleeps until then. Funny how he is a ham for the camera most of the time but couldn't be bothered while we were singing to him. Big 5 year old.