Fall Break

We had an unusual fall break this year with everyone going in different directions. Scott was traveling for work, Ethan went to York on a school music tour, Christopher went to Elie in Fife with a friend and Charlie and I held down the fort in Glasgow.

Ethan's music tour included a performance in York Minster. Once in a lifetime! Oh how I wish I was invited to see this.

I have no pictures to make this post more interesting.But everyone had a fantastic time and it was nice to have a break.

Fresh Air

This dear green place is so delightful when the weather is nice. We recently went for a family ride through the forest and boy was it beautiful. The forest service does a great job of maintaining farm tracks for public use. There are countless areas to go for a ride.

Autumn was in the air and even though we were only 45 minutes from home, we might as well have been worlds away.

*This is Scott 2 months post knee surgery. Wahoo!

Confirmation

On the 5th of September, Ethan was confirmed at All Saints Episcopal Church, Bearsden, Scotland. He stood before his family and his church community to profess his faith and his willingness to dig deeper in his relationship with God.

I know we are suppose to be humble, but this mama was PROUD. And tearful. I can remember my own confirmation so it seems surreal to me that Ethan is old enough to be confirmed. Our new bishop is extremely warm and he made the service one to remember.

Ethan, you stand firmly in your faith when the world challenges you otherwise. You love others as Christ loves us and you always stand for the Truth. May God continue to bless you in this wonderful journey we call life.

Birthdays

So birthday season at our house is always busy. Because beginning on August 3rd, we have a birthday every two weeks until the first of October. So it's parties, cake, dinners, special outings, and more cake! Fun, fun and more fun! This year we even squeezed in one more special thing that I'll tell you about in my next post. But for now, it's the birthday pics!

I've already told you about how special Christopher's day was! Man, what a thrill to go to the Porsche races on your 9th birthday! We are so thankful it was such a fantastic day!

Christopher, we are constantly amazed at you sweet boy. You are tender, funny, smart, intuitive, kind, sporty, hard working, an adoring little brother and a thoughtful big brother, and you are always there with a hug. The sparkle in your eyes could light up a room and we never tire of seeing your smile! We are so proud of you and we love you. Happy Happy 9th Birthday!

I happened upon a box of Lucky Charms at Lupe's Deli and thought I would splurge for the 4 birthday boys (it was 12 dollars)! Even the big boy had breakfast that morning. And I was surprised to see that the box was not finished for at least a week. (Sometimes I think the idea of sugar cereal is better that the real thing!)

And Ethan. How can it be? 12 YEARS OLD. Seriously, how can it be? We celebrated your birthday at Jamie Oliver's Italian Cafe and you loved it! You want to be a chef and so food and it's source and preparation are your passion. AND I LOVE sharing the kitchen with you! What a treat that is for this momma that spends most of her time preparing food!

Ethan you are patient, kind, generous, smart, interesting, a leader, focused and you are a fantastic oldest brother! You are a good friend and a pleasure to be around. You are loved and we are so very proud of you too. Happy, happy 12th birthday!

Clan Nicol

While the boys and I were in the USA this summer, Scott decided to do a little exploring. He'd recently learned that the Nicol Clan originated in the NW islands off the coast of Scotland; a place called the Outer Hebrides. It's remote, and a bit of a challenge to get to. But it was worth it and he did it on crutches!

As you can see from the pictures (which Scott says do not do the islands justice), the scenery is stunning. The beaches are wide, the ocean is clear, the grass is so vividly green and the houses/villages few and far between.

Scott spent a long weekend driving around, taking in the sites, visiting with his pub mates and he also stopped in at the Nicolson Institute. Because this trip was last minute, he'd not done any research on his family tree and therefore did not find out much information about his specific family. Nevertheless, I think he enjoyed the time away and this is a part of Scotland that he highly recommends.

For more info on the Nicol Clan, see the following:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clan_MacNeacail

Best Birthday Ever

On Christopher's actual birthday, Scott took Chris and Ethan to a Porsche race that he'd been invited to by a vendor. Little did we know that this would prove to be such a family friendly day. The race car driver, George Richardson, is 18 years old. He is super friendly and he had all the time in the world for the boys. His little brother, Jack, is Ethan's age and is George's personal assistant. Christopher and Ethan spent lots of time with Jack while Scott was in the pits. What a cool job he has!

The boys and Scott ate breakfast and lunch with George and his whole family and they were made to feel a part of the team. They had the opportunity to see every part of this sport and they couldn't have had a better day! Christopher told Scott at some point during the day, "this is the best birthday ever!!"

George sent the boys official shirts that he autographed and they are forever fans. Go #28 go!!!

School Days

Well, we are way past the first day of school for the 2010/2011 school year; so I guess better late than never with this post!

Ethan started senior school this year and absolutely LOVES it. He loves the flexibility, the change of teachers and classes, the mix up of students in each class, the clubs (Debate Society, Cooking Club, Brass Group, Concert Band, and Sax Ensemble), and the sport. There is much expected of pupils in this school and he has risen to the task. Long may it continue! Ethan is also fencing 2 nights a week and so he stays very busy.

Christopher is in Prep 5 this year. Prep 5 is the year that the students from the other 2 campuses join the main campus and therefore the classes mix up and there are many new students. It is also the beginning of the second half of prep school when the children are given a little more responsibility. He continues to study hard and to develop his friendships. Prep 5 is also the year that required games begin and Chris was surprised at how much he likes rugby! He has joined the sports club, plays guitar and soccer after school.

Charlie is in Prep 2. He has the same teacher that Ethan had our first year here and so that has been fun. (The teachers at the academy move around throughout the prep school from time to time) Charlie loves to do his homework and he concentrates very hard at school. He plays tennis after school and he loves having his "own" activity.

This school has been such a blessing and we are thankful everyday for this foundation.