Kate’s 1st Birthday…Scottish Style!

On August 24, we celebrated Kate’s 1^st birthday – just the three of us.  Being so far away from friends and family meant that she would not have the traditional birthday bash…no themed parties, bounce houses, or friends to share cake with.  Instead, Doug and I planned a 5 day road trip to Scotland to commemorate the event. 

Kate on her big day!

EDINBURGH

The first leg of the adventure took us from Oxford to Edinburgh – the capital of Scotland.  We toured the sprawling Edinburgh Castle that sits high atop the city, where human habitation of the site dates back to the 9^th century BC.  It was where King James VI (son of Mary Queen of Scots) was born and home to other members of the Royal family until they decided that it wasn’t ‘comfortable’ enough.  Being perched high on its rock created quite a windy and unpleasant climate so they picked up and moved to Holyrood Palace on the other end of the Royal Mile.  My heart bleeds for them.  Also on site is what’s know as “The Honours of Scotland”, which includes the Crown, Sceptre, and Sword of State – the oldest Crown Jewels in the British Isles.  I wanted to try on the crown, but they wouldn’t let me. 

            

Family Photo in the Castle.  Kate's hunched over sleeping in the backpack.



The castle from below

After touring the castle, we walked the Royal Mile.  It was bustling with street performers and tourists, as August brings a month-long festival that attracts people from all over the world.  We stopped in St. Giles Cathedral, which is roughly 900 years old, to see the stunning stained glass windows, statues, and columns.  It was absolutely beautiful. 



 It wouldn't be Scotland without a bagpiper!  St. Giles Cathedral in the background.



St. Giles Cathedral



The final stop on the Royal Mile is Holyrood Palace, the official Scottish residence of Her Royal Majesty the Queen.  Apparently, she has to stay there for at least 6 weeks a year as part of her royal obligations (there goes my bleeding heart again!)  Last September, she welcomed Pope Benedict XVI during his visit to the country.  We toured the state apartments that included the official throne chairs of King George V and Queen Mary, and lots and lots of tapestries.  I’m learning that the royals really like their fancy woven goods!  We also walked through the bedchambers of the scandalous Mary Queen of Scots where she witnessed the murder of her secretary by her jealous husband.  After several marriages (which included one to her 1^st cousin, one to a man who had been found strangled to death, and another to the man who was believed to be the killer of the strangled guy), she was ultimately executed for treason for her alleged involvement in three plots to assassinate Queen Elizabeth I.  And you thought your ex was crazy! 

Kate in front of Holyrood Palace

LOCH NESS

Our next stop was to the famed Loch Ness in the heart of the Scottish Highlands…home of the Loch Ness monster named “Nessie”.  There is lots of speculation as to the authenticity of Nessie – Ancestor of dinosaurs?  Dragon?  Monster fish?  Sea serpent?  A result of drinking too much Scottish whisky? – no one really knows.  We joined the search by taking a lake cruise and came across this strange looking creature.  Nessie?  Hmmm…

Kate's not sure about that creature over Daddy's shoulder!

Watching the boats go through the locks of the Caledonian Canal

Hiking in Fort Augustus

OBAN

The last leg of the birthday road trip was to a small fishing village called Oban on the west coast of Scotland.  After a busy few days, we just took it easy here.  The highlight of our stay in Oban was Kate receiving a compliment at dinner about how well behaved she was.  Ha.  She fooled them!  It was a rare shining moment for our daughter in a restaurant, but we’ll take it! 

Cool castle we came along on our way to Oban

Oban Bay - View from our room

We headed back to our Oxford home the next morning.  It was a long car ride back (about 12 hours including stops and holiday traffic) but Kate was amazing.  While she can’t last more than 3 minutes shopping or eating out, she can somehow last 12 hours strapped in her car seat.  My girl loves adventure and exploring…clearly her daddy’s child.