Ayr Scotland

Yesterday, E, our friend Joan and I went to Scotland for the day. Being able to go to Scotland for the day is totally odd to me. We had a wonderful day-I've wanted to go to Scotland from the time I was about 11, so it was very exciting to say the least! Joan picked us up at the house at about 5:45 AM (very, very, very early for a Sat. morning!) and we drove to the StenaLine ferry dock. I am so amazed at how child friendly everything is here-the dock had a play area with various toys and a really amazing mural of famous children's stories. We got onboard the ship at 7:30 and then set sail for a small town on the coast of Scotland. The ship had a food court including Burger King, a cinema, a kids play area and a kids cinema. Watching the water via the large windows was great. The trip takes about 105 minutes. From the port town we got on a tour bus for the 1.5-2 hour ride to Ayr. E decided that a nap was in order there and on the way back! Woo hoo! It is an amazing time as you see so many beautiful things: wide open land with farm animals-sheep and cows, though a few horses, cottages, and bits of old stone castles, etc. The hills are beautiful, as is the water. In Ayr (birthplace of Robert Burns 1759-1796 and author of Auld land syne)., we got to see tons of amazing buildings as well as lots of great shopping. We also walked part of the river walk, saw part of the new university as well as the most amazing building, which a local thought used to be a hospital/nursing home. I did do some shopping and found a wonderful Stewart scarf, a few Christmas pressies, and a couple of things for my Dad who used to live in Scotland in the 60's. We also ate in my first and second pubs of the trip. The first was an old church turned pub (a bit odd maybe). The food was good and the room still had the feel of it's first use. The second one had a great outdoor play area with playgrounds for each age group (yes, at a pub!). E played with the local kids and I had a really nice pot of tea! Back then to the coach, the boat and home. We got home at about 10 PM-and we were totally tired! Today we are cleaning house, watching Dora, and making "tea" for our wonderful friends Fiona (maths teacher at school), her husband NOel, and kids James and Naomi (both about E's age!). I'm doing an American meal of meatloaf, mac and cheese, corn, and then stewed apples and icecream for pud! Have a great day and there is another round of postcards on the way!
love,
DM and EE
PS-E has his first full day of school tomorrow-during the first half term the kids only go til 12:15, and now he'll stay til 2PM.