Scotland

Our trip to Scotland this year was wonderful as usual. In order to break up the insane amount of traveling, we spent a week with my parents in CT first. The kids went swimming every day, and Darwin actually fell in the pool the second day we were there . He was so excited to get in the pool he just ran up to the edge and didn't stop. Luckily I was right there to pull him out, and in typical Darwin fashion, he was ready to swim again 5 minutes later.

Unlike last year, the weather in Scotland this year was wonderful! There was very little rain, and we actually found ourselves wearing t-shirts several times, which is highly unusual! The kids had a blast playing outside, especially down by the river. My brother and his girlfriend joined us for a week, and we all went for a picnic at Glen Lednock, a spot that has been a favorite since we were young. Mom and I had a wonderful ride on highland ponies, up through the heather, over the hills. The kids attended their first Highland Games, where they were able to dress up as real firemen, AND even use a real fire hose to put out a real fire!! Definitely a highlight.

Darwin Turns Three!

Today is Darwin's third birthday!  Because of the holiday, we are having his party next weekend. But, we had to have SOME presents on his actual birthday, so we had the grandparents over tonight and opened gifts.  Darwin loved everything! He immediately took his new Lightning McQueen backpack to the playroom to fill it with toys, as he has seen Sebastian do with his own backpack time and again. Darwin also received some Thomas trains, and his favorite story from the library, "I Stink", about a garbage truck. We brought cupcakes to his preschool class Friday, and they all sang happy birthday. The kids' nanny took them to the zoo this afternoon, and then out for ice cream, where the ice cream store owner sang happy birthday, and put a candle in his ice cream for him. He is just eating it all up! 

Darwin is thriving after being at home with us now for 8 months. He has grown almost two inches! He rarely gets sick, but is so bold and rambunctious that he often gets "owies". He and Sebastian are very close, and Sebastian has recently been telling Darwin, "You're my best friend, Darwin!" He readily comforts Darwin when he is sad or hurt, and freely gives him hugs and kisses. Darwin is not quite so demonstrative in his affection with Sebastian, but he clearly idolizes him. They have some very silly games that they play only with the two of them, which crack them both up. They still have frequent arguments, as three year olds will, but mostly they play well together. A new favorite thing is to switch car seats and cribs. 

We received Darwin's US Passport a week or so ago for our upcoming trip to Scotland. 

He has taken everything that life in the US has thrown at him, and come out smiling. He is really quite a remarkable, resilient little guy. We have been very lucky in our experience. 

Catching Up!