Wee Sisters

 "Nice wee handful you've got there", a Scottish lady said to me (when reading this insert the roll of the /r/ and say it with a Scottish accent, it's much more fun that way!)

"Welcome Home, Your Highness"

We have been traveling all over the Lowlands and Highlands of Scotland tracing my family history. It has been an amazing week of castle hopping, haggis testing, Highland Festival going, Loch Ness watching, hill rolling, ice cream tasting, non-stop picture taking, bag pipe hearing, steam train chasing and constant "wow" saying!

Huntingtower (built in the 15th Century) was given to the Murray's in 1643.  When we arrived there the lady at the gate asked if I was a member.  I wasn't sure what she meant, so I told her I was a Murray.  She then bowed and said "Welcome home, your ladyship".  She went on to say she we were not there to reclaim the castle.  Now that is what I call an amazing experience!
She gave the girls the keys to the castle, the silver one is the original and she asked we don't loose them, as t hey are the only keys that can unlock the castle.

Of course the kids had to try out the keys in the castle door.  I guess being Murray's we have some privilege in Perth.

A Curious Highlander

Midnight on the Loch Ness

I am not sure I will ever tire of the Highlands and the summer midnight sky.   

Clan Murray Exploration

There's something exhilarating about family history!  Yesterday we visited the 1st Murray Castle (Duffus Castle) outside of Elgin, Scotland.  Although it is a castle ruin, and hasn't been occupied since the 17th Century, it was still thrilling.  We climbed up the steep hill, imagining the motte that once protected the castle.  The sky was crystal clear and as we walked around the stone rubble, I couldn't help but think that this was where the Murray's once lived.

We feel so blessed to be able to share moments like these with C. before he deploys for Africa.

A father and son moment.

We also paid our respects to the Clansmen who perished at the Battle of Culloden.

O Bonnie Scotland!

This chilly summer morning we headed out to Fort William.  We couldn't resist but join in with all the travelers watching the Hogwarts Express (Harry Potter) train cross over the Glenfinnan Viaduct.  Our family hiked up the side of the mountain with our three small children, my husband draping one child over his broad shoulders and carrying the second small child on his back.  Many huffs and puffs later, even loosing his shoe in the muddy bog, he finally made it to the top to capture this view.

Loch Eil mid day, the loch was so clear it was mirroring everything.

Murray Family History

Blair Castle, in Perthshire Scotland belongs to my clan, Clan Murray.  One of the many stops on our way up to the Highlands.  This is going to be a good week!

Some beautiful blossoms in the castle garden.

We found a home to rent for a few days during our stay in the Highlands,the view is my favorite!

Nearly midnight and there is still light.

Garden Lovely

My new favorite....I just love this Fuchsia!

Nothing But Blue Skies - London!

For a forecast of rain all week, we were graced with nothing but blue skies!  I don't think we could have asked for better weather, I think London was just showing us her best side!  It was just brilliant, spending the day with my sweet heart of 8 years.  Happy Anniversary, sweet C.!

Lovely York!

Enjoying an English Spring

Cambridge American Cemetery, Memorial Day 2011

 "They paid the ultimate sacrifice so the world would be free of the tyranny of evil."

 "They gave up their hopes and dreams so we can live out ours."

 "When their country was in trouble they answered the call to serve and that makes their sacrifice worth it."

 "It's a high price free nations pay for freedom".

 "Grateful are we who sleep under a blanket of Freedom from those who sacrificed."

A Sister's Bond

 The bond of sisters is strong, I not only known that from growing up with three but I can see it with my two little girls.  Some secrets they share with me, and others are just between the two of them.

 Climbing up the front of our home is a prickly plant that is in bloom.  The girls have been asking me if we could pick a few.  Flowers are nice, but it seems like the ones that bloom in your own garden are the sweetest.

 Even though the sisters are very close, they look after their little brother.  I think he is the luckiest brother in the world to have these two unconditionally loving him.

Those Baby Blue's

Those Baby blue's can melt any mother's heart, especially this mother!

Bloom Where You Are Planted