There’s something truly magical about Europe over Christmas.

If you read my intro, you’ll know I married a Scottish guy and one of the many perks (along with picking the shorter line in customs US v EU passports) is an excuse to visit often.

This marked my seventh visit back to his home, but our first long-haul with both kids (the last time we went as a family was when Magnus was only five-months old).  This time, Beatrix had just started walking. Dreading the 10+ hour flight, with a barely one-year old who we knew had zero interest in sitting still for that length of time, is a mother-f*@ing understatement!

*Note: Red Eye flights have always been pretty dreamy for us since having kids.  Having finally put that on {virtual} paper, I realize I most likely just jinxed us for life!

Thankfully, all survived our direct flight into Heathrow.  Now, the fun begins…

Two tired & hungry kids, one baby carrier, two suitcases, two backpacks, and a diaper bag: Alan and I had debated on how long of a layover to have in Heathrow before catching a hopper to Glasgow.  After much “discussion” – which probably resulted in a bit of name calling – we landed on a three hour layover and thank God for that!  The trek from the International Terminal at Heathrow to the local connection terminal is no easy feat when your dragging two kids and a shit ton of crap.  It legit took us 2 hours from when we landed to get to our new terminal.

By the way…it was Alan’s 40th Birthday, so obviously we had make sure we had enough time for some beers and a quick bite at Wagamama before the next flight!

Finally…after delays at Heathrow and way too many hours traveling, we made it to Alan’s bro and sis-in-laws, quickly put the kids to bed, and drank enough beer and gin to forget all the annoying shit that happened the past 18 hours (that’s probably what keeps us just crazy enough to keep doing this to ourselves).

Our trip to Scotland, per usual, didn’t disappoint.  We ate too much, drank too much, visited with everyone close to us, introduced the kids to ‘park-in-the-dark’ (since it’s pitch black by 4pm in the winter), and had so many new memories.

That’s not to say the trip was seamless…both kids were miserably sick most of the trip.  Poor Bea had to be brought to the urgent clinic due to a two-month long illness and double ear infection…that we later discovered was a direct result of her being lactose-intolerance.  Thanks, Asian genes.  So, we sadly cancelled our family getaway to Ireland between Christmas and New Years.  

Alan and I have tried to always visit somewhere quick and easy during our travels to Scotland a) because there’s so much to see in this world AND b) to give everyone a break from our crazy.  But alas, the universe had other plans this go-around…so lots of park time, cousin time, family and friends time turned into a fabulous, semi-relaxing holiday!

Scotland To Dos:

• Glasgow Science Centre – this was one of the fav things to do with the kids. Tons of optical illusions and hands on things for kids and babies to play.
• Edinburgh – who doesn’t love a castle? Edinburgh is a must on any trip to Scotland, especially a short trip, since you can get a good taste of what everyone ‘expects’ the country to be like. The Christmas Market here was top notch…lots of trinkets, good food, drinks, and rides.
• Ashton Lane for some time away from the kids for good food and pub scene.
• Pollack Park, because who doesn’t love to visit the hairy-coos? (highland cows)
• Get out of the cities!! – We obviously didn’t make it this go around, but we usually take a trip somewhere outside of the cities. My so far has been Isle of Mull. On our last family trip to Scotland, when Mags was just a baby, we rented a car and drove there for a few days. Absolutely, one the most gorgeous places I have ever been!

Packing Tips

• Waterproof jackets (it’s not super cold, but damp and windy this time of year…or anytime of year).
• Wellies (which were quite the novelty for two desert babes).
• Layers, layers, and more layers – you’ll thank me!
• Stroller. Thankfully my SIL still had her double from when the kids were born, so we didn’t have to bring ours, but we used public transport as much as possible, that it made life much easier than just using the baby carriers.
• Good quality camera…so many fab things to photograph.
• Loose pants, cause the food is too GOOD. Pretty sure we had sausage rolls at least once a day!

Cheers to 2019!