2016 in 12 pictures
When you spend New Years Eve somewhere across the Atlantic, pregnant, and very, very jetlagged, you have to know that 2016 isn't going to be boring. And quite honestly, it was jam packed fun.
In February, we did our first (of hopefully many more) trips down to the Lake District and completely fell in love with the whole area. The grass was luscious, the sheep plentiful, and the sky blue, the air was fresh and clean, and the locals were friendly. Pro tip: go during the off season. I can't imagine maneuvering around those narrow roads during a busy summer! My favourite place was Beatrix Potter's house, which was well worth the cost!
March was pretty quiet, but we did experience the first of many glorious sunsets mirrored on the River Clyde. The west coast of Scotland has amazing sunsets when the weather cooperates!
In April, we ventured down to the East End of Glasgow for a day spent at the People's Palace and soaking up the warmth of the gardens. While we haven't gotten back down there since then, I think it's going to be a place we visit again this winter when we need a change of scenery!
In late April, we popped over to Holland to see the Tulip Festival, east some tasty Dutch food, and walk around the canals many, many times. This was a return trip to Amsterdam and every time, I fall more in love with the city, the friendly people, and the picturesque buildings! I'm already wondering if we could go back again to the Tulip Festival, as it was such a wonderful place to visit and so amazingly colourful!
May was the month of castles. We traveled to Dumbarton Castle (ok, we walked there), Newark Castle, Stirling Castle, Urquhart Castle, Edinburgh Castle, and Inchmahome Priory.
In early July, we saw Glen Coe at sunset on a warm, summery day. It was one of the most amazing times we've ever visited.
In August, Aaron climbed to the top of a nearby hill to check out the location of an old Roman fort.
In September (not in August when she was due) our little Georgie came into the world. Since then, she has made our lives happier and we have been full of wonder at her growth as she takes an interest in the world around her.
In October, we ventured up again to Glen Coe and sat on the banks of Loch Etive as the sun flickered through the clouds. It was a perfect day for this drive and I only wish everyone could experience a scene like that on their trip to the Highlands.
In November, we traveled over to Edinburgh and toured the Christmas Market, climbed Calton Hill, and got Georgie registered as an American citizen so we can all travel now! This was a chilly day, but a beautiful one! Edinburgh is one of my favourite cities here in Britain and I love that every time I visit, I find someplace incredible to explore!
This month we've been doing more local exploring. We meandered up and down Buchanan Street, admiring the shop windows and dodging the locals frantically Christmas shopping, we perused the Glasgow Christmas Market, enjoyed the lights on Ashton Lane, did more Christmas shopping in Balloch, and and hosted our first Christmas spent in Scotland. Overall, 2016 was a wonderfully full year, and I look forward to our next few years here in this lovely country!