Author: Kristi

Day 3: Kirkwall, Scotland. We spent one day in Kirkwall, Scotland in the Orkney Islands which is in the very north eastern tip of Scotland. In the morning we did a driving tour of the island visiting the Italian Chapel built by POWs in WWII, Scapa Flow and the Standing Stone of Stenness. The landscape was beautiful- albeit constantly windy. And what trip to Scotland could be complete, without a trip to a distillery. We partook in the Connesiour’s Tour at the Highland Park Distillery and were able to try  a few different drams of Highland Park’s finest. Of course Grandpa and Andy were in pig heaven!

Hello Scotland! Andrew excited to visit a new country. And of course he was sporting the proper headwear thanks to Aunt Judy and Uncle Pete.  

Before heading to Scotland, we’ve all been obsessed with the TV show Outlander. For better or worse the Standing Stone of Stenness were nothing but a huge replica of the ‘magical’ stones in the show. As a result we were all a little timid to touch the stones…

More sights around Kirkwall: 

And the distillery. If you want to know how Scotch is made, ask Andy. I was too busy trying to keep little A silent for a 90 minute walking tour and tasting.  All I remember:   

Too much Scotch for this toddler! Note: I think I’ve seen his father look the same way after a bit of whiskey as well! 

I know. It’s been a really long time since I’ve posted. But we’ve been really busy having fun, soaking up the summer, visiting family, blah, blah, blah.I think it’s just the sign of enjoying the good life!

But I’m back. I’ve even missed our blog. Some days I go to the site and am sad to see that nothing’s new…

So here’s what we’ve been up to. In June the Phillips-Kleinfelter clan traveled to Europe to board the Disney Magic for the 12-night Norwegian Fjords and Iceland Cruise. We were all really excited about the trip and particularly eager to visit Iceland- a new destination for all of us! Before we could board the boat, Andy, Andrew and I needed to cross the pond. I can’t quite describe the inner anxiety I possessed at the thought of taking a toddler on a 8 hour red-eye flight to London. I read travel blogs, talked to my mommy friends and tried to think through every contingency I could. I had snacks, toys, large diaper stash and enough Mickey Mouse Club episodes on my phone for us to circumnavigate the globe a few times. But my fears were totally unnecessary. Andrew was a rock star! The moment the plane engines turned on in Newark, he was out! He slept the entire way to London. It was amazing. Andy and I enjoyed the in-flight adult beverages and bad movies as we jetted over to London.

We met my family at the ship in Dover, England and managed to get a glimpse of the famous white cliffs through the fog. We were all a bit dazed from the travel and sleepless night…everyone but Andrew that is. The only downside to a child who sleeps on the plane- he’s not tired when you arrive- which was quite different than is zombie-like parents.

Day 1: Sea Day. We sailed from Dover, England to Newcastle, England. Thanks so some blackout curtains in our stateroom, time change and red eye the night before, the ENTIRE Phillips family slept 13 hours until 10:30 am. It was glorious. We spent the rest of the day exploring the ship, eating and visiting with a few ‘special friends.’

It should also be noted that Andrew began to also perfect his names for my family. Bill or Grandpa is now referred to as ‘Papa’, Connie or Grandma is now ‘Coco’ and Aunt Kelly is forever ‘Kiki’. Yup, we were rolling deep with Papa, Coco and Kiki for two weeks.

Sharing his cars with Pinnochio at toddler time & playing hide and seek with Goofy! 

And a big hug for Andrew’s main man Mickey. He ran straight up to Mickey and Minnie. No fear. It’s like they were long last buddies!

Day 2: Newcastle, England or affectionately known as ‘Nathan Day.’

Instead of joining a Disney excursion, we decided to venture out on our own to visit some nearby sites surrounding Newcastle. Besides being home to some famous castles, the greater Newcastle area is also home to Nathan, Andy’s best friend from Lafayette and the best man at our wedding. Our first stop was Bamburgh Castle; a beautiful- and VERY old- fortress on the sea. Next stop was Alnwick Castle, another beautiful and well preserved castle. While Bamburgh was lovely, we were all really excited for Alnwick since it’s been the backdrop for both Harry Potter AND Downtown Abbey- two things this crew has a mild obsession with (some more than others). We ended our sight-seeing day with a traditional Sunday roast and pint at a local pub in Warkworth, Nathan’s home town. We were even lucky enough to grab a short visit with Nathan’s parents! It’s good to know people. After a long day, we headed back to the boat for a little evening sail up to Scotland!

Bamburgh Castle: 

Alnwick Castle:

Andrew saw some other children rolling down the hill at the castle and thought it was hilarious. He tried it himself but didn’t quite master the roll. Instead it looked more like him repeatedly throwing himself on the ground and laughing.

You can’t appreciate it from the photo from thousands of people lined the coast for miles (literally!) to see the ship off as we left Newcastle. Crazy sight to see so many people cheering for the Mickey boat! 

We’re on vacation for the next two weeks! England, Scotland, Iceland and Norway here come!