Saturday, April 18, 2009

Some Pictures From Our UK Vacation

On our way to the Houston airport we took the time to stop and enjoy the Blue Bonnet flowers that dot the Texas roads this time of the year in Brenham. This is us in London. An early morning arrival meant we couldn't check into our hotel immediately, so we decided to spend a couple of hours getting acquainted with the streets of London. Uncle Mark was our patient guide through the city for most of our time in London. Thanks again, Mark, for spending your vacation showing us around town! Savannah Jo with Uncle Mark on the London Eye. The Eye is great for getting to see the city from a vantage point as it provides great panoramic views all around. Savannah was enthralled with the view. Mommy on the London Eye. We got to enjoy this and a couple of other attractions on our second day. We took a boat tour on the River Thames to explore the city's fascinating history. We also visited the London Aquarium nearby. Daddy and Savannah Jo enjoying the river boat tour. Mark and Savannah checking out the coral life at the London Aquarium. Savannah and Daddy weren't afraid of the sharks at the London Aquarium. Savannah Jo and the Davies girls taking a bath together at the Davies' family home in Aberdeen, Scotland. This is Miriam. Pretty pretty pretty... The Davies family at Drum Castle. The Davies girls with Savannah at Drum Castle. As you can see Savannah loved Miriam AND getting her picture taken! The girls being cute at Drum Castle. Still at Drum Castle, our big girl loves walking around and exploring new spaces. At Crathes Castle, here's Raymond taking a photo of lovely Evie. This is Crathes Castle in Aberdeenshire. We were able to explore the inside and the outside here. The gardens are especially beautiful. In the gardens of Crathes Castle... Not sure what the girls are looking at but it was something interesting. Savannah has begun babbling so it's fun to pretend to understand her conversation and go along with it. One of the great things about visiting Scotland during this time of year is that the daffodils are in full bloom everywhere. This photo of Savannah with Daddy was taken on the grounds at Crathes Castle. The wonderful Davies family at the gardens of Crathes Castle. We arrived soon after Edward Scissorhands at the gardens of Crathes Castle. The view from one of the rooms at Crathes castle. Such a pretty landscape! We all enjoyed the tractor-wagon ride from the parking lot to Balmoral Castle. The walk wouldn't have been too difficult but considering Naomi's condition we opted for the free ride. The kids loved it. We never tire of posing. Naomi & Savannah at Balmoral Castle, home to the queen during the summer months. Our 4th Scotland castle was Donnottar Castle. It's situated on the side of a cliff so a very scenic backdrop. We didn't walk all the way there because it is a little bit unnerving to be on a cliff-side with small children and an awkward pregnant lady! But we were still able to enjoy the beauty and scenery. The Davies family at Dunnottar castle. It was a bit chilly that morning, hence little Evie was reluctant to uncover her face. We really enjoyed every moment with our dear friends. Thanks again for being such great hosts and for showing us the beautiful country of Scotland. On the train ride from Aberdeen to London - Kings Cross Station after a very enjoyable trip in Scotland. Savannah and Auntie Alice (Marks' fiance) outside Buckingham Palace. Mark and Michael with Savannah in front of the gates of Buckingham Palace. Notice the armed police and the uniformed guard at the wall behind them. Savannah Jo by the flowers outside Buckingham Palace. Having fun on the London tour bus. Sights from the London tour bus. We learned all kinds of fun information about the city, parliament, and the history of some of the buildings and builders. It was fun for us all. We highly recommend the London Big Bus Tour, and a tour of the UK in general.

6 comments:

Randi said...

How fun that you were able to see so many fun places on your trip. I can't believe how much Savannah has grown. Her teeth are to die for, and she is looking more like Naomi than when I saw her last. Naomi, you look fantastic for being 6 months prego with your second baby. I can hardly see your baby bump in the pictures. Thanks for letting us see so much of your trip with all of the pictures.

Anthony DeRoest said...

Yea, I knew you'd have fun pictures of your great trip. Thank you for sharing you visit. I can't believe Savannah is growing up so fast. I guess it's good, she needs to help with her sister in the near future. You all look great, I'm glad it was a fun adventure.
love
Chelsea

Amelia said...

Love these! So glad you had a good time. Next time, we'll do round 2!

Lorna DeRoest said...

The pictures turned out great of you all. It looks like you had a wonderful time with you visiting and touring. I'm also glad that Savannah was such a trouper through all the adventure. I think Uncle Mark is probably having withdrawals now that she is gone. She's an easy one to get attached to.
Thank you for sharing with us.
Love your momma

nanadover said...

What an adventure!

Capturing Joy with Kristen Duke said...

wow, so fun to see where you went and what you did. i love the picture of the 3 of you up close.