Here it is early almost 5 p.m. on our first full day in Aberdeen. My body is starting to adjust to the time change, though I am still kind of tired. Aubrey and I are working on our blogs for the first time, and as unseasoned bloggers, they are likely to be a bit boring at first, but practice makes perfect, right?

Anyhoo, our flights from Bartlesville went very well. The flight from Bartlesville to Memphis was a bit smooshed, but thankfully quite short and uneventful. The real amazement came when we stepped foot onto the Airbus A330. We had so much room. I have never flown Business class before, so I felt like I was walking into a Day Spa for the first time. That's right, completely self-conscious of my behavior and worried I would look foolish. The kids thought it was great fun. I don't know what the other passengers thought, but I am sure it wasn't that travelling with three kids nearby was great fun.

As it turns out, they really like to feed and water (or wine for most folks) you alot in Business class. Seems like everytime I blinked someone was offering food or beverage. It was such a tremendous treat, but difficult to indulge since I was so tired. (Yeah, I forgot to mention the complete lack of sleep I had the night before.)

We made it to Amsterdam without much ado, and then on to Aberdeen. Upon our arrival in Aberdeen the weather was gorgeous (unlike today) as we awaited the approval of our Visas through Customs. Once we made it through, we collected our 13 bags, 4 back packs, 3 kids and a Partridge in a Pear tree and loaded up a van waiting outside for us. (Thank you Mary from Relocation Scotland). The kids were amazed at how taxis looked different here. Interestingly enough, they didn't seem to notice that we are actually driving on the other side of the road. Our driver was quite friendly and chatted with us as he drove us to our apartment. It was fun to listen to him speak. I don't think I will ever tire of hearing the beautiful dialects of this region.

After we arrived to the Apartment and settled in a bit, we took a ride in our Rental car (A Vauxhall) around Aberdeen while Brian educated me on driving on Round abouts. I am always so completely amazed at how well he picks these things up. He was meant to be a world traveler, I think. Anyway, he drove us by our soon to be new house where several kids were at play in the streets. Aubrey and Bryson would have bailed out of the car to greet them if we had slowed the car enough. They were so excited about everything. Finally, we made a stop at Asda, the UK version of Walmart (owned by Walmart) where Brian took the two older kids in with him to pick up some groceries. They were amused by the fact that Asda is two stories and has an escalator for shopping carts.

We rounded out our day with some fresh pizzas (from the Asda Deli) and some fussiness from Bryson. The kids were tucked away in bed by 9 p.m. (3 p.m. Central). I ended my day with two cups of hot tea. (Can't get Diet Dr. Pepper here, so I am making some huge sacrifices.) In honor of the great United Kingdom, I added milk to my tea for the first time ever. It was quite delicious, hence the second cup. I took a moment to breathe in the cool sea air from our apartment balcony as I sipped my tea, then retreated to bed with open windows. It was a lovely end to our first day.

Well, I think that is quite enough boredom for anyone to endure in one sitting. Perhaps the next note will share a reflection on European toilets to spice things up a bit...Until then, Beannachd leat! (A Scottish Gaelic goodbye)

Wendy