The Bagpipes Meet the Backwoods

As many of you know, Kyle and I are taking a trip to Scotland this spring for a friend's wedding. Long story long, we went to Jamaica for our honeymoon in November 2008 and met another couple at our resort from Scotland, Fiona and Russel, who got engaged while they were there. (see below pic from our honeymoon) We kept in touch and met up with them for a long weekend vacation in Orlando last May. (Check out The World is Flat posting) We were honored later that summer to receive an invitation to their wedding ceremony in Edinburgh on April 17th, 2010. We couldn't say no.

Here is the link to their wedding location. Pictures are found if you click on "gallery" on the right hand side of the home page. Gorgeous. http://www.dundascastle.co.uk/index.php

Bottom line - we are attending a traditional Scottish wedding in a Scottish castle, my husband will join the rest of the male guests in a traditional kilt (don't worry, many, many pictures will be taken,) and we will be staying the night in the Buttercup room of the castle. Are you kidding me?!?! I mean, I always thought I was a princess, but are we living in a fairytale?!?!

So, I'm actually telling you this story for a reason. In order to get ourselves pumped up for our trip to Scotland ... we attended a performance at the Walton Arts Center by the Band of the Irish Guards and Scottish Military Pipes and Drums this past Friday. Our only shot at soaking up some Scottish flavor in Arkansas so we had to jump at the chance.

Kyle even took after his father-in-law and bought his first CD after hearing a live performance. He only has another 1,492 to go to achieve "Bill Mulhausen status" ... my Dad would be proud. :)

The show was amazing and we were inspired to spend part of our weekend finalizing plans for the trip - booking flights from Scotland to Ireland and back to England ... and renting a car to tour whisky country and visit the little town of Ochiltree, where Kyle's Grandma Mary took her last trip before she passed away. We need to do some more research, but Kyle apparently has ancestors that are buried there. Kyle does have that scruffy Scottish look about him, doesn't he?!?! Just wait until you see him in a kilt!!!

Speechless

OMG!!! (for my readers over 60, that means Oh My God!!!) I can't even believe how cute little Vaughn is. And it is still hard for me to believe that Kyle and I are "Uncle" Kyle and "Aunt" Tracie. We just got back from 4 days in Austin, Texas, and I'm already racking my brain to figure out how/when I can get back there.

For the first time in my blogging career (and probably in my life, as my husband will argue) ... I am at a loss for words. I know the mothers out there will be able to relate and will assure me that I'll understand when it's my turn ... but for now ... I can't even find the words to tell you how it felt to hold that little guy. Those 4 days of hanging out at my brother and sister-in-law's house ... taking care of my nephew were ... perfect.

Most of my blogs to date have included, 2-10 pictures. Well, in the 4 days we were in Austin, I took over 200 ... and sat down to pick out my favorites for the blog and came up with over 50! I even bought a new camera before we left for the trip, no joke. Get ready for the line up of pictures you are about to enjoy because they are truly the cream of the crop.

Aunt Tracie holding her nephew, Vaughn, for the first time ever.

The Mulhausen family (my brother, Jeff and sister-in-law, Kathleen and their one month old baby, Vaughn)

Sponge bath time ... which Vaughn thoroughly enjoyed.

Vaughn's first manicure, which he slept right through.



Vaughn's first toy.



Vaughn playing Xbox ... oh wait, that's my brother playing with his son sleeping on his chest. Boys will be boys.

Vaughn chillin' on his new blanket from my mother-in-law. Thanks, Kathy ... he loved it!

The Mulhausen kids ...

A three man operation to get Vaughn's hand prints into his baby book ... and a fourth to document the event.

Vaughn discovers facial hair ... look at him gazing at Uncle Kyle ... too cute.

Vaughn doing his best monkey impression hanging in Aunt Tracie's arms.

Kathleen and her super content baby. Seriously, out of the 4 days we were visiting, I probably heard him cry 3 or 4 times. Just like Jeff and Kathy, he's pretty laid back.

The Petersen family ... practicing. We pull it off pretty well, huh? Vaughn will have a cousin someday, we promise.

Vaughn is exhausted after a weekend of fun with his favorite Aunt and Uncle. :)

Thanks Jeff and Kathy, for letting us be your house guests for 4 days ... I was completely ready to move in! I'd pick taking care of my nephew over working with Walmart on shipping Cheerios more efficiently anyday.

More importantly, thank you for the most perfect nephew ever. We can't wait to come back and visit and only wish we lived closer than an 8 hour drive!

All Roads Lead To ...

That's right. Aunt Tracie and Uncle Kyle are finally hitting the road this Thursday to meet their new little nephew, Vaughn! Just in time to celebrate his one month birthday on Friday. Austin, Texas (and the cutest little baby ever) ... here we come!