Dorothy I'm not in Kansas anymore!!!

I have been sooo busy these last few weeks. My children's school is keeping us on our toes. We've had Sport's Day, Sports Dinner (I was very good - ate a few bites of the dessert and than pushed it away), Junior and Senior Production, Fashion Show, Summer Concert, and Leaver's Service. Tomorrow is Speech Day and we are done. In the middle of all of this was 4th of July. We took the kids out of school and went on a short break to Edinburgh, Scotland. We walked the Royal Mile (yes it's a mile) a few times and then for a NSV I climbed this:

This is Scott Monument. There are 287 steps to the top around a circular stairway that narrows as it ascends. The funny thing is I convinced my family to climb it and I couldn't go all the way up. I made it to the third viewing area before fear overcame me. As you ascend this structure people are descending on the same stairs. WHHHHHHAAAAAAAATTTTTTTT??????????? There is barely enough room for me to get up then you want me to move to the outside so someone can descend. I freaked out. In someone's infinite wisdom they abruptly omitted the hand rail half way up. While my family completed the 50 odd steps I had time to reflect on how I was going to live out my life atop Scott's monument without a bathroom. I was seriously frightened. I didn't think I was going to be able to get down. Fear had gripped me tight in it's clutches. My family by this time had been up and didn't beat an eyelash when I said I couldn't come down. In unison they said "Whatever" and commenced their decent. I was left with further reflection of my new existence as a permanent fixture atop this Gothic beast. Needless to say when I thought of winter clearer minds prevailed and I started my descent. My daughter was laughing hysterically as I was exiting. The endless line of lambs to the slaughter were staring questioningly at my tear streaked face.

I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend. I'm off to my first 5K on Sunday. Pictures to follow!