Another day, another vacation recap 🙂 .
If you missed it yesterday, I shared PART ONE of our trip to Scotland and Ireland. You can catch that HERE.
Today’s post is all about our day visiting St. Andrews. This was one of my very favorite days on our trip!
Happy Friday, friends! Here you go…
Andrew and I decided that Ashby is at that “weird smile” phase. My other kids went through it too. We were like Ashby, what is that face?! She would then smile genuinely and say “I don’t know?”. Hahahaha! We got up early on this day and ate breakfast before taking the train north to St. Andrews, Scotland.
On our way to breakfast, we saw this. I love super random facts like that!
Ah! I love my sweet Kensington so much! How is she almost ten?!
We enjoyed our breakfast at Conti so much that we went back the next night for dinner (because that menu looked really good too!). We ate and then headed off to…
…the train station! We bought tickets for the morning train to St. Andrews. We were pumped!
We love a fun train ride!
These two started off sitting next to each other for the ride. It took just a little over an hour to get there.
These two sat together too…
…and then this was my seat mate 🙂 .
The train ride out there was BEAUTIFUL! We all decided that we didn’t spend enough time in Scotland. We could have stayed there the entire two weeks. Next time, we’re going back to see so much more of this gorgeous country.
How big does Madeley look right there?! Oh my word! She looks so grown up writing in that journal.
We arrived! St. Andrews was the prettiest little coastal town. It boasts many famous things such as probably the world’s most famous golf course where they play the British Open every five years, the major university (where William and Kate attended and met!) and the castle. The town was so cute too!
We walked around the university to start and then headed to…
…St. Andrews Castle. My kids LOVED this castle!!
We spent so much time exploring it!
Spectacular!
We were starving by the time we were finished at the castle, so we headed into town and ate outside a tavern/pub restaurant. We loved all the people watching as we waited for lunch!
After that, we strolled the streets of St. Andrews and of course, stopped for ice cream…
…we were having the best day!
I had another cappuccino and a piece of yummy cinnamon cake!
We walked over to the golf course and admired the history. This is what they call the Old Course. It’s uber famous 🙂 .
We loved watching the golfers come in.
This is what some of us think about golf.
Later that evening, we took the train back to Edinburgh. It was a wonderful day!
Okay, I’m going to leave it there for today and recap more next week!
I hope you all have the BEST weekend!! See you Monday! xo
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog says
So much sightseeing! I hope the kids enjoyed it and learned a lot! 🙂
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Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
Elspeth Mizner says
Wow so jealous!! I would love to visit Scotland especially St. Andrews!!! Have a good weekend! Can’t wait to read more next week
Anna says
Wow! The view on the last pic! Is your makeup routine different when you’re on a trip or is it the same at home?
Mix and Match Mama says
I would say that it’s the same!
Erika Slaughter says
With views like that, I might start golfing!! Absolutely stunning! Ashby’s smile face had me laughing out loud. Just for the record-I think Nixon is still in that phase! Haha!
Sharon says
Scotland is on our list as well.. we did Ireland 2 years ago and loved it. I wish you included a few more tips in your travel posts…. Did you buy tickets ahead of time that allowed you to skip the line, what you picked a certain day of the week for some activities like they had special access or guided tours, was springing for a private tour guide or the audio guide worth it, pre-booking transportation etc. Those are all really helpful when planning a family trip
Mix and Match Mama says
I’m going to try and include specific tips if I have them. So far, we bought tickets for everything (besides the guided tour) day of. We bought the guided tour tickets online before we left (but people were walking up and buying them, so I don’t think it really mattered much). There weren’t any lines to be skipped (it was very much a ‘walk around the castle and listen to me tell you things’ kind of tour). We always book car services in advance. That’s a service I provide through my travel agency. If you ever have any specific questions, my travel agency would be happy to answer them!
Grace Smith says
What do you use the car service for? Just renting a car?
Mix and Match Mama says
No, we use a car service to pick us up from the airport and such. They’re there waiting on us with a big enough vehicle (for six people and our luggage) plus they bring car seats and boosters for my kids.
Tanya says
YES, you could definitely spend more time in Scotland. We did a 10 day road trip there, and I could still go back for more! Have a wonderful weekend!
Narci Dreffs says
Oh my heavens!! St. Andrews is just gorgeous!! And those pictures of the train ride look like so much fun!! I am loving your recaps!!
Sarah Shaneyfelt says
Oh my goodness, Madeley in jeans!! And I have Scotland and Ireland on the list to vacation to someday! How were the accents? Were they really thick and hard to understand or easy to understand? That’s always something I’ve wondered! PS–loving the recap of this trip!
MeetTheShaneyfelts
Mix and Match Mama says
Honestly, I thought the English accent was thicker! For some reason, the Scottish accent didn’t phase me much!
Dustie Day says
I want to hop on a plane right now!!! Happy Friday!
Dana says
Everyone I have spoken to about travel recently has just raved about Scotland. I think your pictures have been the most convincing though. We’re going to have to find a way to make our way up there!
Diane VandenPlas * Snowflakes & Coffeecakes says
Hi Shay,
Your photography is absolutely beautiful – as always! What kind of camera and lenses did you bring on your trip and which lens did you use for the scenery photography? I’m always stumped which ones to bring on a trip!
Thanks so much,
Mama V
Mix and Match Mama says
Oh gosh…that’s just my iPhone! That’s the only “camera” I brought! Thank you though!!
Megan says
Are you now booking European vacations for your travel agency clients now? If so, I’ll be in touch for some ideas for a mid to late August 2019 trip.
Mix and Match Mama says
We are! We’d love to help you!
Haley says
Are you booking European trips for new clients??
Mix and Match Mama says
We are!!
Elizabeth says
Love it! We visited Scotland last May but didn’t have the chance to go to St. Andrews. We spent a full 2 weeks roaming around the country though, and I honestly could have stayed longer. Its never enough time!
Mix and Match Mama says
We could have stayed such a long time!!
Jessica says
Your trip looks amazing! Just wondering if you could update us on Meagan and Violet. I know and completely understand the need to keep things private, but so many of us prayed for them and are hoping for the best.
Mix and Match Mama says
Violet’s birth mother asked the adoption agency to let her stay with Meagan and her family. It was a blessing all the way around.
Susie says
Oh I’ve been wondering about this too!! So they got to keep Violet and her birth mother is staying with them?
Mix and Match Mama says
No, the birth mother told the agency that she wants Meagan’s family to have her and raise her. The birth mother lives in another state.
Leslie Burns says
I was so excited when I saw you came to my country!! Would’ve loved to have bumped into you all on your travels, maybe next time!!
Jaren says
Funny that you mentioned the smile phase! I’ve had that conversation with my friend too!
Gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous. Can’t wait to see more!!
sydnee says
What great pictures! Reminds me of our trip to Scotland and Ireland 2 years ago!
Design by Sydnee | Our Scotland & Ireland Trip
Amy says
Looks like so much fun! Thanks for sharing. Side note – I miss your Friday Favorites!
Kristin @ Royally Broke says
Loving your trip posts! I just finished writing an article about Kate’s early years before meeting William so I was doing a lot of research about St Andrews – did you get to see their dorm, etc? Apparently, they used to go shopping in the Tesco a lot and girls would stake it out to see William, haha. I’m dying to go to Scotland but wasn’t sure there would be a lot to do for my 5 year old – you have convinced me!!
Theresa Childs says
Oh I love all the pictures of Scotland. Will be putting this on my list to visit. How do you get the family photos ? Do you ask someone to snap a picture for you ? Thanks for sharing your vacation with us.
Mix and Match Mama says
Yes! People are so nice when we ask!
Carly says
What a beautiful trip!!! I have the most random question. What are those shoes Andrew is wearing?? I love the look of them and I’m assuming they must be comfortable if he was using them as “walking shoes.” ☺️
Mix and Match Mama says
I don’t know the brand…they’re from Nordstrom. I’ll check!
Diane says
I noticed them too! So stylish, but not too much, still manly. You have the most beautiful family and you and Andrew are so blessed and such a blessing to so many. Thanks for letting us peak at your life.
Kayla says
Loving these updates, Shay! I have never been to Scotland or Ireland, but they are on my list! Also loving those Toms. Wishing the grey color wasn’t sold out.
Dianna says
Oh my goodness Madeley looks so big writing in the journal. And the pic of Kensington walking into the tunnel at the castle she looks like a long legged teenager!
Valerie says
Loved seeing the pictures of St. Andrews! I lived there for a year when I was 6 and even went to school for first grade there. So many memories of playing on the castle grounds, swimming in the freezing ocean “pool”, and running around on the Old Course after it closed every night. I hope you got to see the beautiful cathedral and enjoy some fish n chips.
Anna Jones says
I honestly could not figure out where Madely was for a minute in that train pic!! She looks so grown there!! haha. Love these trip blogs!
Pepita says
The pics are beautiful and your kids look like they made a lot of memories! Also, where did you get the sunglasses you are wearing, I have been looking for a pair like that!
Amanda @ That Inspired Chick says
Tell Andrew that Craig got to play the Old Course when he was there! 😉 Loved all these pictures!
That Inspired Chick
Dianne Whiteman says
Do you have a favorite cross body bag you use when you are out during the day when traveling?
Mix and Match Mama says
That one! It’s my fave!
Angela Ellingson says
What an incredible day! Love your vacation recaps!
Andrea says
I love your recaps of the trips you and your family take!! Thank you so much for sharing your life with us. I had a future post idea- would love to know what crossbody bag you use and the “must have” things you take when you do day trips!! You always have the best ideas for everything!!
LeAnn says
Do your kids argue about who is going to sit next to you at restaurants and such? My kids are all older than yours and STILL do it. lol
Mix and Match Mama says
Bahahahahaha! EVERY.SINGLE.TIME!!!!
Jennifer says
Could you share where you got Kensington’s boots? I’m looking for some good walking boots for my daughter when we go to London.
Mix and Match Mama says
They’re Uggs!!
Andrea says
Looks like such a fun trip! And Madely’s jeans!!?
Kay M says
Hi Shay! I know you get a TON of comments and I am not sure if you have time to read them all- but your blog is my favorite way to start my mornings. It truly helps me start my day on a positive note. I know these are just words but I wanted to let you know how much I love reading here and how impactful these little snippets of your life are! Your family just seems so sweet. 🙂 So thank you!
Also a quick question if you don’t mind! What locations do you send clients to in Europe? My husband and I would love to start planning a trip for fall 2019 but are clueless as to where to start. Do you provide online consulting for this? We don’t live in the Dallas area so was just curious if you provide your services to clients who live out of state. 🙂 Thanks again!
Mix and Match Mama says
Oh my word! Thank you, Kay! You are so sweet! And we send clients anywhere in Europe! Email me! We work with clients all over the US! mixandmatchtravelagency@yahoo.com 🙂
Liz Thorson says
Your kids just make me smile! Kennsington looks so happy, confident and self assured in these pics! She looks so happy with who she is right now!❤️
Joanne says
So wonderful to see you all enjoying St Andrews! I studied there for under and post grad, it really is a fantastic place xx
Darcey says
What comfortable shoes do you recommend for a 2.5 year old who’s going to be doing a lot of walking?
Mix and Match Mama says
Girl? Go Walks! My little girls love theirs!! Boy? Just basic sneakers like Nikes!
pat says
Very curious about how you manage your motion sickness when traveling.
Mix and Match Mama says
Well…I work on it. The flights were all smooth, so that wasn’t an issue this time. Car traveling upsets it quite a bit, so I don’t look at my phone/read/turn around and talk to the kids. I face forward and make sure my stomach isn’t empty. If my stomach is empty, I can sick more easily.
Stephanie says
Your trip looks amazing! Where did you get your puffer jacket (looked different from the JCrew Downtown one you wore on day 1)?
Mix and Match Mama says
North Face!
Mary Anne says
Love hearing your travel stories! I’m doing a bit of international travelling this year and I haven’t done much previously. Just curious – how do you handle vaccinations before going abroad? Do you generally get a bunch of vaccines and then you’re covered for a while? I’m assuming you needed quite a few to get to China. Thanks for sharing your stories with us!
Mix and Match Mama says
We have not had to get any additional vaccinations for these trips. Andrew has had to do it for his travels (to places like Bangladesh and such), but we do not for these trips. My kids are up to date on all vaccines suggested by their pediatrician.
Sheaffer Sims says
Beautiful pictures today! And I can tell everybody is having the best time! p.s. I feel like Carter is in the awkward smile phase right now. And it’s totally time to grow out of it!
Mary Pittman says
Hey Shay! My husband is in St. Andrew this week and he is staying at the Old Course Hotel. He and his friend are there to play golf and to attend the British Open. This trip is definitely a bucket list trip for him. Can you recommend any cute shops for him to visit will he is there to bring back gifts for myself and our daughters?
Mix and Match Mama says
I can’t think of just one in particular. There were about three main streets all running parallel to each other with so many shops on them!
Mary Pittman says
Thank you!
Reanna Yenger says
You probably don’t get questions about what Andrew is wearing much but I like his oxford shoes – do you know what brand those are? 🙂