Scottish Highland Games

On Saturday we made the long trek to exotic Vista for the annual Scottish Highland Games. It was the first time Emma and I had been so we were very excited about the adventure. Emma has a kilt that her Grandmother had purchased on her last trip to Scotland. I thought this was the perfect time for Emma to wear it. I wanted Donald to wear his too, but he said with the heat of the day and the fact that he only has formal accessories for his that he would look a bit out of place. So only Emma went in her Scottish costume.

Emma walking in so excited about her hand stamp.
We made our way to the beer and band tent to get to hear some really fun Scottish drinking songs by Highland Way
Donald helping Emma clap to a Scottish jig.
There were glorious settings of pipers playing throughout the hill sides.
It was time to start participating in a few Highland Games. The Boy Scouts had an area all set up for the little Scottish people to learn how to do some of the traditional games. Very cool! The boys were really kind, patient and helpful when Emma excitedly wanted to try!

First up the caber toss.
Then it was time to try out the Hammer Toss.
Then after a go at the stone put, it was time to pick up and give the next group of kids a try.
At the end they gave Emma a blue ribbon for being a wonderful participant along with a coloring book and crayons. Emma was over the moon and wore her blue ribbon proudly the rest of the day.
Then it was off to build castles!!
These blocks are really nice, and are made by this really nice man. He had different sets on a bunch of different tables for everyone to sit in the shade and build their own castles. You can purchase your own blocks from him at his on line store The Village Blocksmith
I really want to get Emma a big set for the home. I think these are the coolest block sets ever!
Emma loved to stop and watch all the different pipers practicing before the competitions.
Just one of the lovely images of the day with the drummers out in the fields.
Emma loving to stop by the ten one last time to hear a new band.
We got to listen to the sounds of the Wicked Tinkers. Very moving traditional sounds of pipers, drummers and horns.
Emma loved the music and loved cheering them on.
The Flag bearers invited Emma to take a photo with them.
We got a great place for the opening ceremony parade! Having 100 bagpipes blowing this close was amazing and extremely moving.
Always amazed by the talent of the drummers.
I was bummed that I just couldn't take the heat any more so we missed out on Scottish Dancing. I would have loved to see some traditional jigs. I think it would be so much fun if Emma and I could take some classes.

On the way out we spotted this car coming in and just had to share.
Keeping to a theme, we had McDonald's on the way home! And that night we read McDuff Comes home at bedtime.