Gerald's Three Two {Sailing Stonehaven}

We started off Gerald's 32nd birthday with a 2 hour sail around Stonehaven. Peter and Taryn were nice enough to invite us along for this trip that they received from a coworker. I love nice people. We couldn't have picked a better day to go out;  however, we did underestimate the North Sea as it was freezing cold on board and with the water splashing in, we were lucky to be provided oilskins {for Gerald} and a waterproof jacket {for me} to stay dry. Yea, we weren't prepared. Did we forget that we're not in Greece?? haha. We went up towards Fowlsheugh, passing by Dunnottar Castle and then back to Stonehaven. It was nice to see Stonehaven from the waters, especially Dunnottar Castle. The castle looks so dramatic from the land, but I didn't get that effect from the sea. It was still pretty nonetheless. We enjoyed prosecco and some homemade mackerel pate, made by Richard, the captain. His daughter, who just completed her yacht master certification,  was helping him for the day, so it was neat to see how they knew exactly when a gust was coming and what they needed to do next to avoid us from tipping over. They were a funny pair and we enjoyed their stories. After the sail, we were treated to lunch at the Tolbooth by Peter and Taryn and then headed off to Aunty Betty's for ice cream. All in all, I'd say it was a great start to Gerald's three two birthday celebration.

Later that night, we headed in town for a night out with friends at a new Aberdeen bar, 6 degrees North, which serves hundreds of Belgium beer on tap and in bottles. I have determined that I love Belgium, hoppy beers =) We haven't been out in ages, so it was good fun, minus all the crazy, drunk people roaming Union Street at 3 am! That's Aberdeen for you =)

A 3am night {4am for the birthday boy} called for sleeping in until brunch time at Malmaison.

Also, as a bday treat, since there really wasn't a chance to blow out birthday candles, I decided to make Longhorn Birthday cookies to celebrate my favorite Longhorn, and gave them out as favors to our guests Saturday night. It was also our first game of the season, so very fitting \m/

We had a superb weekend! Thanks friends for all the good times.