Beautiful fall Saturday brought a trip to Forest Park to watch Drew play in his college team’s regional tennis championships. Between the Zoo and the museums, the Park is always full of life and hubbub, but yesterday was particularly crazy. I was at least a mile from the courts when I finally found a place to park the car. But I didn’t mind because hoofing it meant that I got to enjoy the cool temperatures and the many scenes that make Forest Park magical. 

As I approached the courts, however, I heard a strange sound in the distance. As the sound became louder, I saw a sign for “The Scottish Games”… and several dudes that were dressed like this who were playing these. 

By the time I got to the courts, I saw the full scale of this enormous event. I never knew that so many dudes owned kilts or played the bagpipes. They were everywhere and apparently came in from all over the country. And the event was set up right next to the courts. 

At first I loved the quirkiness of it all. It was so bizarre to be sitting courtside with bagpipe ambiance going on. So freaking weird. But after awhile, it became so freaking annoying. It was like listening to hundreds of geese in perpetual distress. But the players didn’t seem to mind or even notice. 

And here were my two favorite players from the day. My Drew and his girlfriend Brooke both competed — and I was super proud of both of them. (Isn’t she the cutest thing?)

Then there was a reminder of the biggest love of all, courtesy of a really dirty car on the way back to my car.