We're back from North Carolina! Are you ready?

We are back from our travels to Franklin, NC and I can't even tell you what a great time we had.  Long time friends are just the best aren't they?  The friends that have seen you at your best and your worst but stick by you through everything.  Get ready for a photo heavy post my friends, and I am just going to touch on some of the basics of our trip.

Little Buddy had the best time ever, and now that he is eight was more self confident doing new things.  We met and fed donkeys.  They made fun sounds when we approached with carrots.

We went to the park where we made a new friend that made Little Buddy belly laugh at his antics.

Lynda knows Little B is obsessed with elevator buttons.  We did not go on elevators but she found a friend with an old cash register that we borrowed.  She also found a typewriter, two phones and two calculators at the second hand store.  This little boy was very busy working all the time.

We met Jack the horse who was so wonderful.  These friends of Lynda drove an hour to their old barn to get Jack just for Little B.  They just moved and their horses are still an hour away.  Jack was very curious about this little boy and walked slow and steady.  They took him back to the barn after our second ride because he was missing his two horse friends.

The first ride was a bit anxiety ridden, but Little B soon met his fears and had a wonderful time.

We went gem mining, a must in North Carolina.  This lovely man John, helped Little Buddy find all the fun stuff.  He was just adorable with my little guy.

This lovely area is at the back of Lynda's property.  A rumbling creek making its way over several logs and stones.  I went back there three times just to enjoy the quiet for a few minutes and to listen to the sound of the water cascading over the logs.

We met a canine police officer and his new dog.  This one is still in training.  He lives with the officers family and they spend just about every minute together day and night.  His last police dog recently died and the whole town stood on the side of the road as the casket with the dog drove by on its way to Asheville to be buried with other police officers and firefighters.  I hear all the police cars and fire trucks followed in a procession all the way to the cemetery.  How lovely and respectful, I can't even imagine.

Another police officer, Officer Dave let Little Buddy see the inside of his cool car.  The two officers just happened to be visiting the fire station when we went for a tour.

There were 10 different vehicles for us to see at the fire station and loads of hoses, ladders, fire fighter gear and even work out equipment.

These two firefighters were just as kind as could be opening any compartment Little B wanted to see.  They explained what each different truck is for and when they use them.  I think they were quite taken with my little one.  They both got big hugs from all of us when we left.

Ah beautiful mountains we miss you.

Little Buddy was very excited about the typewriter, not only are there buttons but they make a lot of noise.  I did get him to type out his name and a few easy words, but most of the time he was just hitting random keys to hear it go.

Lynda lives next door to a Sheriff.  Last year Little Buddy got to go in his car but this year he has a new SUV.    Sheriff Bryant was just adorable showing Little B all the things his SUV can do.   This was after a very long day at work.  

Then he raced home to get a  t-shirt for Little B.  It is an adult XL but he can still sleep in it.  I think people can be so kind.  I think Little Buddy brings out the very best in people, it is part of his magic.

We walked in a Fourth of July parade.  Anyone could walk in it and the streets of downtown were filled with people watching.  All sorts of people and their dogs were dressed up.  It was three blocks long and Little B did a great job.

I had to show you one more photo of Jack because he was just the most gentle horse I have ever seen.  As we were leaving he kissed Little B on the top of the head.

We also went to see Toy Story 4, which was Little Buddy's first movie in the movie theater.  He did great for about the first half and then quietly stood up and moved a round a lot.  About 24 hours after the movie he just randomly started laughing about Forky one of the new characters.  So while out today doing errands I saw this Forky and picked it up for him.  He has given Forky a ride, introduced him to his other little friends and even pushed him around in his shopping cart.  It might be true love!

Now it is back to reality for me.  I am getting unpacked, the house picked up, laundry done and spending time with all my boys.

Hope you had a great week my friends.