Saturday, July 6, 2019

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.

34 comments:

Joy@aVintageGreen said...

Wow on such a wonderful time visiting all the wonderful things that Little Buddy enjoyed. Yes, Little Buddy does brings magic and genuine pleasure to those who meet him. Thanks Meredith for sharing your trip to Franklin. He is growing up, 8 is a great age.
Hugs.
Joy

Anonymous said...

It looks like a dream vacation to me - horses and fire/police vehicles! Glad to see it went so well for you and Little B!

Polly in MA

Linda @ A La Carte said...

What a wonderful time! I do think little buddy can bring out the best in most people! Hugs.

TheAwakenedSoul said...

He is just adorable. Your posts always put me in a good mood and make me laugh. I love how gentle the animals were with him. Thanks for sharing.

bittenbyknittin said...

It looks like a good time was had by one and all! I've been to the Asheville area a time or two - everyone is so *nice*!

Janice Smith said...

It looks as if you and Little Buddy had a most excellent adventure!!! The photos are wonderful. I agree that most people are basically good and kind, and besides, who could possibly resist your little guy. Glad you had a good time, too!!!

Lorrie said...

Sounds like a really special and relaxing (but busy) time was had on your vacation. Little Buddy sounds so sweet.

mamasmercantile said...

Does it get any better? The kindness and generosity of people is a joy to see. Little Buddy working his magic...a delight. Glad you had such a great break away. Hope you feel good and well rested?

CJ said...

Wow, what a fantastic time, Little B got to do SO MANY brilliant things. I was smiling the whole way through. You're right, there is a little magic about him, I can feel it from here. I'm glad he had such a good time. The story about the police dog was very moving, how lovely that he was so appreciated. I hope you're having a good weekend. CJ xx

Jo said...

My goodness, what a wonderful time you've had. I can tell how much Little Buddy enjoyed it by the big smile. You hear so much bad stuff in the news but there's so many lovely people out there who will go out of their way to make someone's day special, it's so heartwarming.

Jo said...

Wow such a lot of valuable experiences for the little fella. Sounds like you had a great time. Sending you housework vibes!! Jo xxx

Anonymous said...

posts from you are like manna from heaven. they just hit all the right buttons on my own elevator. you can never post too many pictures of Little Buddy! seeing life through your eyes with him is a gift to us. I treasure it.
his expressions are priceless. and Jack the horse. beauty and gentleness in such strength. and to be kissed by him on the top of the head. Oh Mere! and I LOVE little donkeys! and every beautiful man who took the time to share his day. and the thoughtfulness of your friends in finding the old machines for LB! I don't know why I'm repeating it all. but it makes me happy.
yes. a perfect vacation for you both I'd say. just the beautiful mountains alone. ohmygosh! you must feel so refreshed and renewed! that's what vacations do! the good ones with good people anyway. such wonderful friends you have.
thank you always for sharing your life with us. sending love and hugs your way. xo

Araignee said...

What a great trip! Your story about the police dog had me teary eyed. How wonderful for folks to recognize his service in that way.

DelightedHands said...

Thank you for this post filled with love and kindness! What a smile a mile you guys enjoyed! Beautiful!

Nance said...

What an uplifting and heartwarming vacation for you both. Your friend was so very kind to prepare for your son's arrival in such a thoughtful way.

And how many kids get to march in an Independence Day Parade on their vacation!? Best. Vacation. EVER!

This was a trip he (and you) won't soon forget for its kind friends and many fun events. Thanks for including us.

Caffeine Girl said...

What a great trip! Your friend is certainly good to LB.
I'm so proud of him for walking in the parade. He is making progress - thanks to you!

kathy b said...

I LOVED EVERY BIT OF THIS POST!!!!!!!

every single word.

I have a new survey up if you want to take it.

Needles and Wool said...

Sounds like you had a great trip with Buddy! He looks so happy in the photos with the horses

Anonymous said...

Little Buddy looks like Roy Rogers up on that beautiful horse. Little Buddy seems to make lots of friends wherever he goes. God Bless Little Buddy.
Marilyn

Wanderingcatstudio said...

What a wonderful trip! I think Little Buddy is magical!

Grandmabeckyl.blogspot said...

I'm glad you had a great trip in NC. Lots of fun for LB and love how the horse gave him a kiss on the head! Good memories. Have a blessed weekend.

Teresa Kasner said...

What a wonderful adventure for you and your handsome young son! It's amazing how many people love him and do so many nice things for him. Maybe you could find a vintage typewriter for him to play with? And I'm impressed with those people who brought their horse to visit him. What a good time you've had. I love that you got such a nice long vacay from work.

I'm glad you have all your guys there with you. I hope your weekend has been restful.

((hugs)), Teresa :-)

Betsy said...

Mere, I don't even know what to say. People can be so kind. I completely lost track of the number of wonderful people in your post. Every. Single. Person was kind and wonderful and compassionate and loving. Wouldn't the world be an amazing place if we all acted like this to each and every person we meet?
I want to say something about each event you shared but it would take forever. I want to hug each of these wonderful people. They ALL went way out of their way to make a young boy and his Mama's hearts sing with joy. That makes me SO happy.
Meredith, I'm speechless. Thank you for sharing this for us. Thank you for showing us true kindness and love. It doesn't take a lot, just some time and thoughfulness.
Love and Blessings,
Betsy

handmade by amalia said...

Such lovely adventures you both had. Little Buddy looks so happy.
Amalia
xo

karen said...

what a fantastic successful trip you had with Little B. He is growing up so fast. His face on the horse is priceless - I see pride and fear mixed into 'oh my god, I'm on a horse'. Love that one the best!

Andrea Ostapovitch said...

It looks like it was a fantastic trip. I'm so glad to hear that it was nothing but wonderful people that you met. It really is the great people we connect with that make our travels so wonderful.

Have a wonderful summer!
Andrea

My Creative Life said...

I'm glad you all had a nice time away, little Buddy certainly does bring out the best in people. He's a treasure, take care. Cx

Melanie said...

What a fabulous trip! I love that so many people were especially kind to Little Buddy. It looks like he learned a lot and had a wonderful time. xoxo

Dee said...

Wow! Little Buddy had a jammed-packed week full of fun.

I'm glad that he had a good time at the fire house. If you ever get up this way ..... I know a certain person who has keys to OUR station. We have a pretty cool water rescue vehicle!!!

Vera said...

What a jam-packed and fun visit you had. I can't believe how much Little Buddy is growing up. Seems like every time you post he is bigger and bigger!!

Judy S. said...

Sounds like a very memorable trip for both of you; glad you had such a great time!

gaia said...

This sounds like so much fun!

Toni said...

I love how Little Buddy brings out the best in so many people--and apparently in horses. :)

Gracie Saylor said...

Thanks for sharing your lovely trip, Mere! I am glad you made so many good memories. xx