Yankee Doodle went to Asheville....

Columbus Day weekend we headed down to the mountains of North Carolina to visit Papa, Grandma Laurel, Uncle Calvin, and Uncle Nigel. One of the big attractions, when we go there, is that they have horses. Well, one horse and two ponies. You can imagine that for a three year old this is something of a nirvana.

The first day they got to watch Laurel call the horses up from their pasture. Obviously the best way to watch horses run by is by climbing a fence.

Or trying to climb through it.

Claire got to give each of them a treat. Basil was a little freaked out by the clicking of the camera.

The next afternoon after Grandma Laurel brought them up to the barn, she let the kids take a ride on Basil. You can see that Claire was just thrilled about this.


She even helped take care of him afterwards.

Ben on the other hand, was not so sure about sitting on top of this very large animal.

He eventually gave in, but had no interest in walking anywhere.

Thanks for being so patient with my babies, Bas.

On another day we all enjoyed a carriage ride, thanks to Maisy. (If you look very carefully you can see the outline of the Blue Ridge mountains above the trees.)

Doesn't she look fancy in her driving gear?

The kids loved splashing in the puddles while Grandma Laurel hosed Maisy down. It's hard work pulling four adults and two kids, she deserved a warm shower.

Needless to say, a great time was had by all. Even those of us who didn't get pony rides.