Birds and farm animals, or Autistic kids LOVE horses.

Last weekend, (God, I sound like The Little Person. Everything to him is last weekend...) M and I took the boys to an open house at Mr. Ed's farm with my Dad (Poppa). Pop and Mr. Ed are friends through their daily visits to Dunkin Donuts, so we knew all about the preparations. We missed it last year, but since we were around, and we had my Dad, we decided to all go, but in two cars, in case someone had to leave quickly with Sam. The Little Person and I and sometime Pop, go semi-frequently to Mr. Ed's farm. He boards horses and dogs, and has some cows and two donkeys. We haven't taken Sam in a while because he is fairly disinterested in farm animals (until recently), and he hates horses in a freaks out and makes loud noises kind of way. But he had done a couple of zoo and farm with petting zoo field trips with school this summer, and seemed to be more interested in animals in general. He already loves birds and enjoys going to see the chickens, turkeys and ducks at The Sheep Pasture. So we went, armed with our get-away plan, not expecting to stay long.

Apparently, Mr. ed is part of the Norfolk County Farmer's Association, and the events were a product of the Association, with participation from the local 4-H and other individuals. It ended up being fantastic. The farm is small, and in the barn that normally acts as a kennel for the dogs, were all the 4-H animals. The boys had a blast, scooting around looking at and touching the animals, as well as feeding them with feed supplied by the 4-H club. We got to pet chickens, a bunny and a baby goat who was still little he fit through the bars of the gate. So it started off well, but then it went beyond our wildest dreams. We went out of the barn to go see other animals, and there was a popcorn machine, hot dogs, and ice cream from the local dairy farm, all free! Popcorn and hot dogs are like food groups to both my kids, so that was a bonus. Mr. Ed even had cowboy hats for all the kids and sheriff's badges. We went back to check out the horses and they were giving rides around the ring. We expected Sam would not be into it, but The Little Person ran right up, and then Sam seemed upset that he couldn't go. Still figuring he wouldn't actually get on a horse, he and I went into the barn to see some of the other horses and he was really into it. So we came back out and he had to WAIT his turn. But he did it, got on the horse like a pro and went around the ring like he's been doing it all of his life, with this zen smile on his face. Later, after hot dogs, popcorn, lemonade and water we came back for round two. Then we made a our getaway, going while everything was still good. After two turns, I guess they were right. Apparently autistic kids do like horses.

This morning, Pop came to take The Little Person for breakfast, which they do every Sunday. My dad would love to take Sam too, but he doesn't really like many breakfast type foods, preferring pizza and spaghetti. But he saw my Dad and started pointing at him and using the iPod to say that he wanted to see farm animals! So while those two were at breakfast, we three headed for the Dunkin Donuts drive-thru for chocolate donuts and then to The Sheep Pasture. Kid was happy as a clam. We even saw ponies and sheep. Since being home, he has been in and out of the pool. He has been calmer since I've been down here with him, but seems to be getting revved up again. He is in his sleeping bag watching Peep and The Big Wide World. Maybe he needs company. Peace out.