and at a certain age the child is grown

and puts away childish things.

Childhood is the kingdom where nobody dies.

Nobody that matters, that is.

~ Edna St Vincent Millay

I took Annie back to college yesterday after her Thanksgiving break.

She had brought her laundry home and had packed up her clean clothes along with her laptop charger, her blankie,

and Bun-Bun.

It's only right that Bun-Bun isn't being left behind.

She's been with Annie for many years,

comforting her and helping her get to sleep.

Holding Bun-Bun went hand in hand with thumb-sucking!

Just being near Bun-Bun made everyone suck their thumbs!

(shown here visiting cousins in Alaska)

Bun-Bun has gone camping with us...

She attended Great-Grandma's 90th birthday party!

She went to the bus stop with Annie on Kerry's first day of kindergarten!

She even posed with Annie on Halloween!

Bun-Bun went for many stroller rides.

She played with Annie every day.

Notice how nice and pink Bun-Bun was back then!

Sometimes Annie would make a nest in the laundry basket and sleep with Bun-Bun.

This is Bun-Bun playing at Grandma's house!

Other stuffed animals have come and gone,

but only Bun-Bun went the distance.

And now Bun-Bun is going to college!

Imagine that!