a day with flat stanley

I was joking with Jim that I ought to have titled my blog "Saturday Evening Post", because it seems that I typically post weekly, typically on Saturday nights.  Last week, however, I didn't post at all, because we had a very busy week, ending with a very busy Saturday.

Something different about our Saturday was the presence of a little crayon-colored person named Flat Stanley.  He arrived at our home as a mere outline on a sheet of paper, folded up in a #10 envelope along with an invitation from the girls' cousin, Quinn, to participate in his 1st grade class project.  Our challenge was to decorate him in clothing similar to what we would wear, include him in our activities, and then share our experiences with Quinn's class via pictures, etc.  The 1st graders would then get to experience life in different parts of the country (and the world) through their little fold-up friend.

Here is an overview of our day with Flat Stanley.

In the morning on our way to Grace Christian School for the Walk for Life, I hastily cut Flat Stanley from his paper prison and scribbled on hair, a face, and clothes.  Cordelia insisted that I color his shorts darker purple, because she didn't want his skin to show through.

Unloading from the van, getting ready to walk.

Flat Stanley and Cordelia posed for the camera while Jim and the girls enjoyed watching Dotti's sweet little Teddy make friends with another furball at the ComfortCare Women's Health Center.

It's hard to smile when your mouth is full of Little Debbie treats!  Refreshments were one highlight of the walk for the girls.

It was fun to visit with friends while gearing up for the walk back.  Brenda and Shelby got a kick out of Flat Stanley, too.

In the afternoon, the girls helped Jim get the garden ready for tilling by spreading peat moss and sand.  Based on what came out of their clothes later, I'd say THEY were ready for tilling!

In case there's any question why Flat Stanley arrived in Conroe, TX a little smudgy, here's the reason.

Flat Stanley was as enthusiastic about sweeping the deck as Cordelia.

To round out the day, our cookout turned into an eat-in as it began to pour just before we sat down.  Our weekly Saturday guest, David,  brought friends who were passing through.  We enjoyed meeting George (American), Anna (Australian), and Tabea (German).  Though Staunton is not in itself an exotic locale, Flat Stanley got quite the multi-cultural experience during his visit.

Thanks for the visit, Flat Stanley!  Next time, will you bring Quinn with you?