The Adventures of Flat Stanley

One of Collin's cousins, Will, sent him a paper doll he made called Flat Stanley as part of a school project. The project was for Collin to take Flat Stanley around with him, take pictures and tell of his adventures with Flat Stanley for about a week and then send Flat Stanley back to Will to discuss the adventures in class.

Stanley arrived during one of our busiest weeks of the year. I was working an average of 17 hours a day for the Sept 15th tax deadline. Daddy was out of town on a business trip during this same time. Therefore, when Flat Stanley arrived, he got to see a lot of the kitchen counter he laid on.  For his first few days at the house, he got to listen to us get ready for work and school and then again when we came home to eat a quick dinner. We made it up to him starting Friday. I bet he is ready to lay on that counter again!

Collin took Stanley to school Friday morning. One of Collin's favorite stops is the fish tank just inside the front door of school. Here are Stanley and Collin at the tank. He pointed out the fish to Stanley and then had to go to he class.  Daddy took Stanley so he would be in the car when he picked Collin up later that afternoon.

That evening, we went to dinner at a local Mexican restaurant we really like.  Collin showed Stanley how to color while we were waiting for our food to arrive.  He also played with his cars like he usually does when we are eating out.

The next day, we met the Harris cousins at The Stomping Grounds. This is an indoor playground. Collin and Timmy had a great time running, sliding and jumping around. Stanley was too scared to join in so he sat with mommies and Leah. Every 20 min or so, the boys would come out to see us, give us a kiss or come out to get a drink. We were there almost 2 1/2 hours including the time they took a break to share lunch of a PBJ sandwich, goldfish crackers and apple sauce.  I was hoping that they (Collin and Stanley) would take a nap on the way home.  I ran two errands and Collin was still await.  I was shocked!  They finally took a nap after I ran one errand on the way home. Stanley was tired too. I was able to transfer Collin to his bed when I got home (yep, Transfer Queen!!).

The next morning, Daddy and the boys went to the donut shop before heading out for the morning. Collin likes the plain, glazed donut holes and Stanley loved the cinnamon twists.

After eating, they headed North to a supported rest stop for the Tour de Pink annual bike ride. This ride raises money to support breast cancer and the Susan G Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. Collin told Stanley about what the riders were doing and how the people at the stop were giving the riders food and drink.  Collin and Stanley road a bike around on the grass while waiting for riders to stop by.

Later that morning, we went to a friend's for brunch and to watch football. Collin played with Korbin and other new friends, Rowan, Will and Greg. Stanley watched football and listened to the conversation.  I think he was tired from the weekend activities already...and it was only noon on Sunday.

After a 2 hour nap, we had dinner and then went for a family bike ride around the neighborhood. Other than the July 4th parade, this was the first time Collin had ridden his bike off our street.  He did great by staying to the right of the road especially after turning right or left on the next street.  He wanted to race the entire time either with me or Daddy.  It's always about racing with him.  I wonder where he gets that from.  :)

I think Flat Stanley had a great time with us during his short time.  He does have to go back to Will...and it will be sad to see him leave.  I cannot wait for Will to hear about Stanley's adventures with us.