Flat Nena

Flat Nena came to visit Andrew and Lily Ballard in Bandera, Texas. She washere March 25th through the 30th. While she visited it was cool and cloudyabout 40 degrees at night and 70 degrees during the day. Bandera is a smalltown of approximately 1200 people and it is the Cowboy Capital of theWorld. There are pictures of Flat Nena with Lily at her softball game andFlat Nena played third base. Flat NEna also visited Andrew and LIly's momat Braun Medicine Chest Pharmacy where she stood on a counting machine andcounted pills. She also purchased a prescription at the counter. It wasfun having Flat Nena visit us.Andrew and Lily Ballard

Flat Jake

My name is Melissa Jones and Jake came to visit me on Saint Patrick’s Day in San Francisco, California! He arrived under rainy and cold conditions but that didn’t stop the city from celebrating. San Francisco maintains a very large Irish community that begins before 1870. Many streets in San Francisco are named after the influential Irish of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, for example, O’ Farrell Street, Hayes Street, and O’Shaughnessy Street.

Since the weather conditions may change daily in the city, Jake and I were very excited to wake up to a perfectly clear and mild temperature day in the 60’s. Perfect weather for a nice walk, we travelled to get a cup of coffee which took us up and down many little streets. Until you walk them for yourself, people don’t realize how steep of a climb the streets can get. Make sure you have your cell phone handy in case you need a friend to rescue you from the climb! During our stroll we’re reminded of the many beautiful homes in San Francisco. Nearly 48,000 Victorian homes were built within 65 years between the gold rush and 1915. The style of the Victorian home comes from all parts of the world, because that is who came and lived in San Francisco. Although the homes may be very close together, some are lucky enough to have beautiful views…see the amazing cathedral in the background?

After Jake and I breakfast, we took our energy to Randall Children’s Museum which offers creative art, science, and nature discoveries. After visiting the museum, we walked to the top of the museum park hill and enjoyed a 360 degree view of the Bay Area. To take our pictures, Jake stood north and I stood south. To the east of Jake lays the City of Oakland and the Pacific Ocean dumps to the west under the infamous Golden Gate Bridge.
Needless to say, Jake and I were done with our exercise for the day and I was ready for a nap!

Flat Halle

I almost forgot another really cool thing Flat Halle got to do with me! Just yesterday we were in Houston (for work - we attended a hearing) and we saw George Bush, Sr. He got out of his car with a few Secret Service people and started to talk to us. He was about to go into a restaurant and was saying hello to people as he was entering. Unfortunately his Secret Service people made him go inside the restaurant so we didn't get to talk to him too much. It was too bad, because I was going to tell him about my recent skydiving trip (with Flat Halle) and how afterwards my dad asked me if I went up a Democrat and came down a Republican. I'm pretty sure he would have laughed!

About 5 minutes after we saw George Bush, Sr., I saw another woman taking a picture with her own Flat Stanley (or Flat Someone, I'm not sure). I wanted to stop and take a picture of Flat Halle with someone else's Flat Stanley but we were in a hurry and couldn't stop.

Flat Halle

My name is Tina Lawrence and I am Halle's aunt. My mom (Halle's grandmother) sent me Flat Halle. She made a copy of her Flat Halle before she sent it on its way and sent me the copy, so I got to keep Flat Halle a little longer than other people. I live in Austin, Texas and we had some fantastic adventures!

I took Flat Halle to a doggie fashion show. My friend Jean, her niece Emma, and her dog Poppy dressed up in pretty, purple, princess dresses and walked down a red carpet. Flat Halle walked along with them and really enjoyed the show!

Next I took Flat Halle to watch a marathon. I did not run the race but we cheered on the runners as loud as we could. Flat Halle wanted to run in the race, but luckily I was there to talk some sense into her.

Later that night I took Flat Halle to an electronic music show. The show had a lot of fun robots that made music and Flat Halle had the best time!

A few days later I took Flat Halle skydiving with me. Everyone thought we'd be scared, but we weren't. It was actually a really relaxing and peaceful experience. I took a picture of us at the skydiving place. I tried to take pictures of us as we were flying through the air, but the people in charge wouldn't let me - boo!

The next weekend I took Flat Halle with me to Dallas to see the King Tut exhibit at the Dallas Museum of Art. It was amazing. Everything in the exhibit was thousands of years old, but the furniture and jewelry was so well preserved, you never would have guessed what era it came from. I love museums and go whenever I can, and I was happy Flat Halle got to go with me. They wouldn't let me take pictures inside the exhibit so I snapped one outside of it.

Later that night I went to a yummy restaurant and ate Cuban food. I'm still not super clear on what Cuban food is, except for paella, but it was good.

The next day we went to the site where JFK was shot. There was a big X in the road where it happened, and it seemed really weird to have tourists (including me) staring at a big mark in the middle of a street to memorialize a former president. But it was really interesting to see everything from a different point of view - as in being in the exact location where everything happened as opposed to seeing it on tv. In the picture you can see the X in the street, if you look closely, and the building behind us is supposedly where Oswald was.

The next weekend in Austin was SXSW, so I took Flat Halle to see a bunch of bands and to see my friend John-Michael and his Thingamagoops at Dorkbot (an interactive portion of SXSW). Flat Halle thought some of the music was really weird and some was really good, but she really had fun playing with the robots and liked them the most! The Thingamagoops are really popular all over the world. They are sold in Germany, Japan, France, and a bunch of other cool places. Thingamagoops have been featured in magazines, websites, and lots of famous bands use Thingamas to make music and entertain crowds. They're used in circuit-bending music, but they're really fun to play with too. They have a website where they hang out and people can even design their own (http://www.bleeplabs.com/).

I've also taken Flat Halle into courtrooms (I'm an attorney), where she helped me to do justice and make sure the bad guys got in trouble for being bad.

Flat Halle went to several pilates classes with me. We had a lot of fun with friends while we strengthened our core. Sometimes the pilates classes were hard, but we're both definitely stronger now.

We also went shopping with the real Halle's grandma and nanny (great-grandmother). We were all looking for a dress for Halle's cousin's wedding for Halle's grandma to wear. Flat Halle and I made Halle's grandma try on some very pretty dresses that she didn't want to try on. She probably won't buy them but Flat Halle and I think Halle's grandpa would really like them!

Flat Halle and I made it through a hail storm and a soccer game (it was really cold!). We ate Indian, Vietnamese, Cuban, Italian, Mexican, Chinese, and Japanese food. We took dogs for walks and went to friends' houses. I'd say we did quite a bit for such a short period of time! All in all, Flat Halle and I had a blast over the couple of weeks she visited me. And since Halle's grandmother cheated a little bit by sending me a copy of Flat Halle, I got to cheat a little bit too and keep her longer than most. But I promise she had fun!

Flat Gracie

Our names are Adam and Shirley Strong, and we live in Glengormley,Northern Ireland, which is 6 miles north of Belfast. We have a 9 month old daughter Beth and are expecting another baby in August. Recently we had the pleasure of hosting Flat Gracie. While she was with us, she wrote about her adventures:

My Adventures in Northern Ireland

In the middle of March I went to visit my grandparent's friends in Northern Ireland. We went to lots of interesting places and the weather that week was lovely! One of the first places I visited was Carrickfergus Castle which is 10 miles north of Belfast city centre on the shores of Belfast Lough. The castle is over 800 years old and is inthe town of Carrickfergus. Carrick means 'rock' in Gaelic and the name Carrickfergus means 'the rock of Fergus'. It is thought that the name comes from king Fergus who died nearby in the sea during a storm. You can walk around the castle, or get a guided tour, and see the life-size models. Some people get married in the banqueting hall in the castle and you can even have your birthday party in the vaults!

I also went to visit Belfast Castle which is in North Belfast on Cave Hill. The first Belfast Castle burned down so the castle I saw was only about 140 years old. There are lots of meetings and weddings held in the castle. It has lovely views over Belfast Lough.

Belfast has a very famous shipyard called Harland and Wolff which is about 150 years old. It was once the largest shipyard in the world and has built many famous ships including the Titanic which sank on its maiden voyage to New York. The shipyard now has two giant cranes called Samson and Goliath and I got my picture taken in front of them.

During my time in Northern Ireland I also went on a lovely walk along Belfast Lough and visited Belfast Zoo. Belfast Zoo is 75 years old this year and has more than 1,200 animals. Most of the animals are in danger in their natural habitat so the zoo does important work to make sure these endangered animals survive. I was very tired after my visit because it is a very steep climb in places!

Flat Nena

Dear Students,

Hola from Argentina! We have enjoyed the visit from Flat Nena and will now be sending her to her cousins in Texas. I think she had a great time in Buenos Aires (that is the capital of Argentina) where we are living now, and even got to go to the international School here, where part of her day was completely in Spanish!

Since it is winter (almost spring) where you are, I think she was a bit HOT in her jumpsuit since it is summer down here right now (your teacher can explain this to you!!). She liked spending sunny days by the pool and cool evening walks by the Rio de la Plata, where she saw a beautiful view of the city. The people of the city are called "portenos" because Buenos Aires is a port city, but you would be surpirsed that the countryside (called "el campo") looks a lot like Texas!

There are "gauchos" which are very similar to Texas cowboys, and we were able to ride horses (called "caballos") with a famous gaucho at an "estancia" (ranch) not too far from where we live.

So off to Texas she goes, and we'll be back to visit in June, too! Hope you've had fun and learned a little about Argentina.

Ciao! (That is an Italian word used here to say "good bye.")

Sheri Thomas
Emma (9 years old)
Micah (6 years old)

Flat Nena

Hello Flat and Non-Flat Students!

My name is Annie Snodgrass and I'm writing on the behalf of Miss Flat Nena whom I've had the pleasure of hosting here in Seattle, Washington. Flat Nena is the smaller, more laminated version of my niece Nena Walton and we had a blast up here in the northwest. It's always nice to have more Texans around!

Flat Nena arrived via the US Postal Service on Monday, February 16, just in time to meet my friend Andy Bruce who was also visiting from Texas. Andy had an interview at the University of Washington so we went along to wish him luck. Flat Nena read all about the undergraduate programs as she is already thinking about her future education. While downtown, we went to Pike Place Market, the Seattle Aquarium, the Seattle SPACE Needle, Pioneer Square, Safeco Field, and the Ballard Locks, and many more. Flat Nena especially liked the Aquarium - she even touched a starfish! She is fearless.

Flat Nena decided to stay with me for a few more days. She went to my school and visited some of the classrooms. I am an AmeriCorps volunteers and work on a Native American Reservation. Many of my students are members of the Tulalip Tribe and other Native American Tribes. Flat Nena learned about the Native American culture of the northwest. She also chatted with a group of Russian students and learned how to say "thank you" in Russian - "spasibo." She's been practicing all day. My school has a pretty dynamic group of students, that's for sure!

Sadly, it was time for Nena to move on. After checking flight times and schedules, she ended up catching an evelope to ARGENTINA to visit our family friends, the Thomas family! I look forward to hearing all her south American tales!

Thanks and safe mailing,
Aunt Annie

Flat Nena

Flat Nena

Flat Nena

Flat Macy

Hi Macy and class,
Flat Macy arrived in Wilmington ,Delaware February 24th. Flat Macy celebrated Mardi Gras with us yesterday. They don’t celebrate Mardi Gras here but my mommy was born and raised in New Orleans! We even ate king cake which is like a doughnut. My name is Anna Cleary and I am 8 years old. I love your flat Macy idea. We are going to take some pictures with her! It is very cold here today. It was 27 degrees this morning. I wore a hat and a big coat to school. I am so ready for hot weather! We are going to New Orleans in April to visit my mom’s family. We are excited. I have a brother who is 5 , almost 6 and he is in kindergarten. I will take a picture of him too. I have two cats. Do you like cats? I live very close to the Amish people. Have you heard of them? The girls wear dresses and learn to sew and bake bread. I went on a buggy tour one time. They do not use cars. Just horse and buggies. Well, I will take some pictures of Flat macy with us this weekend. Take care.
Love,
Anna Cleary

Flat Jake

My name is Tracy and I work with Jake’s Aunt Mimi in Plano, TX. Mimi and I were going to NY on February 10th for a training class and this is when I met Jake and heard about his school project. I offered to take Jake with me during my trip to Illinois the weekend of February 20th.

Texas to Illinois (via Oklahoma and Missouri)
75N to 69N to I44E

Friday, February 20th
5:00am – It is early and very cold but we have managed to get in the car and start our trek North to Illinois. We are riding along with my brother Paul and my sister, Kathy, her son Neil, daughter-in-law Christina and grandkids Alyssa and Iain are in her car. We grabbed breakfast at McDonald’s in Atoka, OK. Jake enjoyed a bacon, egg and cheese McGriddle and a coke. We only stopped twice after that for gas and restroom breaks – Jake was great in the car and slept a lot. We got to Belleville, IL around 3:00pm, had a late lunch at Steak and Shake (club sandwich and fries) and then checked into our room at the Baymont Inn in O’Fallon, IL. We were able to unpack and get some rest before heading over to Schiappa’s Restaurant for a graduation celebration for my niece Kara who got her BA back in December 2008. Jake got to meet some more of my family there: Kara, Carol, Marc, Hank, Will and Hayden. 10:00pm – we are all exhausted and finally get to bed.

Saturday, February 21st
We had breakfast with Paul, Neil and Christina at the hotel. Jake enjoyed making and eating waffles. My sister and her family decided to spend the day at the hotel swimming and relaxing so Paul and I decided to go and see our brother John and his family. They live in Keyesport, IL which is about an hour east of Belleville. We stopped in some small towns (Breese and Carlyle) along the way to take pictures of Jake and let him play in a little bit of snow we found – he sure wished Aunt Mimi had sent a coat along! Jake met my brother John, his wife Lynn and their sons John, Jr. and Brad, their daughter Angie and her foster-daughter Jasmine. We went out to lunch with them and then just hung out and visited for the afternoon. We headed back to Belleville around 4:30pm so we could attend a ‘closing’ party for a business that my mom and sister own. The party was a great success and probably over 100 people were there – a good time was had by all!

Sunday, February 22nd
No major plans for today so we got to sleep in until 9:00am! We laid around the hotel until about 11:00am and then went on an adventure looking for Bert’s Chuckwagon, a restaurant we went to in our high school years; they have the most yummy, sloppy tacos. I looked on the internet and there was a location listed in Collinsville, IL which wasn’t too far from the hotel so off we went. There it was right on the corner ‘BERT’S CHUCKWAGON’ – no longer open for business! L We settled for a bacon cheeseburger and sweet potato fries at TGI Friday’s. After lunch we went to the Sprint store and got my mom a cell phone and then went to visit with her and my stepdad at their house. It was a lazy afternoon teaching her how to use the cell phone, looking at family pictures and watching TV. We left there around 5:00pm to go and meet my sister Carol, her husband Marc, my niece Kara and her boyfriend Nate for dinner at Casa Gallardo Mexican restaurant. The last time I ate there was after my high school graduation, in other words, a long time ago. We had a great dinner of chips and salsa, cheese enchiladas, beans and rice. We went back to the hotel, packed and turned in early since we wanted to leave early the next morning.

Monday, February 23rd
5:00am – It is 16 degrees outside but feels much colder with the wind. We have started the trip home and although I didn’t get to take Jake over to St. Louis to see the Gateway Arch he did get a glimpse of it from the car, he was really impressed. Sadly, it was too dark to take a picture from the car. It was an uneventful trip home; we stopped for gas and grabbed breakfast items from inside (donuts for me and Jake and an egg sandwich for Paul). For lunch, we drove through McDonald’s and stopped one more time for gas. We made it home by 2:30pm and the temperature was in the 70’s and sunny.

Flat Gracie

LOVE IS ETERNAL

Today is February 14, 2009 -- Valentines Day
The weather is cool and sunny -- a perfect day.

Flat Gracie had lunch today with Grandmom and Grandad and a few of their friends. We went to the Brick Oven in Kempner, Texas. It is a favorite restaurant for our Sunday School class to gather for food, fun, and fellowship. What better way for Flat Gracie to celebrate Valentines Day than with couples who have been in love for a very, very long time.

We have learned many lessons about love through the years. The most important lesson is that God is Love. We have learned that love can endure through good times and bad. We have learned to accept the faults and weaknesses of others, because we ourselves have faults and weaknesses. We have learned that forgiveness is essential to love as God loves. We have learned that it is sometimes hard to love as God loves, but we have also learned that God's way is always the best way.

The Scriptures say it best.

Love is patient and kind.
Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude.
It does not demand its own way.
It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged.
It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out.
Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.
. . . love will last forever.
1 Corinthians 13:4-7

Flat Halle

My name is Betty Davis and I live in Bella Vista, Arkansas. You probably do not know where Bella Vista is because it is a small town of 26,000 folks. We are located north of Fayetteville, Arkansas and only 4 miles from the Missouri State Line. In fact, although I live in Arkansas, I work in Missouri. We are located in the Ozark Mountains which are beautiful in spring, summer and, especially the fall. We moved here from Texas 2-1/2 yrs. ago. I am a born Texan although we have lived in many places due to our work. We have four seasons - summer, fall, winter (with snow and ice) and fall.

While Flat Halle was with me, Arkansas experienced a damaging ice storm. I carried Flat Halle with me as my husband and I chipped away at 2" of ice so we could get our vehicles out of the driveway. This took about 5-1/2 hrs. Wish I could have given Flat Halle a shovel to help. Flat Halle went to work with me for a week. I work parttime at the Walmart near our home. Flat Halle was with me as I stocked shelves with groceries, water, juice, beddings and many other items.

Now that Flat Halle has visited with me, I am sending her to the daughter of my dear friend who lives in Colorado. I bet Flat Halle will have some fun adventures there.

Betty Davis
Bella Vista, Arkansas

Flat Gracie

FLAT GRACIE GOES TO THE RANCH

We are Flat Gracie's grandparents, Raiford and Linda Williams. We live on a 237 acre ranch in the city of Copperas Cove. We like to say that we are the largest ranch in town. Actually we have the only ranch in town.

We had Flat Gracie from February 9 through 11. We have had some rain this week. It was very welcome. The temperature has been rather mild, making us think that spring might be near.

Flat Gracie has been to the ranch many times to visit with Grandmom and Grandad. She especially likes to be here when her three cousins are here. They roam over the pastures to see what interesting things and places they can find. They have claimed and named several places as their "forts." They have brought some unusual things in from the pastures such as a turtle shell, golf balls, and an old bicycle.

Flat Gracie and the other grandchildren don't mind sharing the pastures with the cows, but when the bull comes around, they head for the house.

The tree house that Grandad built is a favorite place for Flat Gracie to play with her sisters and cousins. They even sometimes sleep up there.

At the first sign of spring Grandad starts getting his garden ready. Then he goes shopping for seed and plants. (Grandmom prefers flower seed.) Next it's time to plant. This spring and summer Flat Gracie and her sisters and cousins will get to help harvest and eat the vegetables that Grandad grow.

When work is done, the swing is a great place to rest with Grandad.

We always have fun when Flat Gracie comes to visit us.

Flat Jake

Lana Barnes (Nana)
February 3rd - 6th
Weather was cold or cool in the mornings and warm by noon - just like spring in the winter time
College Station TX
Home of Texas A&M University and the George Bush Library.

I am Flat Jake's grandmother on his dad's side. I got Flat Jake out of the mailbox on Monday night, February 2nd after coming home from his brother's basketball game. Too bad he did not get here earlier, he could have watched his brother Matthew play basketball.

Flat Jake visited with his PaPa and me for awhile and then we put him to bed on the couch. He enjoyed sleeping with our 2 cats, Jazzo and Dallas. They kept him nice and warm. He really liked playing with them too.

On Tuesday Flat Jake ate Honeynut Cheerios for breakfast with strawberries and drank all of his milk. What a great kid! Then we were off to the office for a full day of work. Flat Jake was a big hit at the office and all of my co-workers just loved him. He learned how to scan documents to a pdf folder...how to fax papers to others and how to review surveys of properties that are getting ready to close. Then we went off to "boot camp". This is an intensive workout program. Flat Jake was very surprised that his Nana could actually do some of the things she did. No one was more surprised than me since this was the first day. Of course, Flat Jake just laughed and laughed at all the ladies as they exercised!!! Flat Jake and I dragged ourselves home and I crashed on the couch while Flat Jake watched his favorite cartoon on tv before going to sleep.

On Wednesday Flat Jake went back to work with me and afterward we went to church. Flat Jake and I worked with the Cubbies in AWANAs. Cubbies are 3 and 4 years old and Flat Jake laughed and had a great time. We sang, did a craft and learned Bible verses. Flat Jake even knew the verses we were learning.

Thursday, Flat Jake and I were back at work and it was a fairly low key day. We went back to the boot camp after work. Flat Jake certainly had a good laugh all over again at us ladies as we struggled to jog and touch our toes.

Friday Flat Jake is off again to his next adventure. He is going back to Dallas to see his Aunt MiMi and they are going to New York!!! I am so jealous...

Love you Flat Jake.

Nana

Flat Gracie

Flat Gracie took a little road trip with Grammy, PapPap, Aunt Melinda, and Baby Colin to surprise her! She stayed in a hotel on the way and got to stop on the Alabama border for a photo op. Isn't she small? Can you see her?

Flat Nena

My name is Mac Mascorro and I am Nena's brother. I had Flat Nena from January 28th to February 2. On January 28th there was so much ice and the weather was cold that we had an ice day and didn't even go to school! The next day was a little bit warmer, and all the days following that were up to 70 degrees.

I live in Abilene, Texas. Abilene is not necessarily an extremely interesting place, but my house has a pretty view of "Texas mountains," or just large hills.

I took Flat Nena to my basketball games on the 29th and the 30th, and on the 31st I took Nena to buy a new pair of shoes and to a concert called ZOP'S. We also had fun at church and at school!
Thank You,
Mac Mascorro

Flat Halle

HELLO EVERYONE, MY NAME IS MARGURITE LAWRENCE AND I AM HALLE’S GREAT GRANDMOTHER. I LIVE IN GIDDINGS TEXAS. THE WEATHER HERE IS TRUE TEXAS WEATHER. IT IS COLD AT NIGHT AND EARLY MORNINGS AND HOT IN THE AFTERNOONS.

I TOOK FLAT HALLE TO MY SISTER DE DE AND WE MADE HOMEMADE CHICKEN AND DUMPLINGS. WE MADE THEM FOR ALL THE SICK PEOPLE IN MY CHURCH. THEN FLAT HALLE ,DE DE AND I DELIVERED THEM TO EACH PERSON AND VISITED WITH THEM AWHILE. THESE PEOPLE ARE NOT ABLE TO GET OUT AND VISIT ANY ONE SO THEY GET LONELY. WE HAD A VERY GOOD VISIT.

I TOOK FLAT HALLE TO A BASKETBALL GAME TO WATCH HER COUSIN, KATLIN PLAY BASKETBALL. FLAT HALLE REALLY CHEERED HER COUSIN ON AND THEY WON THEIR GAME. THEN FLAT HALLE AND I AND KATLIN AND DE DE AND SEVERAL OTHER PEOPLE WENT TO MELS DINER TO HAVE DINNER. WE REALLY HAD FUN.

FLAT HALLE VISITED ME FOR TWO WEEKS AND WE HAD A GREAT TIME VISITING ALL THE RELATIVES THAT SHE DOESN’T GET TO SEE VERY OFTEN.

Flat Nena

Flat Gracie

Well, what a day for Flat Gracie. Aunt Ginny wanted to take her to PA, but after she went through Security at the Airport, she couldn't find Flat Gracie. She called Uncle Tommy and he said Flat Gracie stayed in the car with him so she didn't get to go to PA. Uncle Tommy brought her over to Grammy's and she took Flat Gracie to Albertson's Grocery store to see Pap-Pap.

She helped stock shelves with her Grandfather. She it enjoyed it so much she started running around the store, here are the different places where we found her: In the oranges, bananas, lemons, limes, coconuts, and finally Juicey Juice!

Oh that Flat Gracie, she is soooo fast!

Flat Gracie

Hi again.

Flat Gracie came with us to see her cousin Ryan play basketball for Mt. Dora Middle School. This is a picture of us in the bleachers watching his game (Pap-pap, Grammy, Aunt Ginny, Cousin Ashleigh, Flat Gracie and Aunt Debbie). Unfortunately, we didn’t get a picture of Flat Gracie with Ryan. We were in a hurry because Flat Gracie decided to fly with Aunt Ginny to Pennsylvania to see her other cousins, Alexa and Austin.

Flat Gracie

Hi Flatstudents!

This is Gracie's grandmother writing from Mount Dora, Florida. Mount Dora is not too far from Disney World and it is home to a lot of people who are mostly grandmothers and grandfathers. It is raining today, so Flat Gracie didn't get to do any fun things outside. So Flat Gracie went on some errands with us and visiting.

The first picture is of Flat Gracie and Grammy. Flat Gracie helped me pick out a couple of books to read from the Mt. Dora Library - thanks Flat Gracie!

The second picture is of Flat Gracie and Pap-Pap. We went to "Cupcake Delight" and Flat Gracie shared our special cupcakes. They were delicious - Thanks Flat Gracie!

The third picture is of Flat Gracie and Aunt Ginny in her sewing room. Aunt Ginny makes very special quilts for all her family and friends. This Christmas Flat Gracie and her sisters received beautiful quilts made especially for them by Aunt Ginny. Maybe Flat Gracie will bring her new quilt to school to show you. Thanks Aunt Ginny!

The fourth picture is of Flat Gracie and Uncle Tommy in his special garage! Uncle Tommy has a car that is an antique - it was made in 1931. Can you figure out how old the car is? Even though the car is very old, it is very beautiful because Uncle Tommy takes very good care of it and keeps it in his special garage! This picture is of Uncle Tommy and Flat Gracie sitting on his Harley Davidson Motor Cycle. Notice Uncle Tommy is wearing a helmet for safety! Thanks Uncle Tommy

The last picture is of Flat Gracie and Emma. Emma is a Shitzu and lives with Aunt Ginny and Uncle Tommy. Emma is very friendly and very sweet. She always wants a treat when you come visit her, so Flat Gracie gave her one. Thanks Flat Gracie - Woof, Woof!

Flat Gracie

Hey flat students! This is Gracie William's Aunt Melinda. Flat Gracie has been here in Orlando, Florida with me, her Uncle Ryan and newest cousin, Colin. You know Orlando, right...home of Mickey and Minnie Mouse? We didn't get to take Flat Gracie to Disney World, but she has been before. I carried Flat Gracie around with me doing my chores around the house and running errands. I am a new mommy so that is pretty much all I do all day. I took a few pictures of Gracie helping me with a few things...Flat Gracie helped me play with Colin while I got some chores done. Then she helped me get Sidney, our dog, ready for her walk. She also had a quick bite to eat with Uncle Ryan and Colin before heading out for more chores!

Flat Gracie was with us from January 21-28th (sorry...I kept her a little too long, I know...I didn't want to send her off to someone else so soon because I miss her so much!). The weather here in Orlando is in the 70's and really sunny...that is why we are called the Sunshine State! It is supposed to get cold this weekend, though. Like I mentioned, Orlando is famous for Disney World, but the state of Florida is famous for it's oranges, alligators, sunshine and miles and miles of beautiful beaches! Gracie has already seen some of those beaches before, too.

She left us today and is on to her next adventure. I guess you guys will find out where she is soon enough! Have fun following my precious Flat Niece!!!

I love you, Gracie!
Aunt Melinda Smith

Flat Jake

My name: Aunt Mimi: (Jake's dads sister)
City and State: Dallas, TX
Weather: Bright, sunny and warm and then bitter cold!


Flat Jake came to visit Dallas on a bright and sunny afternoon. He was able to strech out the afternoon after being couped up in an envelope and play with Charlie Sue my dog and Cat my cat. We talked awhile about ideas for a name for Cat but decided to just stick with Cat.

The next morning I had to go to the office and Flat Jake decided he wanted to go as well. He rode in the front seat so he could look out the window and check out Dallas on the way. He was seatbelted in of course for his own safety. Once we got to the office Flat Jake had a great time exploring the office. I found him at my computer as well as darting around the windows to get a good look outside. Later in the morning I lost Flat Jake. Guess where I found him.......he was in the office kitchen getting some hot chocolate! Flat Jake seems to have a sweet tooth just like 3D Jake. We had a fun morning at the office.

After lunch, it was off to school for Flat Jake and I. I think Flat Jake found the Finance class a bit boring, but he had a good time walking around the campus.

The next day Flat Jake and I went to an 11 year old's birthday party. We ate pizza and watched movies. It was lots of fun. As you can see, Flat Jake got a little eager for the cookie cake and we thought he was going to eat it all!

Overall, Flat Jake and I had lots of fun riding around Dallas and playing with friends. Maybe Flat Jake will come back for another visit but for now he is off to his next adventure.

Flat Halle

Halle,
Hope this finds you doing well & thank you for asking us to be part of your project. It sounds really fun! We hope our story is helpful.

We are:
Dad-Scott, Mom-Becky, Tucker-14 yrs old, Lindy 12 yrs old, Deke 10 yrs old, Teagan 7 yrs old. We currently live in Tanzania right on the East African coast. We can see the Indian Ocean from our back porch & often go swimming in it. Our backyard is full of palm, mango, banana & lemon trees…and a few monkeys that like fruit as much as we do! We also have a herd of goats that the villagers stake in our yard for grazing every day & then collect at night. Teagan helps them herd the goats back to the pens at night where they will be safe. They often drag her along behind them as they race to the water trough. Between monkeys, children & goats, our yard is a busy place. We even have a red termite mound that’s as tall as Scott. The kids laugh & say we don’t need a dog for a pet, we need an ant-eater!

The houses here in the village are made of either mud or local brick & have grass thatched roofs. The people are mostly farmers. We work with them to teach them ways to improve their lives & be healthier & share the love of Jesus so they will truly have abundant lives. It’s an exciting job & all the kids help us. We are all learning & daily speaking Swahili. It’s a fun language & the kids are learning much faster than mom & dad.

Our days are hardly ever the same, except for doing our school work. We have been home schooling for 6 years now. We love it! We often have neighbors wanting us to teach their children also. We would have a very full school table if we said yes! The children here do not get a good education & we are looking for ways to help them. We are praying about setting up a library, we’ll see what God has in store!

The weather here is very hot & it is summer now-opposite of you all. We really only have wet or dry seasons, not four seasons. It will begin raining in March & won’t stop until May, that’s the long rainy time. Then it will be dry until late October when the short rains come. We live so close to the ocean that we do get a cool breeze most days. We don’t have electricity all the time so we need that breeze!

We get to see wildlife all the time & have had to wait for zebras, giraffes or elephants to cross the road many times. Our roads are not paved except the main one straight down the coast line from the capital city. We will soon be moving to a more remote village that is near a game reserve & will then see even more animals. The kids all want to see a leopard the most. We have already had a cobra at our house so that’s been crossed off the list!

We hope this helps you with your project! You may email us anytime to ask questions….we will answer soon as we can.

In Christ,
Karibu…
The Plackes

Flat Halle

My Name: Jeri Blacklock (Halle’s Great Aunt)
Dates Aunt Jeri had Flat Halle: Jan.23-26
What was the Weather Like: Very Cold
City and State: Bulverde, Texas
Special Feature to My Location: Located near the Alamo in San Antonio, and Schlitterbaun Water Park in New Braunfels

Flat Halle Comes to Visit

She arrived at her Great Aunt Jeri’s home in the afternoon mail. And after being unfolded and her wrinkles smoothed Flat Halle was placed on the refrigerator door being held there with a magnet. Aunt Jeri, who lives in the Bulverde, Texas which is in the hill county just north San Antonio shares her home with a number of furry critters. The first critter who appeared to welcome Hallie was Arnold, a yellow tabby kitty who is the official greeter for the household. If you came for a visit Arnold would be the first to welcome you to the house whether you liked cats or not. Arnold was followed by a Roo, Willie and El, all teenager kitties who came to meet Flat Halle and wanted her to join in their afternoon play. Because Flat Halle was a mere slip of a girl, Aunt Jeri decided that Roo, Willie and El, who sometimes play a little rough, would have to settle for the crumpled envelope that had brought Flat Halle to Aunt Jeri’s house. Flat Halle giggled and squealed with delight from her20position high on the refrigerator as she watched the three kitties bat the envelope around the kitchen floor.
The next critter who decided to meet Flat Halle was an older black kitty who was also named Hallie and who after giving Flat Halle a quick sniff proceeded on to more important things, her food bowl and her afternoon snack. Hallie the kitty was followed by Jeni, Aunt Jeri’s large Old English Sheepdog, who also sniffed Flat Halle but was told by Aunt Jeri not to lick Flat Hallie with kisses because unlike the real Halle, Flat Halle should not get wet.
Early the next morning Flat Halle went with Aunt Jeri to the Bulverde Area Humane Society which is an orphanage for lost and stray cats and dogs. Aunt Jeri takes care of these orphans every day. As Aunt Jeri and Flat Halle went into the old stone house where the orphan kitties lived they were greeted by Barney Short Tail, a brown kitty with a very short tail, and the official greeter of the cat house. With slight meows followed by loud purrs Barney Short Tail led Aunt Jeri and Flat Halle into the cat house and to his food dish which was empty. When Aunt Jeri began to open cans of Tuna for the kitties many other orphan kitties appeared from their secret hiding places and gathered around the legs of Aunt Jeri and Flat Halie. Meowing and purring and then rubbing against Aunt Jeri’s and Flat Halle legs these kitties waited patiently while Aunt Jeri placed the cans of tuna on plates for them.
Once the kitties had eaten Flat Halle watched as each kitty wandered off to its favorite sun filled spot where they each began to wash their face and whiskers by wetting their paws and then wiping their faces with the wet paws.
Flat Halle then went with Aunt Jeri to th e house that had the orphaned dogs in large roomy cages. All the dogs were very excited to see Aunt Jeri and Flat Halle and barked their welcome. As Aunt Jeri fed each dog Flat Halle watched as they wagged their tales and licked Aunt Jeri’s face with delight. Patches, a very small brown and white puppy, wiggled his whole body as Aunt Jeri fed him and was even allowed to give Flat Halle a small lick on her face.
After feeding the dogs Aunt Jeri and Flat Halle then walked several of the dogs around the large fenced side and back yards of the Humane Society. Baby, an older dog, was excited about her walk and let them on a fast pace and got very excited when they spotted an Armadillo that was burrowing in the ground just outside the fence. Tobey, a smaller brown doggie, pulled on the leash and he too got real excited when he found a bone from some unknown critter hidden in the grass. He insisted on carrying the bone back to his cage.
With the dogs and cats fed, walked and cleaned, Aunt Jeri and Flat Halle returned to Aunt Jeri’s house where, after watching her new furry friends play for several hours, she said goodbye to them, and Aunt Jeri made Flat Halle ready to continue on her journey by carefully placing her in a new envelope and then taking her to the Bulverde Post Office.

Flat Will

Flat Will arrived at the home of Lillian and Nonie Cornett. He spent some time with them from Jan. 22, 23, 2009. Lillian lives in Kurten, Texas, a very small town outside of Bryan, about 15 miles, in the country.

Lillian reports that the weather is good there, about 72 and sunny. Lillian also tells us:

We could use a little rain to help the grass grow for our horses and cows. We live in the country, we have some ring neck doves, a dog (Winfree) and a cat (Boots), plus the cows and horses. Our cat helps to keep the snakes and rats away. My husband Nonie and I have had 10 children all are grown or got to heaven to be with Jesus. We now care for 3 of our great-grand children while their moms work. We met Will and is family through Church singing. Will and his sister sing at my church ever so often, and we love it.

We sent Flat Will on to Oklahoma and Louisiana!

Flat Halle

Flat Halle arrived in Dayton, Texas, at the home of Elizabeth Kirby. Elizabeth is Halle's great aunt, or her dad's aunt. Flat Halle stayed there from 1/22 until 1/24.

Here is some more information:

Weather: Absolutely beautiful weather the first day, windy and cool. The next day very warm but beautiful. Today is cold.

City and State: I live in Dayton Texas and Caldwell Texas . Dayton is where your Grandma Brenda Lawrence and I grew up. Our grandparents on my Dad’s side moved there in 1923 and we still live in their home.

Week 2 - what we did in class

This week we read Chapter 3 and the beginning of Chapter 4. We learned the days of the week, talked about time, and learned how to handle ourselves when we meet someone new. Ask them to show you!! They should put out their hand, shaking firmly, look you in the eye, and introduce themselves. They did a great job with this!

We also had a little experiment with marshmallows. We used many objects to see which ones would flatten the marshmallow the most. The students were very good with their predictions… and then we tried seeing how flat a car would make one. That was the highlight of this experiment!!

The kids made a chart with the occupations that they would like to have. Doctors beat policemen by two votes… though two of those voting for doctors wanted to change occupations when we were done! To wrap up our class, Nurse McElhaney came in and talked to the kids. She told them what a nurse does and showed them a lot of tools that a nurse uses. They had fun listening to their hearts and looking in each others’ eyes.

That was week 2! We’ll wrap it up next week.

Flat Cody and Flat Corey

Flat Cody and Flat Corey arrived at the home of Carolyn Hawkins. She lives in Sun Lakes, Arizona.

They arrived at Carolyn's house on January 17.

Here is some more information about their visit:

The weather was WARM. It was 75 degrees and I had the back door open wide.

I live in a community many grandmas and granpas with lots of golf courses and swimming pools. We are located on the desert and in my yard I grow cactus and have beautiful Gambel Quail .

Once there was a coyote in my front yard.

Flat Halle

Flat Halle arrived in Waller, Texas, at the home of Brenda Lawrence, Halle's Grandma.

Halle was at Grandma's house from the 14th until the 18th. Here is some more information from our Flat Halle...

WEATHER: Really cold one day and nice the other days. If was freezing here the day you came in the mail. I hope our lemon and kumquat trees made it through the cold weather. They are citrus trees and do not like cold weather very much.

CITY AND STATE: I live in Waller, Texas. Waller was named after Edwin Waller who signed the Texas declaration of Independence. He was a friend of Nanny's great-great-great uncle James B. Woods who also signed the Texas declaration of Independence.

Week 1 - what we did in class

This week in class…

We read the first two chapters of Flat Stanley. We learned that he was flattened by a bulletin board but was not injured! They took him to the doctor and the tailor to be checked out and measured. Flat Stanley helped his mom retrieve her ring from a storm drain by having her tie his shoe strings around his body and lowering him in. Flat Stanley went to visit a friend in California. His family mailed him – but they also packed an egg salad sandwich and some milk for his trip.

We learned the cost of a stamp. The kids counted all kinds of combinations of coins to make 42 cents. They even got to bring home 42 cents in change!

We learned about the abbreviations we use to address people and envelopes with… Mr., Mrs., Miss, Ms., and Dr. were the ones we used. We also addressed our envelopes and stuffed our Flat Students to be mailed.

After recess, we took a little field trip to mail our Flat Students. When they were all in the mailbox, we banged on the box and asked if they were comfortable and okay. When our students were sure their Flat Students were happy, we headed back to class for a snack of eggs and milk! (They weren’t real eggs, they just looked like eggs, but some students still didn’t want any part of them…)

We also discussed where California is and a made a book with the state flower, state flag, and state bird.

And finally, the students designed and created their own 42 cent stamps!

Meet our Flat People

Left to right: Flat Jake, Flat Macy, Flat Corey, Flat Grace, Flat Cody, Flat Halle, Flat Will, and Flat Nena