It took me 7 days to make it from McKinney, TX to Bagram Airfield Afghanistan. Hayden's dad - Technical Sergeant (TSgt) Canady is in the United States Air Force and he picked me up from the post office and took me to his work area. His desk has many family photos. He must really love his family! What else can you see on his desk?
TSgt Canady told me that sometimes it can be dangerous outside so we might need to where body armor. He let me try his on, but I think it was a little too big! What do you think?
I was introduced to some murals that are just my size. Which one do you like best?
I didn't stay inside long. TSgt Canady said it was a beautiful day outside and was a perfect day to explore some locations around the base. We took some photos just outside the building where he works.
I learned to drive a truck and even saw a huge air plane. Have you ever driven a vehicle or seen such a huge air plane?
Check out these mountains. They are part of the Hindu Kush mountain range. Can you find them on a map? How tall do you think they are?
After driving around we played a few games of horse shoes - I think I won! And then we played some volley ball - being flat is not so great for volleyball. I learned what a spike means in volleyball! Sitting in the judge's chair was just as fun and much safer for me. Have you ever played horse shoes or volleyball?
I was hungry after all the sports we played so TSgt Canady treated me to a pizza and a peach smoothie. What's your favorite kind of pizza? What about your favorite treat?
After dinner we explored more places that had views outside the base. It wasn't safe for me to pose in front of the camera so I helped take the photos. These items can be dangerous to touch. Why should you not touch these things?
There are many people that live outside the base. I saw a rancher, a group of boys, a mother and daughter, and a boy hunter. What kind of animals does the rancher have? The people wear different clothing than you are me but they are people that like to have fun like us. I saw them play tag, wrestle, play soccer, and they love to explore. What do you like to do for fun?
We also saw some interesting vehicles. It looks like a motorcycle and a cart or wagon. I call it a motorcartagon. What would you call it?
We also saw a local market. There were many people that sold meat and vegetables and clothing and trinkets. I tried to say hello to a couple of girls and a group of boys. I don't think they had met anyone like me before. What do you think their reactions mean?
We saw an old bullet hole in a building and it made me pretty nervous. TSgt Canady thought I acted really brave and said it was time for us to head back to our room for the day. Would you be scared?
Our room had 3 bedrooms that each have their own bunk bed. TSgt Canady said I was such a brave boy today so he gave me my very own bedroom and he even made the bed for me! My room was awesome! I love stripes...how did he know? What is your favorite colored sheets? What kind of bed do you have?
What a great day! Unfortunately, many of the things we had planned on the following days were canceled due to the weather or because it was too dangerous for me to go out. We missed out on a plane ride, helicopter visit, really cool army vehicle, a trip to the fire station and the hospital. Even though we missed out on those adventures, I am really exhausted from all the fun and adventures we did have. Now I need to get ready for my trip back home. I have some really cool souvenirs and can't wait to share them with Hayden and his class. See you soon!
Can you find Flat Stanley in this picture?
