Arie Leeper's Flat Stanley visits the military.

Arie's Flat Stanley has learned that DeRidder and the surrounding area is the home for some of America's bravest men and women.  Arie's Stanley was eager to visit the place where these dedicated soldiers train, Fort Polk, Louisiana.

             Arie's Stanley wanted to climb into this unique flying machine and zoom across the sky!

                                                And what do you call this flying machine?!?

    Look at Stanley up on that old Sherman Tank.  This fighting machine was used in World War II 
    and the Korean War.  Careful Stanley, don't press any buttons!

Caleb Young's Flat Stanley has been visiting friends in Santa Fe, New Mexico. He went with Grandpa Bob and Grandma Vicki. He really enjoyed seeing the different land and plants they have in New Mexico. He hiked, climbed a tree, and had a campfire. Lots of fun!

Gavin Spitzer's Flat Stanley is on his way back to Slaughter Elementary. He has had a fun and busy vacation at Paw Paw and Grandma Julie's house. He also made 5 new friends while  he was here!

Flat Stanley with Paisley, Ally, Rolly, Zoro and Gravy

Flat Stanley came to visit Sissy in Pensacola, Florida.  His first day he spent at the beach.  We had a little traffic going to the beach but here we are going over the bay.

Stanley was soaking up the rays and he fell asleep and got buried in the sand. 

Flat Stanley drove the boat back home after a fun day at the beach.

Arie Leeper's Flat Stanley goes to the Gulf of Mexico.

After that exciting alligator hunt, Pawpaw and Hunter wanted Stanley to take a ferry boat ride to see the Gulf of Mexico.  Pawpaw drove onto the ferry and everyone was carried across the waterway.

Soon they were at the edge of the Gulf of Mexico.  Stanley didn't want to get wet. 

He's not sure if he liked all that seaweed as he hunted for shells to take back to McKinney.

Arie Leeper's Flat Stanley goes Alligator Hunting.

Arie's Flat Stanley prepares for a trip to the marsh lands of southwest Louisiana.  He changed into shorts, tank top, and crocs because the weather is hot and humid.  Now he is eager to go "hunting" for alligators.  Arie's Stanley ventures to the Creole Nature Trail of Cameron parish (county) where the "gators" roam.  He stops for a picture.  Louisiana is shaped like a boot.

As the jouney continues Stanley catches a ride in a pirogue (p-row) (flat bottom boat) with Cajun Kate as she travels through the marshes filled with all types of wildlife above and below the swamps' waters. How many creatures do you see?

 

It doesn't take long before Stanley finds a "gator" sunning himself on an old cypress log.  Don't get to close!  That alligator looks hungry!

Back safely in Pawpaw's truck, the journey continues along the bayou until Stanley see's this suspicious lump moving through the water.

Wow!! There it is!  A real live alligator swimming along with only the top of his head peeping above water.  A closer shot shows the alligator looking like a log in the water.  Do you see him?!?

To Camaren Gell.  Flat Stanley has been having so much fun in Connecticut this week!!!  We went to the Long Island Sound and collected sea shells for him to play with.  He also has been reading Harry Potter.  He loves it!!!!  Unfortunately my son has introduced him to the X-Box and he has been playing way too many video games.  His favorite seems to be Madden Football.  Flat Stanley asked me to say hi to you and your classmates and tell you that he misses you and will see you soon.  This weekend he is going to New York to do some white water rafting.  BRRRRR....the water is still really cold here.  I will have him dress warm!!!