Our First American Visitor

My Cousin A's second grade son was assigned to send "Flat Stanley" to another state or country. The host family was asked to take Flat Stanley on some adventures specific to their area and then send him home with pictures (and anything else they felt would be appropriate).

I can't tell you how excited I was for our little visitor to arrive. But first, let's see how far Stanley had to come... click here for a map that Papa Echo made. (We live FAR AWAY!!!)

We took Stanley to The Gympie Gold Mining and Historical Museum.

Driving on the left is a little scary for Stanley.

He saw a little bit of color in one of the pans.

Then we took him to our favorite place, Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary.

Eeek!!! Fruit bats!!

Stanley was nervous about getting into the ocean, so he played tiggy (tag) on the beach.

Yum! Yum! Fish, prawns and chips.

All the students wear uniforms here and Stanley was no exception.

And of course he had to buy some souvenirs to take back to the second grade class. He also brought back two sets of togs (swim suits), postcards and a map of the koala sanctuary and the museum.
Thanks for visiting Flat Stanley!!!

New School Year

The Australian school year is from January until December. While I was in Salt Lake, the kids started a NEW school year. Papa Echo was really 'cute' and labeled the "first day of school" picture with the kids names... in case I forgot.

Jonathan is in Year 4 and Alyssa is in Year 7

Jessica is in Year 10

Alyssa was voted in as a School Councillor.

Congratulations Alyssa Kay!!

The kids are all enjoying school. Jessica LOVES having two different art classes and Alyssa and Jonathan both love their Japanese language class.

Summer Birthday Parties

Jonathan invited a bunch of friends to go bowling with him for his birthday.

Two good lookin' guys.

Nice Jonathan!!

And then it was Alyssa's turn for a party. She has ALWAYS wanted to have a summer birthday party... including swimming and an ice cream cake.

Done and Done.

No party is complete without "Just Dance 3"

Happy 12th Birthday Alyssa!!!