Flat Stanley Travel’s With Us (A bonus entry written for my eight-year-old nephew)

Date: June 13th 2014

Weather: Hot sticky summer days.

 

Flat Stanley joined us on a Friday the 13th while we travelled from Atlanta GA to Kansas City/Independence MO and then on to Kenosha WI

His first stop worth mentioning was in Metropolis, Illinois where Stanley attended the annual Superman Appreciation Festival. This yearly gathering takes place in Downtown Metropolis at the foot of the Giant Superman Statue.  Lots of people dressed up – Stanley enjoyed people dressed up as the Joker, The Watchmen, Batman and even entire families dressed as Superman.

When we left Metropolis we continued on our way to Independence, outside of Kansas City. Stanley even took a turn driving.

 

Date: June 15th 2014 FATHER’S DAY!

Weather: Bright, beautiful sunny and sweaty

 

Stanley joined our family for a Father’s day breakfast at our favorite Chinese restaurant. We enjoyed Dim Sum, a traditional Chinese breakfast. “Dim Sum” translates to “Little Treasures” and consists of various types of dumplings and other small-plate dishes usually delivered in steel steamer baskets. After Breakfast we took Stanley bead shopping at one of Heather’s favorite bead shops in Kansas city. Stanley loved the beads but really enjoyed relaxing in a bowl of beautiful stones. Upon our return to Independence we did a little sightseeing where we saw Horse Buggies… Okay, donkey buggies.  We also saw one of the most important Mormon Temples outside of Utah. Because of the fanciful design of the roof  – and how it resembles a soft-serve ice cream – the locals call it the “Dairy Queen Temple”.

Date: June 17th  2014

Weather: lovely, cooler and breezy,

We had a photo shoot to do and Stanley was only too happy to help us. We drove around and showed Stanley some sights. He enjoyed the charm of Westport, the history of KC and all of the beautiful fountains and buildings of “The Plaza”. When we arrived at the home and studio of our amazing photographer Ann Brown – annbrownphotography.com   - Stanley was fascinated with the props room at the studio. He even tried a little modeling of his own. Stanley was impressed with the process, not only taking the photos but all of the steps involved in editing and retouching the pictures before they can be released.

 

Date: June 19th 2014

Weather: Nice, warm, a little cooler

Stanley was very friendly and outgoing when he hung out with us. He did surprise us with some of the friends he made in Missouri. Who knew that Sasquatch (One of the names the Native Americans gave to “Bigfoot”) was so small and friendly?  There are quite a few steps involved in getting a travel-trailer ready to hit the road. Stan-the-man helped me out with the outside stuff while Scarlett and Heather took care of the interior. We hooked-up and verified the hitch. We disconnected the water and sewer hoses and verified that the tires were properly inflated and before noon we hit the road. Along our route we stopped to admire the MASSIVE blades of a wind turbine at a truck stop in Iowa.  Finally at the end of our time together Stanley and the rest of the family arrived at the Bristol Renaissance Festival outside Kenosha WI. After getting properly signed in – he was even kind enough to accompany us on an inspection of the new shop we’re building.

Thanks Stan. We have enjoyed your company. Come back and visit again sometime.