A taste of Australia...

Meet Flat Stanleyette.

About a month ago, I wrote a post about all my "growing up years," all the places I had been, etc... I admit, my husband and kids are just a little bit jealous, because I've seen other parts of the world. Especially my daughter. Kayla loves studying facts about other countries. She loves things that look exotic. She thinks all people, their languages and cultures are beautiful and fascinating. I can see her one day exploring the world...

Anyway, about two months ago she came home with a little bit of homework for her art class. She had to list five addresses of people in either different states or countries. Well, that is where a little bit of my background came to her aide. She has an uncle in Texas. She has grandparents in Kentucky. However, she wanted something different. We called my mom. We were given the address of one of my mom's good friends while overseas, someone she still stays in contact with. The exciting part for Kayla was that the lady lived in Australia.

After taking the addresses back to school, the art teacher explained the assignment. They were going to make a "Flat Stanley" and pick one address off their list to send it to. Can you guess who my daughter sent hers to??? Anyway, she wrote a letter to go with her Flat Stanley, asking the recipient to describe where they live and what Flat Stanley saw while visiting and then mail the Flat Stanley back.

Two days ago, Kayla received a manila envelope with her Flat Stanley. Also in the package was a book on Australia, each page had a written note of what Flat Stanleyette had seen while sightseeing in the town of Perth. There were also some Australia stickers and a nice little note from my mom's friend.

I have to say it brought back memories for me. This lady had a son, who was " my mate" (a friend) during my teenage years. I always wanted to visit his beautiful country. I loved to hear him talk...I have always loved the accent! I think it is great that my young daughter, who has such a love for all things foreign (outside the good 'ol USA) benefited from something out of my past...

Needless to say, Kayla was very excited about the outcome of this assignment! I kind of was too! She said; "Mom, I would love to visit Australia! It is beautiful!" I would have to agree...maybe one day.