“Hi, I’m Flat Stanleyette and I’m here for a good time!”

For the second time this year, our family has hosted a Flat Stanley. I think the first Flat Stanley told the second one that our house was THE vacation destination. I can imagine more interesting places than our house but we swung wide the door of hospitality! Have you ever sent or received a Flat Stanley? I’ve never felt so much pressure to please a paper doll in my life!

My niece, A. sent me her adorably colored Flat Stanleyette. This FS is a super fancy girl with earrings, freckles, polished finger nails and some very interesting eye brows! Suddenly I was scrambling around making sure our life looked happy and interesting. FS had just missed participating in a craft fair and that was probably for the best. They are absolutely exhausting!

Taking a moment to pause, Flat Stanleyette enjoys being around this strapping young Soldier!

Thankfully she arrived on a weekend when my Soldier was in town. As soon as I tore open the envelope and saw her inside, I took her out to play basketball with the orange hair, freckle face OS and Nate.  FS admired Nate’s big muscles and Ike’s serious basketball skills. Based on all of their faces, I think they had fun together!

Even though you can’t tell by her facial expression, Flat Stanleyette sat patiently at church and seemed interested in learning about God’s Word.

That evening, we took Ike out to the Melting Pot to celebrate his 16th birthday. Of course, we piled our new guest with us to the restaurant. She was polite and ate very little which was a good thing because the Melting Pot is $$$.

“You preached an excellent sermon!” “I know. Thanks for visiting.” “You’re welcome.”

FS went to church with us the following day. Pastor Rob wasn’t sure what to do when she insisted and I mean insisted on taking a picture with him. Sometimes it feels weird going to church if you haven’t been there for a while, I remember that feeling but we all made her feel welcome and at ease. She sat patiently next to me and looked on as I read the Bible. It was a new experience for FS and I think she got a lot out of it.

There was more fun and I can’t wait to share!

Flat Stanleyette and Erma became fast friends and BFFs!