Uncle Jack shows "Flat Isaiah" around Cali!

Isaiah's class read a book called "Flat Stanley" and then did a project to go with it. Each student made a "flat" version of themselves on paper and mailed it to someone they knew. They plotted where they went on a map. Isaiah wanted to go to see Uncle Jack in California! Uncle Jack took some great pictures and chronicled their adventures, then, mailed everything back for Isaiah to share with his classmates! We are now going to make a book out of it! Here are some of the pictures:

And here's the story of their adventures:

"What a joy it was to receive Flat Isaiah in the mail... and boy did we have fun!

The beginning of Flat Isaiah's adventure in Los Angeles started... where else?... the beach! Flat Isaiah and Uncle Jack hung out in the sand, went to the famous Venice grafitti wall, and relaxed on a friend's porch after a day in the sun.

Flat Isaiah's next stop? Hollywood, of course. We started on the famous Hollywood Walk of Fame. Flat Isaiah met many Hollywood stars here including Marilyn Monroe, Frank Sinatra, Bruce Willis, and Kermit the Frog.

After visiting the stars, we figured we'd meet some of the more "normal" folk in Hollywood. Flat Isaiah met King Kong. Flat Isaiah was very brave in this encounter. Uncle Jack was scared but Flat Isaiah insisted that they save the girl! Next, Uncle Jack and Flat Isaiah bumped into the tallest man in the world! Flat Isaiah played it cool but Uncle Jack seemed to be developing a bit of a Napoleon complex, so we moved on.

Last, but not least, Uncle Jack and Flat Isaiah crossed paths with Captain Jack Sparrow! Captain Jack snatched Flat Isaiah from Uncle Jack but Uncle Jack was prepared to fight for his friend's honor. Uncle Jack stole Captain Jack's sword and exclaimed "Return Flat Isaiah or prepare to walk the plank!!!"

Flat Isaiah was returned safely.

We had so much fun and can't wait to see Flat Isaiah again.

With Love,

Uncle Jack

P.S. Special thanks to Mary Kelsey for the camera work."

Is that not adorable!!! This whole thing is very special to me :)

COMING SOON: Uncle Jack shows "Flat Isaiah" around California! You don't want to miss this!

Luke has really become very affectionate with his little sister :) Who saw that coming?! If she starts crying, he goes over and rubs her head or gives her a hug or his blanket. It's been very sweet to watch!

Isaiah's 1st diorama

In preparation for their trip to the zoo last week, Isaiah's class had an assignment to choose one of 7 or 8 suggested habitat's and make a diorama. Isaiah wanted to use a wolf he already had, so we chose the "woodland" habitat. We cut a branch from a holly bush to make a tree. Isaiah painted the grass and trees. We made a stream with blue paper covered with plastic wrap and lined it with stones. We added a pile of sticks for a beaver dam and made some playdough using whole wheat flour for the bear cave. I was so impressed with his work. It was one of those moments where I realize just how much he has grown up. He doesn't need my help with much anymore. As parents, we all have those moments where we let the kids do something, knowing full well that we will have to redo it when they're not looking, am I right? He did such a great job, there was nothing to "fix" :) I am having so much more fun THIS time around in school than I did as a kid!