Collin's cousin, Tanner and his 2nd grade class, sent Flat Stanley (see cut out below) to hang out with us for a couple of weeks here in Gilbert, Arizona. Flat Stanley is a story about a boy who gets flattened by a bulletin board and because of his new size, he has many wonderful adventures. One adventure he goes on is being mailed to California to visit a friend. This is a great way for 2nd graders to learn about new and distant places.
We didn't have too many exciting adventures while Flat was here but he did....
...help Collin with some homework...
...jump on the trampoline in our backyard... 
...get a ride on Collin's bike down our streetIn addition, here are a few interesting facts about Arizona and Gilbert:
About Arizona:
Camels were once used to transport goods across Arizona
Over one million metric tons of lettuce are produced in Arizona every year.
Arizona is home to the world's largest solar telescope, the world's largest gorge (aka the Grand Canyon), and a higher copper production than any other state.
Arizona does not observe Daylight Savings Time.
About Gilbert:
At the turn of the twentieth century, it was determined that a rail line between Phoenix and Florence was necessary. The land used to accomplish that objective was owned by a man named William "Bobby" Gilbert. Gilbert was an agricultural community and remained a farming town for many years. Gilbert incorporated on July 6, 1920. It was known as the "Hay Capital of the World" until the late 1920's. Gilbert has transitioned from an agricultural town to a young, family oriented affluent city. Gilbert, Arizona was recognized as the fastest growing city in America between 1990 and 2005 with a growth rate of nearly 500%.
Gilbert is located in the southeast part of the Greater Phoenix area. Gilbert, Arizona covers about 76 square miles, and the elevation of Gilbert is about 1,273 feet.
A photo at the World Famous Grand Canyon in Arizona (the world's largest gorge).Tanner, thanks for sending Flat Stanley for a visit!
We stayed in the mountains near Payson Arizona over the weekend and visited Tonto Natural Bridge. It was a short 1/4 mile but steep hike down under the natural rock bridge.
Eatin' our snacks before the hike back to the top.
Collin's eating the smallest apple we've ever seen! He and Michael picked apples off of the tree near the cabin where we stayed.
The kids had tons of fun swinging on the 2 swings in the back yard. Even Meghan had a turn!
We also had this rushing creek in the back yard for added ambiance
