The Adventures of Henry’s Flat Stanley

What an exciting time Stanley has had over the past few weeks! He had barely arrived in Herndon, VA when he was quickly packed into a suitcase and shipped off to Charlotte, North Carolina to attend the 72nd Annual Conference of the International Technology and Engineer-ing Educators Association. Stanley arrived in fine form and even

had some time to do a little sightseeing in Charlotte. Here is Stanley admiring some of the city’s lovely architecture.

Be careful, Stanley! Make sure to stop at the train crossing for Charlotte’s light rail train!

Here is Stanley trying to hide in the imitation bamboo at the Hilton Hotel! He has a really good sense of humor!

Stanley quickly made friends with ANOTHER Flat Stanley, from Richmond, VA, who was also attending the conference. They both received “ITEA” pins and became honorary members of the association!

This is a photo of Stanley being held by Dr. John Warner, a world-renowned chemist. Dr. Warner is considered one of the founding fa-thers of “Green Chemistry,” which means that he tries to develop products that start out be-ing not harmful to the environment. Dr. Warner holds over 100 patents!

The highlight of Stanley’s time in Charlotte had to be meet-ing Captain Lee Morin, a NASA astronaut! Captain Morin was part of the crew of STS-110 Atlantis - the 13th Shuttle mission to visit the International Space Station. He took part in two spacewalks, totalling 14 hours and 9 minutes! Maybe next time he can take Stanley along!

All too soon, it was time for Stanley to fly from Charlotte back to Virginia. He had a great time, but was already look-ing forward to his next big adventure!

Stanley meets lots of new people!

Stanley makes himself home in Virginia

Stanley pays a visit to the local Barnes and Noble bookstore.

Stanley got his own paper gown when he accompanied Claire to her eight-year check up.

This is Stanley in the ice cream cooler at a local grocery store. He got a little too enthusias-tic about choosing ice cream flavors for a birthday cake we were making.

Stanley is a special guest at “Junior Great Books” at Herndon Elementary.

While visiting Herndon Elementary School, Stanley spots a “Flat Stanley” bulletin board, recounting the travels of all the Herndon Flat Stanleys.

Stanley Visits Puerto Rico

We arrive in Puerto Rico, where Stanley temporarily changes his name to “Aplastado Stanley.” (In Spanish, “squashed Stanley.”)

Exploring the hotel grounds in Dorado del Mar, which means “Golden Sea” in Spanish.

Stanley got some good beach time.

He needed a little rest after so much traveling.

Stanley Sees the sights in Puerto RicoStanley makes a “splash” at El Yunque National Rainforest - it was pouring rain for our entire visit! The forest hosts a number of unique plant and animal species such as the endangered Puerto Rican Parrot (very rarely seen) and the tiny coquis (tree frogs) that serenade the evening hours.

We next took Stanley to visit “El Morro.” It’s a castle/fort that began being built in 1539! It’s offi-cial name is Fort San Felipe del Morro and was designed to guard the entrance to San Juan bay. Many complex additional new structures were added to El Morro over the next 400 years.

stanley at “El morro”

Three flags fly over El Morro because the Castle or fortress has been ruled by Spain, the United States, and Puerto Rico.

Stanley poses in front of a section of wall that dates back to the 16th Century!

El Morro’s long list of successes repelling foreign attacks also adds to the fort’s legend.

From El Morro, Stanley gets a great view of Old San Juan. Old San Juan is the historical colonial section of San Juan - the oldest settlement within Puerto Rico.

Thanks for reading my adventures!Stanley