Historic Downtown Liberty, Missouri

Stanley wanted to share his pictures from his visit to Liberty, Missouri. When Stanley visited Elf and Emperor, they took him to visit historic downtown Liberty.




Stanley got to see where Jesse James robbed a bank. It was the first daylight bank robbery in the US.




Before the Civil War, slaves were sold right here in Liberty, just a few steps away from where this picture was taken in front of the old Courthouse. In the old days even after slavery, black folks could not just drink from any water fountain or go to any place they wanted to do business. Some people in the community got together a few years ago and made this monument to remember the struggles and accomplishments of African-American people in this county. The water fountain is for *everyone* to be able to get a drink of water if thirsty.



Stanley was impressed by the fact that this town has an old-fashioned shoe repair shop. So we took his picture outside.



We also went browsing in a new store on the "square" called the Soup and Ladle. Stanley is a goof! He posed in some pots and pans and a giant coffee cup. He also was impressed with the ceramic canoes for dip.





While we were browsing, we saw a giant brown recluse spider in the sink. Emperor still hasn't finished his course of antibiotics from the *last* bite he got, so we backed away quickly



On the way back to Elf and Emperor's house, Stanley and the boys stopped at the local Chamber of Commerce where Stanley posed in this candy "floral" arrangement and looked at some mushrooms growing near an old tree.





Stanley had a great time and learned a lot. Thank you Elf and Emperor :0)

Lake Stevens, Washington

Silvia went to visit Emma in Lake Stevens Washington. Silvia got to Emma's house in time to help Emma with her homework. Silvia knows all the letters of the alphabet. Emma was very impressed!



Emma's Mom made grilled cheese and tomato sandwiches for dinner. Silvia got to serve from the plate, and she thought that was pretty cool.



Emma and Silvia brushed their teeth before bed. Emma wanted to make sure Silvia knew the proper technique.





Silvia got to sleep in Emma’s doll bed. Nice and cozy!



Emma’s kitten, Lucy, thought it looked pretty cozy, too. Silvia wanted her to stay, but the kittens don’t get to sleep in Emma’s room at night.



Emma and Silvia were up bright and early, because Silvia was going to go to school! She was so excited – was this her first time going to school? No, but Silvia loves to visit new schools and meet new people!



Emma and Silvia walked to school. Emma carried an umbrella to keep herself and Silvia dry.



Emma's Mom took Silvia to the school office, so she could see what they do there. The School Secretary was happy to show Silvia how she answers the phone.



Emma’s class had music! There were some huge xylophones they got to play, and they sang songs, too.



A police officer visited school, and wanted to meet Silvia. Emma and Silvia were both VERY excited about this.



Recess was awesome. The kids helped Silvia climb on the monkey bars.



Emma’s whole class loved having Silvia come visit. Everyone wanted a picture with her!



Emma’s teacher says Silvia can come visit again anytime.



After school, Emma and Silvia spent some time reading books.



They practiced working on patterns.



And they snuggled with Emma’s kitten, Lucy.



Then it was time for Silvia to get in her traveling envelope and head back home. We hope she had as much fun as we did!

Kansas City, Mossiouri

Stanley went to visit Elf and Emperor in the Greater Metro area of Kansas City, MO.

When Stanley arrived, he was pretty tired from his trip. He still roused himself a bit and helped hunt some bugs down in Elf and Emperor's room before getting his jammies on. The whole room was a bit of a mess and all the bedding everywhere. They found Stanley a safe spot to sleep with baby Acen.



Stanley woke up refreshed bright and early. He ate a bit of yogurt and helped Elf and Emperor with their home school work. He's an excellent helper when it comes to "keeping place" in a book! He also was able to do a bit of stirring during home ec time.








He plays piano by turning cartwheels!



Elf and Emperor had to go to the doctor's office. Stanley stayed home and had a snack. He had chocolate animal crackers on his baby food jar plate.



Stanley had a great time visiting Elf and Emperor. He though it was really fun to see what home school was like at their house. He hopes he can come back for a sleep over again some time.

New Jersey

Silvia went to New Jersey to visit Alex and Belle. When she got to Alex and Bella's house they showed her their new furniture and they all played with Webkinz.



Silvia even got to take a ride on a Webkinz horse! That was lots of fun.



Alex, Belle and Silvia decided to go exploring on the New Jersey Shore. But before they left the house, they cleaned up a bit.



They went to Jenkinsons Boardwalk.



There was lots to see and do, even if the rides were closed for the season.



Alex and Belle took Silvia to see the beach.







Don't worry, Silvia was safe up here when that last wave hit!



They saw even bigger waves brought in by the recent tropical storms.



When they got home it was time for dinner. They had veggie and beef soup. Silvia thought dinner was really, really good. She loves organic veggies!



After dinner, Belle and Alex introduced Silvia to some new friends.



When it was time for bed, Silvia got ready. She used the bathroom and even took a quick bath.




Then she climbed into bed. Her bed was just her size!



It was so cozy that Silvia didn't want to get up in the morning! But she didn't want to miss a trip to visit school. She thought it would be really fun to ride the bus with Alex, but she went to preschool with Belle and that was fun too!

Silvia was sad when it was time to go home. She really enjoyed her visit with Alex and Belle. They took really good care of her. She hopes she can come back and visit them in the summer when it is warm enough to wear her bathing suit at the beach. She would really like to see Belle dance and Alex surf - that would be cool!