Flat Stanley visits Louisville, KY!

For those of you who aren't aware of who Flat Stanley is, you might recognize him in the photos below.  The Flat Stanley Project was started in 1995 by Dale Hubert, a third grade schoolteacher in London, Ontario, Canada. Students begin by reading the book, Flat Stanley, and becoming acquainted with the story. Then they make paper "Flat Stanleys" and are mailed to other people who are asked to treat the figure as a visiting guest and document his experiences.  Stanley and the journal are then returned to the student, who takes the project back to school to share with their class. 

 I was surprised several weeks ago when Flat Stanley arrived from Branson, MO.  Josh's son, Jaden is in kindergarten and they were doing the project.  Jaden thought it would be cool for Stanley to visit Louisville.  I created a fun photo album of my experiences with Stanley.  I, of course, went a little over board in carrying "the piece of paper" with me everywhere I went.  I defintely received a few looks but enjoyed sharing the project with several others.  I had blast and was thrilled to be a part of the project.


Sara and I at the start of the Anthem 5K

**February 28, 2011**

Sara is trying to focus on being healthy. She tries to eat well and exercise daily. Part of her exercise plans have been to walk in organized races. She took me on her first race of the year.

We started the race at ‘Louisville Slugger Field’. The Louisville BATS play at this baseball stadium. They are the field team for the Cincinnati Reds.

We walked through downtown Louisville and completed the ‘Anthem 5K’. A 5K is 3.1 Miles!

Sara and I at end of 3.2 Miles!



Sara plays bingo with her friends on Saturday nights.  I’ve never played bingo before.  While Sara didn’t win, it was still entertaining and fun!!

Watching them add the base of the glass

**March 5, 2011**


One of Louisville’s hot tourist spots is Glassworks. You can blow your own glass objects like pumpkins, wine glasses, vases and much more. Sara went to make a wine glass and took me along. It was so interesting to see them form a glass from a blob of glass.

Sara took me by the Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory.  Slugger has been created the popular brand since 1884.  Babe Ruth used a Louisville Slugger to hit his last home run as a NY Yankee.  The “largest bat in the world” stands outside of the museum and factory.  It weighs 68,000lbs and is six stories tall.  I felt small beside it!

Mile 6!  Only .2 to go

**March 12, 2011**

Sara and I walked another race today! The Rodes City Run is a 10K. It was much longer than the first one but we still had a great time! We completed 6.2Miles!!

They just built a brand new basketball arena in downtown Louisville last year.  Since it opened in November they’ve had many large concerts come to town and a successful season for the Louisville Cardinals.  Sara took me to my first concert, Lady Gaga!!  We had a great time and enjoy the show.

**March 21, 2011**

Sara took me to one of the historical places in Louisvlle, let alone Kentucky!  Churchill Downs is home to Thourghbred racing and the Kentucky Derby.  The twin spires in the background here are iconic to the racing community. 

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Entrance to Churchill Downs





Louisville Triple Crown of Running- COMPLETE!

One goal for 2011 has been marked off the list--

**February 26, 2011- Anthem 5K

This was just a brisk Saturday morning walk but was a good time.  They had to change a bit of the course for flooding but the weather was perfect, about 35 degrees when we started and didn't rain a drop.

Finished in 50:41  8,156 place out of 8,723

Finish line of 5K

**March 12, 2011  Rodes City Run 10K
I actually did this race last year and LOVED the course.  This year was just as great.  The weather was a bit warmer by the time we finished but was still a chilly start being as we started downtown. 
Finished in 1:44:31  7,616 place out of  7,958

Finish line right around the corner!

 **March 26, 2011 Papa John's 10Miler

We were really worried how the weather was going to turn out for this one.  There was a threat of rain and I knew 10Miles with wet shoes would be miserable.  Fortunately all the prayers were answered and the weather was perfect!  We conquered those hill of Iroqouis Park and were met at the 8Mile marker by runner extrodinaire, Matt Fillipps.  He brought us Panera bagels and encouraged us the rest of the way.  He actually compelted the race and came back to the course to walk the rest of the way with us!  

Finished in 2:54:02 6,823 place out of 6,925

Finish line with my race partner, Erin

Finish line with Matt

Now we're gearing up for the Mini Marathon on April 30th!!  So exciting to have my Mom joining us for that one. 13.1 Miles here we come!