As mentioned previously, our nephew Ethan sent us Flat Stanley. Nels's parents came down to visit too. So we toured Memphis together. Here's the report I gave to Ethan of Flat Stanley's visit. Hope you enjoy! :)
Stanley wanted to see a few sites in Memphis so we toured around and visited three places. Uncle Nels’s parents (Bob and Donna) were visiting also so Stanley took some pictures with them too.
Our first stop was to the historic Peabody Hotel. This 10+ story hotel is extravagant, but it’s most well-known for the ducks that swim in the fountain inside the hotel. The ducks march in and out of the fountain on a red carpet at 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. daily. Stanley quacked with the ducks in the fountain and they became good friends. Stanley even got to meet the Duckmaster. The Duckmaster patiently trains the ducks to waddle down the red carpet and into the fountain. When the ducks aren’t in the fountain they live in water on the roof of the hotel! So they go up and down the elevator. Stanley thought that was funny and exclaimed, “Ducks riding an elevator!”
Stanley, like the ducks, had fun riding the elevator too. We went all the way to the top and walked on the flat roof. Stanley could see all of Memphis from this high up! He saw the huge Peabody sign, the Fedex Forum (where the Memphis Grizzlies play basketball), the bridge that crosses the Mississippi river and really tall buildings!
Everywhere we went, everyone knew Stanley! He was so famous! People would stop and say, “Oh, Flat Stanley is visiting you! How fun!” or “I know Flat Stanley—Hi there.” Stanley enjoyed the attention. :)
Peabody Hotel Pictures:
Stanley visits The Peabody:
Uncle Nels, Stanley and the ducks.
Meeting the Duckmaster on the roof of the Peabody Hotel:
This is where the ducks live when they aren’t swimming in the hotel fountain.
Rooftop views:
Donna, Uncle Nels and Stanley
FedEx Forum where the Memphis Grizzlies play is on the left corner:
Uncle Nels, Bob, and Stanley
Memphis Bridge in the background....far background.
After the hotel we made our way down to the Gibson Guitar factory and store. Music is a big part of Memphis history and culture. Gibson guitars have been played by many famous people—some are even from Memphis like BB King and Elvis Presley. Inside the factory was a guitar two stories tall! The store had a lot of different colored guitars. Stanley liked the bright blue one. To help Stanley remember the cool guitars he bought a Gibson guitar pick.
Outside the Gibson Guitar factory/store.
Donna, Uncle Nels and Stanley in front of the two story guitar.
Donna holding Stanley next to his favorite blue guitar. He thought the black and white swirl one was cool too.
As we walked down the street we saw BB Kings Club and we passed a huge sign with one of the Memphis Grizzlie players on it. The Grizzlies play the Utah Jazz on Sat. April 14, but Stanley had to be home before the game. Maybe next time he’ll be able to catch a game.
Uncle Nels and Stanley in front of BB King’s Blues Club:
Stanley and Uncle Nels in front of the Grizzlies sign.
Our last tourist stop was the Mississippi River. Stanley was amazed at how wide and huge the river is. The Mississippi River is over 2,000 miles long and goes through 10 states. It’s one of the longest rivers in North America! You can often see steamboats and barges going up and down the river. Stanley thought it would be fun to swim in, but it’s a little cold. So he just pretended.
Stanley and Uncle Nels in front of the Mississippi River.
Stanley was surprised to see a pyramid too!
Aunt Becky and Stanley in front of the Mississippi River:
Stanley pretending to swim in the Mississippi River:
Next time Stanley comes we’ll have to visit Elvis Presley’s house and some of the many museums in Memphis. Maybe Stanley will even bring Ethan with him! We would love to see the sites with our wonderful nephew. Thanks for sending Stanley to us.
Love,
Aunt Becky and Uncle Nels
