Around The World

Sunny Days
I woke from my nap and was greeted by Abby's family in Florida.  I was so excited to return to the Sunshine State!  They live right near the Gulf Of Mexico, so the first thing we did was to hit the beach.  I just love to collect flat shells of all sizes and colors.

Then, Abby and I relaxed by the pool for a bit.

She challenged me to a race, but I wisely declined. 

    This place felt like paradise.  How could I ever leave?

I knew in my heart that I needed to return to school to finish second grade.  I really wanted to learn my multiplication facts!  I also wanted to learn about plants and butterflies.   But how would I get back there?  I knew that I was out of Priority envelopes and had spent all of my money.

All of a sudden, a swirl of something black and orange caught my eye. I could see a flurry of hundreds of wings approaching me from the south, flying ever so smoothly in the wind. These creatures were so beautiful and delicate that I was amazed by their grace.  How do they do it?, I wondered.  I've always admired the flatness of their wings, but a closer look showed me that the wings are actually covered with scales. 

Then, a gust of wind lifted me slightly into the air.  I hovered in the sky, elevated by the upward current of the air created by the butterflies.  They were headed north on their spring migration.  Could I travel with them?

Butterflies Are Free

I knew what I had to do.  Here was my opportunity to see more of our glorious country as I returned home to my family.  Here we go!, I shouted to the wind as I lifted my arms skyward. The air current created by hundreds of insects gently lifted me higher toward the sky. What a way to travel!  The glistening sun smiled down on us as we headed soaring for home. 

Home Sweet Home   

After many days of glorious travel in the sky, I awoke one morning in a large wooden sandbox.  The sun was shining in my face.   I could hear some loud munching and saw a caterpillar chewing on some milkweed leaves.  Where am I?,  I wondered sleepily. It looked like I was outside my classroom, but I didn't remember this sandbox being here when I left on my adventures.  So I did a little crawling around so I could read all of the signs in the box.  I saw mallow, hollyhock, and zinnia written on white stakes.  Huh?  Then finally, it started to make sense!   These are many of my butterfly friends' favorite foods.  This must be a resting spot for the butterflies that visit our school. A butterfly garden! What a cool idea!

I looked up and could see several of my second grade classmates waving at me from the window.  I quickly hopped over the edge of the box, and headed for the stairs.  I couldn't wait to see everyone.  It sure was great to be back home!

Well, now it's time for me to be with my family in the best small town in the USA.   I plan to play some baseball and eat some ice cream.  Then maybe, just maybe, I'll do a little traveling.   Have a wonderful summer, everyone!

Your friend in travel and adventure,

Stanley Lambchop