Pete (our oldest son) has a daughter named Bryanna. Bryanna goes to Freedom Elementary in Lehi, Utah. She has an assignment to color a happy little guy whose name is Flat Stanley. Then Flat Stanley was sent across the ocean to Grandma and Grandpa Madsen, who are serving a mission in Frankfurt, Germany. Today was clear, but really cold. So we set out on a journey to take pictures of Flat Stanley in romantic German settings. Marilynn insisted on finding old, timbered houses like the one below to take pictures of Mr. Stanley.

This picture shows Marilynn and Mr. Stanley in front of the old Roman Fort Saalburg. The Romans started here in 90 AD. Around 135 AD under the reign of Hadrian another larger fort was built. Hadrian as you undoubtedly will remember built a wall across England. The Romans built a fence across Europe. Saalburg was a fort near the fence called the Limes. If you look in the background near the fort you will see the statue of Antoninus Pius.

Here we see Mr. Stanley with Marilynn near the side of the fort Saalburg. It is clear, but it is also very cold. Saalburg is high in the Taunus mountains. 

 Then we dropped down from the Taunus into the town of Usingen. Here is Elder Madsen and Mr. Stanley in the town square.

We walked around the old part of Usingen to give "Thin" a chance so see what Germany is like. Here he seems very happy with Marilynn. 

These pictures are all in the old district of Usingen. Once again we feature Marilynn, but one can also see clearly "Thin's" smile--and also see that he is waving to the camera.

 You might not be able to tell that Marilynn is actually freezing. Once again Mr. Stanley is happily waving. The house across the street has balloons, which are probably the remnants of a Fasching celebration. Fasching is the German name for Carnival.

 Here is David showing "Thin" around Usingen. Sorry about the shadows.

Here is Marilynn with "Thin" and the Church steeple in the background. 

 David and "Thin" are in front of an old timbered building where the highway comes into Usingen. Notice the painting of a medieval man above and to the right of my head. This kind of beauty can be found all over Germany.

 Here is Marilynn and "Thin" on a beautiful street that leads up to the church.

 "Thin" wanted his picture taken in front of this old wooden door. I think that he liked the Snowman statue. 

 Here Marilynn and "Thin" are behind the Church. You can see the Church wall and a nice new house.

Once again you can see frozen Marilynn and "Thin"--he just did not seem to notice the cold. He seemed just to like touring Germany. 

 For his last picture, "Thin" wanted Marilynn to hold him up in front of this beautifully, timbered house. He told us that he thought he might win some kind of an award for his performance in Usingen!