While I was unpacking today, I discovered a stowaway in my luggage. Meet Theodore.
Theodore has two new stamps for his passport. Special thanks to New Zealand Customs officers.
Theodore usually attends Mrs. D'Annecy's first grade class at First Academy in Leesburg, Florida. Theodore is also something of a world traveler. He's been to the other six continents and now he finally can check off the last one. He has been to Brazil, Ireland (twice), Spain, Italy, Western Australia, Papua New Guinea, France, Canada, and Russia. Last year he visited India, South Africa, and China. This is one well-traveled bear!
Theodore brought his own hats, scarfs, and even ear muffs! He is well prepared.
Fortunately, for our research team, he was available to make the trip to McMurdo Station. Everything that you have seen our research team doing, Theodore has done. From plane rides across the United States to getting stamps in our passports in New Zealand, Theodore has been right there backing up our team.
Like a clever world traveler, Theodore was a stowaway in my orange ECW duffel.
Theodore looking good in his C-17 jump seat. Notice the seat belt. What a safe bear!
He was even issued his own ECW!
Theodore had his ECW custom-fitted. Special thanks to Lynn for all her help, making sure Theodore is warm down here.
You will likely be seeing photos of Theodore throughout our journals, so keep your eyes peeled. Sometimes he will be hidden, so you may have to search. I know that the first graders from Mrs. D'Annecy's class will look forward to seeing Theodore in the field, and I hope you will too.