Submitted by Anonymous on Sat, 04/11/2009 - 08:59

This is Natalie from KB at Oyster.

We miss you at school and hope that you are having fun on the expedition. You were in the Washington Post on Thursday and it was neat to see you in the newspaper.

Have you seen Santa? You said that you will bring back notes from Santa but I forgot to give you a note for him from me. Please let him know that I am being especially good while you are away.

Do you have any animals on board the ship? Xiana's turtle's leg is getting better.

I look forward to seeing you back at school.

Bye

Natalie

Simone Welch

Hi Natalie,
I'm so happy to get an email from you!  I miss you guys tons and can't wait to see you!  I haven't seen Santa anywhere.  I don't think that I have been far enough North yet.  We are still between Alaska and Russia and as far as I understand his workshops are closer to the North Pole.  I'm not sure how close we will get so the letters might just have to go regular mail anyway!  If I do see him, I will be sure to put in a good word for you though!
We have lots of little, tiny animals on board all the time.  Most of them are so small that you have to use a microscope to look at them.  We pulled up a starfish while we were collecting mud yesterday and I will bring him home to show you.  I'm always on the lookout for polar bears, more seals and more walruses.  I'll keep you posted on what I see.
Other than the ocean critters that we are collecting there aren't any animals on board.  I hope that everyone is taking good care of the turtles, Hedgie and the rest of the animals.  I'm sure that you guys are!
Keep following along- there's lots more to come!  Give everyone a big hug from me!
Ms. W