If you’re a parent – or know someone who’s a parent – you’ve probably heard of Flat Stanley: the paper pen pal used in classrooms around the globe to encourage writing. Students color and design their own Flat Stanley, pop him in an envelope and send him off on an adventure to friends, relatives or someone special. The recipient then writes a letter back detailing Stanley’s visit.

So when Gehringer Elementary second-grader Wesley Pullmann got his Flat Stanley assignment, the 9-year old didn’t send Stanley to the usual places – Grandma’s house, AT&T Park or Disneyland. No, Wesley set his sights much higher. He addressed his Stanley to the residents of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue in our nation’s capital.

“My dad thought of the idea first,” said Wesley of Stanley’s coastal postal trip to the White House. “And I liked the idea so I sent him. My sister didn’t really think I would hear back and I didn’t think I would either – but we got surprised.”

And how.

“Dear Wesley,” wrote First Lady Michelle Obama. “Our family always enjoys having visitors to the White House. I am pleased to report that Stanley worked hard, listened carefully and had a lot of fun exploring the house and meeting new people … He even got an affectionate lick from our dog Bo.”

“It was very exciting,” said Shannon, Wesley’s mom, of the illustrious inscription. “My thought was that he probably wasn’t going to hear anything back, so it was very, very nice when he did. It was a nice lesson for him have.”

Wesley’s correspondence with the Obamas included an autographed photo of the First Family, a separate picture of Mrs. Obama and First Dog Bo and a letter describing Stanley’s adventures during his stay in Washington, D.C.

“Flat Stanley showed up to the White House ready to learn with a smile on his face, and I hope that you bring that same energy to your classrooms and homes each day,” wrote Mrs. Obama. “Remember, with the right attitude and enough hard work, you can reach all of your dreams! Thanks again for sending Flat Stanley to visit the White House.”

For Wesley, the pleasure was all his.

“It was fun. I’m glad they wrote back.”