As you probably recall, I have been participating in a blog circle with some wonderful photographers who are also mothers of girls.  Each month, we write a letter to our daughters to preserve thoughts and memories of this time in our lives.  I treasure being able to do this for my girls and I love the chance to see the messages that my friends leave for their own daughters.  Once you have read my letter, please follow continue on and read the post that my dear friend Sherri Davis has written to her adorable daughter Leah by clicking HERE.

Dear Avery and Alexa,

Yesterday we went to the State Fair with Grandma and Abaji.  We had such a fun time!  It was a cold day, very gray, with bits of rain here and there (and a few, short-lived, bits of sunshine), until we got into the car to come home and then it poured.  How lucky.  Although I’ve been to plenty of carnivals and the like over the years, I don’t think that I’ve ever been to a State Fair before.  It was simply huge – I think we maybe saw a quarter of it – and I simply loved seeing it through your eyes.  I also loved having Grandma and Abaji there, not only so they could see it, but because that place is pure chaos and thank goodness for extra hands!

These days, you two play together often, have your own little games and jokes, and spend much of your time doing the same thing.  People notice this, and often will also tell me how much you two look alike.  But yesterday, all I could think about is how very different that you two are!  Avery, you are entirely fearless and are ready to jump into any adventure at a moment’s notice.

You wanted to ride every ride, even the ones that are much much too big for you (no you did not ride that!).

Alexa, you have no problem terrifying mama on the playground with the way that you climb and explore, but you had no interest in the rides at all.  Avery rode the boats – the very slow, mom walks along side as she’s riding, nothing happens at all, boats – three times in an attempt to entice you to join, but you wanted none of it.

The only ride we managed to get you on was the choo-choo train with Grandma, which you rode twice.

But you loved exploring, taking in the sites, playing with the odd drum kit, climbing on the benches and funny-looking massage chairs.

You loved visiting with all the animals, including seeing the bunnies and the chicks and the 5-day-old piggies.  You have, as your Abaji has told me, the sweetest soul.

Avery liked the animals, too.  But then she wanted to get back to the rides!

Both of you liked feeding the sheep.

But Alexa, you had no interest in riding any ponies, real or not.

You would have stayed at the display for the Elephant Ears all day, though!

I loved seeing the different ways that you like to explore, your different likes and personalities.  And I love getting to be your mama and have all these adventures with you, to see the world through your eyes.  Almost enough to try to go back to the fair before it ends.  Almost.  😉

love,
Mama