Scarlett Grecia Mercurio-Corao: August 2014

My Sweet Scarlett,

I wanted to tell you a bit about the summer we just spent in Valley Center at Mimi and Doodle's house. We had such a glorious, free, and peaceful couple of months and it was my pleasure to spend my time with you, watching you grow, experiencing each new word as it passed your mouth, and witnessing you discover the world, one bee and bug at a time.

You are so interested in everything. I, personally, think you are brilliant. You learn so quickly and your language skills have blossomed so quickly. I know you are way smarter than I will ever be. You have this amazing ability to focus and you just catch on to everything so fast. I am in awe of you.

We spent our summer at Bates Nut Farm, the libraries, the Chidren's Musuem, swim classes, friend's homes, Balboa Park, The Stone Farm, the beach, Palm Springs, Newport Beach, Coronado Island, and so much more. I think of all those places, I loved taking you to the farm the most. We would feed the animals, and you just ran to each one, greeting them and saying hello. You loved the llamas, the sheep, the giant turtle, the turkeys (not so much the ostrich) and all of them really. One of your favorite parts of the farm was the granola bar we bought each time. I would get you a raw food granola bar and a bottle of water and we would sit on the bench and have the snack while we watched the goats. I felt like it was our special place.

The Children's Museum was another great place. You got to know it so well and your favorite part was the bubbles outside. You also loved to dress up like a dinosaur, who reminded you of Viva. You would run around the museum with a little shopping cart and play in the kitchen. We had a blast.

We did so much, as I just want to expose you to all the wonder and beauty of the world. You are teaching me so much about being in the moment, focusing, and finding beauty in the littlest things.

You loved being at Mimi and Doodle's. You loved to feed Friday, the birds and the chickens (the girls) and you played outside in the park. It was a true wonderland and we were so lucky to be there. You became so close with Mimi and Doodle and they love you more than you know. You also continue to talk to Cuckoo and Papu every day on Facetime. They love you so much.

It was great having you get to know my friends in San Diego. They all loved you. We spent time with Lea, Carson and Landon, Amy, Rob, Andre and Jr, Andee, Jenn, Lucy, Laney, Harper, Dax, Sandi and so many more. It was fantastic. Your favorite person was Amy.

I just wanted to thank you for the best summer of my life. It is the joy of my life watching you grow, and the world is so much better with you in it. I love you more than you know.