Dear Ella,
You probably don’t remember much about your trip to Disneyland in April of 2009. 13 grueling hours of lines and concrete and brief, wild rides. The highlight of the day was your visit to the princesses. Your Aunt Pam waited in line for almost 90 minutes for you.  Just as you were about to go in the tent, you looked thoughtful and asked, “Do you think the princesses like spiders?”  I replied, “Good question! You should ask them. They’ve probably never been asked that before.”

You met Belle first. Clearly dazzled, you lobbed her a softball by asking if she liked butterflies. “Oh yes, I like butterflies.” Gathering steam (and encouraged by your aunts), you very seriously looked her in the eye and asked what was really on your mind. Do you like spiders? Belle stopped and then replied that she liked some spiders (a very diplomatic response) and you seemed satisfied with that.

Do you like spiders?

Do you like spiders?

Ariel was next.  You were very troubled about Ariel’s daughter Melody. “Your daughter Melody became a mermaid. She left you.  Are you mad at her?  Do you still love Melody?”  I think Ariel was a little taken aback at how concerned you were.  “Melody is my daughter. I will always love her even if she’s far away.” Maybe you’re prepping for the day you become a mermaid and leave your castle for the big wide sea.

One more thing. When you rode the roller coaster at Space Mountain, you screamed throughout the ride for your mother (who was in the car in front of you and might as well have been on the moon).  As the car slowed at the end, you said in a trembling voice, “That was really scary.” After a tiny pause, you brightened. “Can we do it again?”

These memories are a treasure to your parents and aunties.  We hope they will be for you, too.