an open letter to everyone

Awhile ago I read this writing station idea from a mom with a son just a little older than Lucy--the ideas were wonderful, with accessible stationary and a desk and a visual address book for the child to select family or friends to write to. I haven't gotten around to setting up a formal space for letter writing yet (though I would still like to), but we did introduce the concept, and every once in awhile Lucy will want to get out some stationary and write a letter.

Often the letters have been drawings, but lately she's been asking me to transcribe her letters in words. If you start reading her letter back to her, she gets even more excited. When she's done she asks for a stamp and puts the envelope out on the hooks at the mailbox.

The "letter" below was some sort of dictated stream of consciousness she did with her dad at lunch, sketched on the back of an envelope. I came upon the evidence on a break from work earlier this week, and when Shaggy saw me holding it he said when she made him read it back to her she just laughed and laughed.

Dear Gramme and Grandpa,
I miss you guys. Can you come back to Portland?

Dear Oscar,
Do you want to come?

Dear Nana and Papa

Dear Daddy
Dear Mommy
Dear Little Bear

Come back Nana and Papa!

Come back, note!

Come back Nana and Papa.

Come back little lamb.

Dear Oscar,
Do you want a little bear?

Dear Oink

Dear Giraffe

Dear Monkey
Dear Giraffe
Dear Monkey
Dear Giraffe
Dear Monkey
Dear Tiger
Dear Bear
Dear Leopard

Dear Jump jump jump jump jump jump giraffe

Laugh, Oscar!

Lucy, jump!

Laugh, Oscar! Lucy, jump!

Dear Oscar

Lucy jump penguin Oscar penguin Lucy jump laugh