Dear Son #1, #2, & #3,
August 23, 2024. The day we’ve been training for all year. The Barrie Fair. To outsiders this may seem a bit over-the-top. After all, it’s just a local fair that we go to for one day. But to us, it’s so much more.
Mommy and Daddy have been going to the Barrie Fair since we first started dating—back when we kissed A LOT—usually on the Ferris Wheel. Did I ruin that for you now? Either way the Barrie Fair, for all of us, has always been about comfort zones. And stepping out of them. Sometimes jumping out of them even. This year was definitely no exception.
Ribbons, Ribbons and More Ribbons!
I have been putting in photographs in the Homecraft competition for years now and a few years ago began branching out with other type crafts. While I’m definitely not going to quit my day job, I came away with a little cash, some ribbons and always a big smile on my face because personally, I find it all very exciting. About three years ago, I decided to get you guys to dip your toes into it a little, to see if you liked it. Well, we soon became all in with crafts, Lego creations and photos, putting our best effort in to see what happens. This year we branched out into other categories like fine art, plants and vegetables which was a big jump because I’ve never considered myself a “good” fine artist or a gardener but was determined not to let my insecurities pass on to you. The jump was well worth it. Lots of smiles, lots of ribbons and lots of amazing creations.
With a Bah Bah Here…And There…And Everywhere.
At the beginning of the summer, Pastor Chris approached us and asked if you boys would be interested in showing his lambs in the sheep show at the fair. Such enthusiasm from all parties—Bless our naive little souls. We went for various practices over the summer, each one filling me with more doubt than the last. Sorry boys, but you are not natural-born sheep farmers. I know this now. When the final lesson ended in tears, a run-away sheep and a bloody nose (sheep not boy) I dropped any and all expectations about the sheep show. But at the fair you all showed up. You bravely lead your sheep into the ring and showed them like the natural-born sheep farmers you weren’t. I was amazed, dumbfounded and insanely proud. Now you all declared after that this was the first and last sheep show you would be participating in but nevertheless, you really jumped out of the comfort zone there.
The Freak Out, The Fury and The Big Blue Slide.
Every year the Freak Out is the ride of the year. It’s the nail-biter, the nerve-wracker, the brain-shaker, and the stomach-churner. So far, in past years, Daddy, myself and Pieter have conquered it. Stumbling down the platform, clutching head and/or stomach, and crying a little inside. Then lining up again. This year William, leaping ridiculously out of your comfort zone, you conquered the Freak Out. Twice. Shaking and tear-stained you ran down the platform into my awaiting arms and while I fully expected a Reserved-For-Mom-Only-Meltdown you told me it was really scary, that you cried a little and probably won’t do it again. Well, that didn’t last long.
The newest ride at the fair this year was a monstrosity called the Fury. A spider-like ride that whipped its victims in so many directions I was surprised people exited with their bodies still in tact. Pieter, all morning you would look at it, shake your head and say “no way”. Daddy would sigh in relief (because there was no way I was putting myself through that) and we would carry on. As the afternoon went on, this happened on repeat a few more times. Until it was decided, the Fury must happen. I watched in awe as you bravely dragged Daddy onto the ride that just watching alone made me feel nauseous. If that ride didn’t completely hurl you out of your comfort zone boy, I don’t know what would have. Well, considering you went on it another 9 times, I’d say you were comfortable.
Alexander, I’m sorry you are still so short—too short to even sneak on a ride with your brothers. Sadly there were many rides that you weren’t permitted to ride and you watched angrily at the sidelines as your brothers joyfully jumped on yet another ride that most likely isn’t good for the human body. But there were some you could do, and you made 100% sure that you took full advantage. If there was some sort of record for the amount of times someone used The Big Blue Slide (I don’t know if it had an actual name to be honest) in a 12-hour period, you would have broken that record. It got to a point where the two gentlemen that were manning the slide got to know you on a first name basis. And as for the comfort zone? I’m actually pretty sure you just don’t have one.
We’re already making plans for next year. Plans on what ribbons we’re going to win, creations we’re going to create, food we’re going to try and rides we’re going to make ourselves sick on.
Next year will be a time for more limit testing and comfort-zone-hopping.
And I can’t wait.
Love Mommy,
XOX
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