Motherland

As we are walking home from school Gwenchik proudly recounts her Spanish class geography lesson. They had a giant map on the wall with all the continents in Spanish.

Gwen: In school everyone knows that I am Russian. Actually  ---  the only Russian, I think.

Me: Yes

Gwen: So everyone was wondering what was that huge orange blob on the map -- and I was like, "oh, that is Russia -- pais mas grande del mundo!" Now EVERYONE is envious of me. 

What good is an uncle?

When Gwenchik was really young, we were trying to discourage her sticking out her tongue at everyone everywhere and agreed that she could only do it to her uncle Roddy, but to him as much as she wanted to. He would visit once or twice a month and she would stick out her tongue, but for the rest of the time she would have to hold it in.

Today Gwenchik was reading comments left by her uncle.

Gwen: Next summer I should go to Russia to visit my grandparents and my uncle. Lately I feel like sticking out my tongue, but I can't. I can't stick it out at you, because you will get upset; I can't at school, because this is inappropriate. So my only recourse is my uncle and he is far away in Russia.

Coming of age

We were discussing about when Gwenchik would be old enough to get her OWN cell phone... and decided that the appropriate time would be when she "comes off age".

Gwen: So how old I need to be in the US

Me: Not sure, probably 18. I think it is actually 14 in Russia and 19 in Korea.

Gwen: Ok, than we have to move to Russia --- 14 is so much sooner!!!!

When I was your age

Every time I tell Gwenchik that when I was her age I used to do this or that without much assistance from my parents ...

Gwen: Of course, you did it by yourself. Life in Russia was really hard, right?

...

Not sure where she got this from, as my life was actually really easy

Uncle enticement

Gwen's uncle is leaving for Russia, so she is really upset and really doesn't want him to go.

Gwen: I made this snowman from popcorn and jelly beans in my cooking class today. I will give it to my uncle Roddy!

Me: Great, I am sure he would like that.

Gwen: I know, and then I can make another one, and another one ... and he will like all of them and will have to stay to eat them all! And I will make one a week -- he'll stay for the entire year.