U.S. of Aliens?

Em is a big fan of a game called Animal Jam, which is a National Geographic innovation, and she learns a lot from it. I assumed it was based in America, and we have talked about that and the time difference when it is down for maintenance when Em wants to play. 

Today in the car...

Em: is it nearly autumn in Australia?

Me: you mean America?

Em: yes, is it nearly autumn in America?

Me: yes, it is autumn now in America, but they call it fall. 

Em: oh. Do you know how I knowed that?

Me: no

Em: because it's going into autumn in Animal Jam. But they didn't call it fall. 

Me: oh, well maybe Animal Jam isn't based in America. Maybe it's in England or Europe somewhere. 

Em: or maybe they just called it in English because Americans would know what Autumn is but humans might not know what fall is. 

Saucy

One of the few takeaway foods Em will eat is hot chips (luckily, as they are available most places!) and as we had a bit of a detour on the way home this evening, to drop someone at the netball courts (long story), I got her some while we were there. I'm a bit of a sucker for hot chips myself, and the smell of them in the back was too much for me.

Me: Em, can I have a chip please?
Em: Sure mummy, you can.

I put my hand out behind me and she placed one on my palm.

Em: I got a bit of sauce on your hand.
Me: Oh, that's ok.
Em: I wasn't actually saying sorry. I was laughing because it was funny!

At least she's honest I guess!

Your presence is her present. Kind of.

Ember has been planning her birthday for about four weeks so far, and it's not till August. I think she's a bit excited... Anyway, today in the car we were talking about it for the umpteenth time.

Em: Do you know why I'm so excited about my birthday?
Me: Why?
Em: Because I know my friends are going to get me such good presents!
Me: You know birthdays aren't all about the presents though, right?
Em: Yes, I know.
Me: The best bit is getting to hang out with your friends and have a good time.
Em: Yep, being with your friends is the best and then presents second.
Me: If none of your friends could get you a birthday present, would you still want them to come to your party?
Em: Yes, of course!
Me: Good.
Em: (pause) But don't tell them that...

Tiger People

Em and I got on to the subject of fish, and then fish stock, after seeing a guy with a small fish on the end of his line.

Em: Yuck. You wouldn't eat that, would you Mummy? Because fish is meat.
Me: That's right. I don't eat meat.
Em: Me neither, because I'm a vegetarian, right Mummy?
Me: Yes, if you want to be.
Em: I am, because I don't eat meat. But when I'm a teenager I will eat meat.
Me: Why's that?
Em: Because I'll be living with Frank! [her "boyfriend" at school]
Me: Why does living with Frank mean you'll eat meat? Maybe he'll be a vegetarian too.
Em: No mummy, because we're tiger people! Tiger people have to eat meat.
Me: Oh, well that makes sense. Will you eat it raw?
Em: No, cooked.
Me: Tigers usually eat their meat raw. They catch it and kill it themselves.
Em: Yes, we hunt our own meat, except when we're feeling sick and we have to buy it at the shops.
Me: Fair enough.
Em: But we will still eat lots of meat, even when we have a bad cough.

Panda Pants

I was listening to the radio on the way home yesterday when the DJs started talking about Lana's cat, who has started stealing underpants from neighbours and bringing them home. Someone mentioned the word "panties" and they all cringed, talking about how you shouldn't use "the 'p' word". Clearly big ears in the back was also listening...

Em: Mum, what's the "p" word?
Me: They're talking about the word "panties".
Em: What does pandies mean?
Me: Panties. It's another word for underpants. But some people think it's not a very nice word.
Em: And is it?
Me: Well, it's not a swear word, and it's not a rude word as such, but some people think it sounds kind of icky.
Em: Oh, yeah, I think that too. It sounds like a panda wearing undies!