Continuing the History thread by Julianna (the seven-year-old) from a few days ago:

J: Daddy, why did lawyers used to wear white wigs?

Me: Well, back in George Washington’s time, that was part of the uniform. It was tradition. Powdered wigs.

J: Wigs? What made them white? Was it Baking Soda?

Me: I don’t think so.

J: ‘Cause if it was, then it would help their bug bites not itch so much… I should know.

Me: Yes, you would. (As an aside: Julianna was eaten alive by mosquitoes during our recent camping trip. Baking soda actually helps… Just WAIT ’til I blog about that!)

Me (continuing): No, Honey. I don’t think it was baking soda in their wigs.

J: And, Daddy. If Washington was still alive today, he wouldn’t be our President, right?

Me: No. Term limits. Or, frailty. If nothing else. But, probably term limits.

J: I don’t know what that means. But, he could tell us King George’s last name.

Me: I don’t think George had a last name.

J: Yes, he had to. Everyone has a last name.

Me: You mean, “The Third?”

J: Yes! That’s it! A number!

Me: Uh, that really wasn’t his last name.

J: But, it ends in “The Third.” You told me that “Last” and “End” mean the same thing. George. The. Third.

Windsor? Tudor? Hanover? I really have no comeback. (British friends, help me out here.)

Me: I guess so, Honey.

You know, you can actually Wikipedia “George the Third” and find the right Dude. So, I guess “III” is a valid last name.

I have been schooled.