In the summer of 2005, my family had the amazing opportunity to visit Europe. At the time my daughters were 6, 5, and just 3 years old. As exciting as our trip might seem to adults, my young girls didn’t necessarily think the same.

 

Not surprisingly, they were unimpressed by art museums and historic sites. I found, however, if I made up interesting stories about what they were seeing, they were far more engaged. Although my stories were based in truth, admittedly I tended to embellish for both my and the girls’ amusement. I recall a few tourists looking at me quizzically as I explained to my children that a certain room in Versailles was where the queen did her homework.  

 

Meanwhile, although perhaps technically inaccurate, my historical fact presentations were outstanding by comparison to my language skills. One of the favorite snacks we enjoyed were the sweet, warm, delicious, Liège waffles we routinely found at street kiosks. Well, being the type of mom that wanted to immerse my kids in their surrounds,
I endeavored to call the waffles by their French name: “gaufres.” Unfortunately, not being particularly adept in French, my mangled version sounded a lot like “gophers” to my 3 year old. And, lo and behold, my apologies to the French, waffles forever more became known as gophers in our family.

 

So from our family to yours, 
we hope you enjoy our