Family resemblance

Mark's in fourth grade, which means his class spends a lot of time learning about California history. The fourth and fifth grades are even taking a trip to Sacramento to learn all about our capital.

Mark was disappointed that he's not going (it's $450 for one day!). He was also a little bitter when he found out a classmate is going for free simply because her last name is Sutter, and she's a great-great-granddaughter of John Sutter, founder of Sutter's Mill. He wanted a famous relative of his own.

"Well, you have a semi-famous uncle," I told him.

"I do?" He was intrigued.

"Sure," I said. "The guy who discovered the Loch Ness Monster was named Tim Dinsdale, just like your Uncle Tim." I left off the part that Nessie is a myth, an urban legend -- what fun is it to have an uncle who's also a liar?

Mark wasn't much impressed. He sat back in his seat for a few minutes, then shared a tidbit from his previous life.

"Well, someone in my other family was famous," he offered. "Did you know I'm related to Manny Ramirez?"

He's a die-hard Dodger fan, so I wasn't surprised he'd picked Manny.

"Oh, you are?" I asked, knowing full well he wasn't. "How's he related?"

"He's my uncle," Mark said. I could see him in the rear view mirror, smiling and proud of himself.

I let him think about it a few minutes, then asked carefully, "Um...you know he's African-American, right?"

Mark nodded. A different skin color wasn't gonna ruin his story.

"There are African-American people in your family?" I asked my little white son.

"One," he answered, and then he cracked. He realized he was caught, and started laughing.

But you've gotta give the kid points for trying!