O Canada!

There's something about our national anthem that kinda chokes me up. Whenever I hear it in person, without a doubt, I feel the tears. But then I'm instantly embarrassed by them so then I try not to cry. Which just leaves me making that scrunched up, ugly, I-won't-cry face. Not a good look, really.

Patriotism is taught to all kids, no matter where you live, at a very early age. For us, it started with those little paper Canadian flags hooked on to our babies strollers, later they learn the national anthem when they start school.

I remember the year that Juliana started JK. Christmas celebrations were over and many Canadians spent the rest of the holidays turned into the World Junior Hockey games. That year, we gathered around the TV one night waiting for the start of the game. As the first notes of "O Canada" rang out, little Juliana popped to her feet and stared at the rest of us. She stood straight, arms at her sides and said "You have to stand. It's O Canada". So we did.

And even though we laughed at her innocence, guess what else happened?

I made that face.

One final note: Canada Day should always include ice cream.

Happy birthday Canada!!