Family Life

Canadian Girls

Last Friday was Canada Day (AKA Dominion Day) when we celebrated Canada’s 149th birthday. (I swear you don’t look a day over 136!) I enjoyed scrolling through all the holiday camping, beach, cottage, lake, and Canada Day festivities photos my fellow Canucks shared on Facebook and Instagram, but I do have to admit I briefly felt guilty for not planning a fun day trip or outing too. But then I thought about how few bumming around days we’ve had together lately. I’ve been working at the hospital every weekend since May, and on the days that none of us are working or at school, we’re too busy running errands all day to really enjoy each other’s company.

So that’s why we decided that just hanging around the house in our pyjamas until noon, eating a big stack of banana egg pancakes, and playing in the backyard together was enough for us.

O Canada

We did sing “O Canada” and hold a mini Canada Day parade by special request from my Canadian girls. (Scroll down to the bottom for the lyrics in English and French.)

Kay only recently learned the words so she’s pretty sketchy on what comes after, “Too patriot love, in all the sun’s demand.” Older sister Tee has most of it down except for she’s completely convinced the line goes, “The true not strong and free.” They’re both so cute I haven’t the heart to correct either of them.

Canada Day parade
How did you celebrate Canada Day or July 4th? How old were your kids when they learned the national anthem?

O Canada!
Our home and native land!
True patriot love in all thy sons command.
With glowing hearts we see thee rise,
The True North strong and free!
From far and wide,
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.
God keep our land glorious and free!
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.

Ô Canada!
Terre de nos aïeux,
Ton front est ceint de fleurons glorieux!
Car ton bras sait porter l’épée,
Il sait porter la croix!
Ton histoire est une épopée
Des plus brillants exploits.
Et ta valeur, de foi trempée,
Protégera nos foyers et nos droits.
Protégera nos foyers et nos droits.

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7 Comments

  • apparently they’ve gone and taken out the “True patriot love in all thy sons command.” part..the word sons was offensive or intolerant or some such thing?
    not sure, but at my age I’m lucky to even remember the words let alone be told I have to sing it differently

  • It sounds like you had an awesome Canada Day with the family! I like that the girls learned the anthem so cute, I can’t even remember how old my girls were when they learned the anthem, well their own version..lol, and your not the only one to stay home, that is all we did too, and I babysat my granddaughter so her folks could go out and have fun!!

  • Seems like you had fun! No need for huge celebrations, vacations, etc, spending time with family during holidays is what means the most!

  • We celebrated July 4th by putting the kids to bed and going out out the porch to watch our neighbor’s fireworks. We were really creative this year, I know.

  • We go up north to hubby’s aunt’s lake house with his family!! Its super fun!! We love watching the fireworks and playing on the lake!

  • Happy Canada Day! We didn’t celebrate July 4th this year. We usually stay home with our dogs because they get so nervous with the fireworks. Poor things!