Happy 4th of July–Amy and I are out enjoying the annual Evanston Central Street Parade, but we’ll be back tomorrow. For our readers in the U.S., we hope you have a wonderful day. My sister-in-law, Lacey, took this picture of my kids (the two blondies on the right) and a couple of their friends (and our dog) on Memorial Day.…

Every year I am always envious of families going away for the 4th of July.  But, I’m married to a local who would not think about missing his hometown parade.  I’m not quite sure I think it’s worth the hype (people here put their chairs out four days early to secure a spot!) and he often argues with my parents…

…my home and native land… I grew up in Canada and while I’ve lived in the US for almost 20 years (yikes when did that happen?!) I still wave the red, white and maple leaf. Living in Ottawa (the capital!) Canada Day was a very special time with huge celebrations on Parliament Hill. So, in honor of Canada Day on…