Samuel at 15.5 months

Our little hippo is growing up so fast! He now has 8 teeth, weighs 22.5 lbs, is running and talking lots - it seems he learns a new word everyday. He has a big fascination with animals and the sounds they make right now...dogs being the favourite of course!

Running barefoot in the grass....one of the simple pleasures of summer!

This is one of Samuel's favourite activities lately...running around in the field while playing ball with Casey.

Casey waiting patiently for the ball to be thrown (and Samuel copying her!)

Ready...catch Casey!

Taking a break to pick dandelions

Visit to the Vancouver Aquarium

Last week we visited the Vancouver Aquarium with Monique and Liam. Here are a couple of photos of the highlights - watching the dolphin show and the beluga whales (and munching on apples at the same time!).

Baby Beluga - is that you?

Dolphin entertainment (they sure can jump high!)

North Coast Trail
I (Ryan) just got back from 5 days of hiking on the North Coast Trail, a new trail next to Cape Scott on northern Vancouver Island. It is still under construction and I was lucky enough to join up with the author of "Coastal Hikes" who got special permission to hike the trail for his upcoming book.
As you can see we had phenomenal sunsets and lots of great weather.

Summer Days

Here are a few pictures of our summer in the Fraser Valley so far......

Sardis Park with Olivia & Rebecca

At the zoo with Monique and Liam

Teapot hill hike with Joni and Miles

Elk Mountain hike

Dinotown with Monique and Liam

Samuel and the Pteradactyls at Dinotown

Helping Daddy BBQ

At Cultus Lake with Nana & Papa

Year-end banquet at Minter Gardens - Residency is officially over...congrats Dr. Ryan!

Samuel and the ducks

This is a little footage of Samuel "talking" to the ducks at Sardis Park a couple of weeks ago....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gQpqNi6C5pY

Happy Canada Day!

Here are a few pictures of Samuel enjoying the beautiful weather today at Bridal Falls. He did a bit of "hiking" by himself but he made sure to take plenty of breaks to check out the rocks, hug the trees, feel the moss, etc :-)