Californication

We've been having a few southern visitors in our neck of the woods these days. Last week, Kristina's Auntie Ruth and her cousin Julie arrived from California. Julie stayed for a little while, but then left after a week -- only to be replaced by her brother Jeff, also from California and his girlfriend Allison.

Some time as been spent in Gibsons, some in Mission, and of course, some in homey Coquitlam as well.

And now, even Catherine, Jeff and the rest of the Fort St. John Five have driven down to spend some quality time with us. It's just a matter of time before we get some photos though. Gotta make sure no one is sick before they come to visit!


Bruce, Julie, and Kristina


Auntie Judie, Katelyn, and Kirby


Jeff & Allison

Sign, Sign, Everywhere a Sign

Do our international visitors find it confusing to stop their rental cars on our ferries? I mean really, who uses a hand brake with their foot?

OK, maybe trucks. But I still think it's a funny sign.

First Time Swimming

Katelyn went swimming for her first time last night. We went to Chimo Pool which is a little pool and rec centre just down Austin Avenue from our house. Our hope was that she take to the water really quickly and easily -- perhaps a subconscious connection to her birth -- and she did. She loved it. Not once did she complain, frown, or pout. Rather, she was fascinated by just about everything: the lights, other children, the water, and so on. As a result, we all enjoyed ourselves thoroughly and we're looking forward to going countless times in the future.

Anyone want to come with us?

Agility Practice With Indy

Saturday afternoons have been busy for Kristina during the last couple of months. She's been taking Indy for agility lessons in Vancouver. Although the instruction has been minimal and, some would say, sub par, the opportunity to show up weekly and use the equipment has been fun.

Soon, Catherine & Jeff will be coming to town with all of their equipment and Indy will be getting some really good runs in.

In the meantime, here's a short video of a relaxing practice from yesterday's session.

Katie's Maiden Voyage

Katie had a great time flying in Dad's arms tonight. Grinning ear to ear, she loved smiling for the camera and Mom & Dad just as much fun picture taking and playing with her. The video was the most fun. Sort of.


Thursday, July 12, 2007: Flying high and grinning all the way.

Soccer Fan-atic

Katie can't seem to avert her eyes from the television these days. We try to keep her from watching such mindless drivel, of course, but when there's soccer when tend to break the rules for her. And, consequently, she's become quite the little soccer fan. Watching a little World Cup with Dad may teach a few things for her soccer future.


Wednesday, July 11, 2007: Dressing for the heat.


Wednesday, July 11, 2007: She despises all the unnecessary diving and simulation.

Roll in Poo, Suffer the Consequences

Indy found a nice big pile of you-know-what and decided to do what dogs do best: roll around in it. As a result, Kristina had to take matters into her own hands before Indy would be allowed safe passage back indoors. Surprisingly, despite loving water in most circumstances, Indy didn't seem to enjoy her bath.


Wednesday, July 11, 2007

Dressel Family Photo Shoot

On Sunday night, we were invited to have our family photos taken by my parents' next door neighbour, so we travelled to Lacarno Beach in Vancouver to gather the clan. The final photos haven't arrived yet, but here are a few that were taken with our camera on the side.


Sunday, July 8, 2007


Sunday, July 8, 2007


Sunday, July 8, 2007: Hopefully the photographer's comes out better than this one. Too much back light.


Sunday, July 8, 2007

Milestones After Milestones

Last night, we enjoyed a 85th birthday dinner for Kristina's Granddad at Milestones in Abbotsford. Dinner was great and the company was even better. When we arrived back at home, Katie proceeded to sleep and uninterrupted 8 hours! And if that wasn't a milestone in itself, she managed to roll herself over again -- but this time from her back to her front! Mind you, it's still not absolutely perfect (her forearm kind of gets in the way) but she's doing it really well now. She's making amazing strides right now and we have no doubt that she'll be crawling and sitting up soon -- and really pushing our lives to a frantic pace!


Saturday, July 7, 2007


Saturday, July 7, 2007


Saturday, July 7, 2007: Rolling over.

Thar Be Gold!

Kate has miraculously discovered her thumb. Sometimes she has a hard time keeping her pacifier in on her own, so having her develop her own is a bit of a gift to us. Of course, it's still a new development, which explains her complaints in the accompanying photo. Sometimes she just can't get it to work.


Friday, July 6, 2007: Mmmm, thumb.


Friday, July 6, 2007: Waaaaa, no thumb.

U-20 World Cup & Happy Canada Day!

This evening, Kristina, Katelyn and I watched an opening round game of the U-20 World Cup between Spain and Uruguay. We all had a great time. The weather was lovely, the action was great, the game ended in a spectacular fashion, and the seats were amazing (5th row, centre-line). Thankfully, we were allowed to bring our camera so we managed to get a few picture so that we could show you all the fun!


Sunday, July 1, 2007: Mom & baby at half-time.


Sunday, July 1, 2007: Dad & baby at half-time. Note the Canada Day shirt!


Sunday, July 1, 2007: Some 2nd-half action.


Sunday, July 1, 2007: Some 2nd-half action.


Sunday, July 1, 2007: Kate's enjoying her first ever World Cup Game -- and hopefully not her last!


Sunday, July 1, 2007: A tired baby after a long game!