Benjamin

This beautiful baby held me captive from the moment I laid eyes on him. Clearly an old and wise soul. A baby full of uncanny strength and determination although only 8 days old. Wishing you all a lifetime of miracles and blessings. Recognize his mommy and daddy? Maternity session here.

In your blood

A wise woman recently told me that we carry the joys and sorrows of the 7 generations that have walked before us.

These beautiful Metis children are infused with a long lineage of inspired Metis people. I am truly honored to be able to capture a small piece of what makes them so unique, so spirited and full of wonder.

Besides having a strong family history on their mothers side (and a strong and passionate mother), their father Leander Dumont, comes from an incredibly strong Metis family. Leander's dad Bruce is the President of the Metis Nation-British Columbia. His father, Ambrose Dumont was a great, great grandson of Isidore Dumont the first Metis killed at Duck Lake, Saskatchewan at the beginning of the Riel Resistance of 1885. Ambrose was in-turn, a great, great nephew of Gabriel Dumont, brother to Isidore.

Gabriel Dumont (1837-1906) is widely known as a influential Metis leader. I found this on Gabriel Dumont – "the name conjures up a host of images: the diminutive but courageous “chef métis” who led his people in armed struggle against the Dominion of Canada; a nineteenth-century Che Guevara passionately concerned with his people’s self-governance; the quintessential l’homme de prairie who lived freely as a bison hunter and entrepreneur and a humanitarian who shared his bounty with the less fortunate. Gabriel Dumont was a man of action, whose many admirable qualities, including his selflessness, courage, sense of duty and love of his people, have inspired generations of Métis." (found HERE written by Darren R. Préfontaine, Gabriel Dumont Institute)

On theMetis BC website I found this and thought it well suited to these kids. 'Young people are the hope of our future. They must not only be nurtured to embrace and learn their languages and cultures, but also be mentored to embrace both worlds and to equip themselves with the tools needed to function in both worlds. Language and culture provide the tools to build good character - a character that emulates the values of respect, humility, kindness, empathy and good leadership."

I find family history fascinating. If you are lucky enough to know a little of where you come from, you should celebrate it. If you have no idea, you may want to start digging. It's incredible the inspiration or explanations that you might get from a little family history lesson.

Father with his children

girls. metis

ella

elijah

hannah

metis family

family photos

together

I find this family heart meltingly beautiful and I love being a part of documenting their cherished bonds. I love these three kids. I love their pride in their heritage. Love love love being able to give them gifts like photos to celebrate their family bonds. These three gorgeous children with their undying and limitless love for their father. Seriously. It is just so incredible to know you all. I am richer for each moment spent with you. Much love. xo

Oh baby

Um, still haven't caught up on blogging. Can't believe I have yet to share this gorgeous baby boy and his fun lovin' family. It's not often that you laugh through an ENTIRE studio photo session. But, we did. If you know this family, you know that you it is not uncommon to find this sweet family full of laughter. So happy to be a part of capturing a little bit of what makes you all fabulous. A gorgeous family. A rolly, polly happy baby boy. What's not to love? (from our session in DECEMBER) omg.

if you do.

There are many things in life you have to do. You have to brush your teeth or your teeth may fall out from sugar bugs, you have to eat your veggies, pay your taxes (ugh), eat, drink plenty of water, do dishes, laundry, clean the house, go to work, and pay your bills. You don't have to dream. You don't have to create. You don't have to. But you might choose to.

My grandma (we call her Grannie Goodheart) is 86 years old. I spontaneously decided to do a four generations photo shoot on the day Goodheart gave birth to my mom, and many years later I gave birth to my little girl. The whole week sort of turned into birthday week, it was awesome. Goodheart was dragged around to all sorts of events, and we didn't have to have another family dinner, or gathering, or anything. But we could, so we did.

If YOU DO, you could end up getting a text from your sister (who lives with your grandma in Victoria, BC) of a photo of Grannie Goodhearts calendar after she came home from her week stay with you. {See image below} My sister Kaylee texted that photo to me and said "Looks like Grannie had a good time in Campbell River." My heart nearly exploded. I had no idea it meant so much.

You don't have to do much really, you can go on with your life, just doing what you have to do. You don't have to make someone's day. But if you do... it might end up being the "best week of {their} life". Or yours. The photo above left my entire family speechless. We all have family obligations, we all do what we do daily. Sometimes we realize the effect it may have on someone, other times we are completely unaware of what our impact might be. Another amazing thing to me, is that Grannie wrote that, on her calendar. Kaylee could have just walked right by it, and never cared or bothered to look at it, but she noticed, she let me know, and know I feel seriously moved to pass it on. Amazing. We are all intricately connected. All of us.

You don't have to, but if you do {something sweet, kind, meaningful}... it just might brighten someone's day, or life. Love you Grannie Goodheart, we are all so lucky to have you in our lives. xoxo (one million thank you's to Shannon for being extra amazing and helping us make these photos happen. You are a part of the awesome. oxox) And, I've also just announced a spontaneous mini session to happen on April 22 (this coming Sunday) info on my Erin Wallis Photography Facebook page! (few spots still left)

Simple treasures

Dear Maisie, There are simple treasures everywhere. You just have to choose to see them. Some of my most beautiful treasures are watching you with your dad. There is great beauty in moments. Heartbreakingly glorious moments. Today, we had a great mommy Maisie treasure hunt. I love to go in search of treasures.

A drive along the seemingly motionless sea, the light soft on the water, your voice dancing in my ears as you played with your bunny and kitty in the back seat. We strayed a little off course to "go find daddy". "Surprise him" we said. Unplanned, unexpected. You were saying "daddy...daddddy, where are you" and we searched through the isles for him. When you saw him, I thought your heart and his may burst. An unexpected joy. You crawled up onto his shoulder and hugged him for what looked like forever. In that moment, through my tear filled eyes, in that unplanned authentic moment of joy... the three of us were perfect. To me. For us.

The most simple treasures Maisie, are the best kind. There are treasures everywhere. I hope you always find them, even when you're not looking for them.

Love you sweet girl, Mom