GO DOG GO!

Here we have Ezra singing his follow up song to "Green Eggs and Sam." With distinct heavy metal and emo undertones, "Go Dog GO!" tells a complex and riveting tale of colorful dogs working, playing, and partying in a tree. This strong sophomore effort is sure to please Ezra's fans:)

Ezra sings Green Eggs and Ham

Rarely these days, does Ezra proceed with ANYTHING once we get the camera out. He wants to take pictures of us, not the other way around. And so, it was a rare treat to be allowed to film his acoustic version of "Green Eggs and Ham." I believe it is a true work of art. I think you'll agree:) Set to summertime-backyard goodness. (Click on the title above to watch directly from Vimeo for a better quality film:)

Iris is 8 Months!

Iris is 8 Month!

Here she is at 8 months!

We asked Ezra to help us take her picture. They love each other and for now are happy to be in each others company.

Iris is not for sitting still (or plain sitting for that matter).

This is a happy baby. Not much gets her down and she tries her best to get peoples' attention and then throws them a giant smile, sometimes adding a little "ahhhh" in there for extra fun.


And the best news of Iris' 8 month life....Grandma and Grandpa came from Minnesota for a wonderful visit. Ohhhh, please come back soon! We loved/love having them here with us!!

This photo was taken at Sarnia's ArtWalk. Ezra made it to the front page of an online newspaper!

My kiddos! Pure love.

We have been heading into the wooded park more often and we found a tee-pee last week. So fun!

Iris now stands on her own. She is like her brother in the athletics department...we think she'll be walking soon! She goes up and down stairs on her own already and is extremely curious. Her favorite thing to investigate? Ezra's potty chair. Which makes life fun for Mommy.

5 + 6 + 7

Month 5!

Month 6!

Month 7!

More sweet (and spicy!) details to follow soon...

Iris at 3 and 4 Months

Our little girl grows! Here she is in Crookston at 3 months old.

And 4 months. Already!

When she's happy, she's happy. And when she's not? Well, let's just say she'll let you know.

Her two bottom teeth are coming in and she is a drooling machine!

Christmas Celebrated: Sarnia

My parents and brothers Ben and Spencer came all the way to Sarnia to spend Christmas with us. It was wonderful being together in our cozy little home. We were so grateful to have them with us!

First Canadian Christmas:)

Grandpa and Iris

Oooo, my kiddos! xoxoxoxxosss

Uncle Ben and his little sweet pea

Uncle Spencer and Ezra unwrapping gifts. I think Ezra "helped" with everyone's:)


So many books, just not enough time...

Imma and Grandpa are so fun to have around! Here Ezra is with a Christmas present from them: Wet Dog. Soon after reading it he said "Shoo, go on now!" to a waitress. Not good. But very funny to those of us that recognized that line from the book!

Christmas Celebrated: Crookston

Well, my dear friends...thank you for your continued patience. I ask myself, "why not just do a few quick posts here and there instead of every once in a blue moon?" Hmmmm, could it be that annoying perfectionist thing that follows me around and says "you can only post once you finish editing that movie, or once you have time to really sit down and do some serious writing or once you can change the blog around or once..." It never ends people. So here I am. Trying to just throw up a few photos and prove to myself that this can just take 10 minutes or so to do.

Unfortunately, I have been here 30 minutes and now Iris awakes. How could I just put up a few photos when I've mentioned nothing about Christmas? Haa haa. I have to just laugh at myself, right? All this to say- here are some new photos. Enjoy:)

We were fortunate enough to be able to celebrate Christmas twice this year! Once here in Sarnia with the Salminen crew and then in January in balmy Crookston with the Rudes. We are so grateful for our families...Wow.

Ahhh, the snow fort. Third Annual. It just keeps getting better!!

Aunt Kristen made all the kids (and their babies) bath robes. So cute! This year everyone did a great job of giving hand made gifts. Thank you also to Ali and Cassie for the beauty-gifts!

Reading with Aunt Cassie

Grandma and Grandpa Rude with their grand kids!

A rare smile from Iris outdoors. Do not get this girl cold!

Upright and scooting around with help.

This was back in November- big cousin Josie holding Iris:)

Good times with Grandpa!

Josh's sister Ali and her husband Noah took amazing photos of all the kids. This is one of my favorites. Ezra is our music man (wearing handmade goodies from Cassie)!

When Iris is with Daddy (and warm), she is a happy girl!

Love this one:)


this one too!