Comments on: this post also explains why I didn’t blog much this week.

By: Katie @ cakes, tea and dreams

Katie @ cakes, tea and dreams — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 14:03:22 +0000

It is a tough balance to strike…I’m usually the one holding the camera, so have to remind myself to put it down. I do love having photos from special times, though. (And all your blog readers appreciate your photos! Love this one of your precious, sleepy boys.)

By: Kelly H-Y

Kelly H-Y — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 21:50:00 +0000

Oh, how fun … I’m so glad you’ve had a wonderful vacation. That picture of them all sleeping is adorable! I completely understand what you mean … there is definitely a balance between focusing too much on the picture-taking and not capturing the great memories. I find myself taking some shots, then putting the camera away, then taking a few shots, then putting it away. Unless I’m acting as ‘official’ photographer at a family function or something, I try not to be holding the camera ALL the time, but just have it nearby!

By: Serenity

Serenity — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 01:36:26 +0000

Well, you people are all completely right. The last night we went to Branson Landing, and I felt so nostalgic and happy, because of last year’s happy vacation there. The thing is, I’m pretty sure it was better sealed in my memory because of the pictures we took there that I’ve looked at all year since. They really do help capture the moment. And, Uncle Paul, a video camera – it’s officially on my LIST. Thanks for the suggestion!

By: Paul Nickerson

Paul Nickerson — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 01:19:55 +0000

I’m with Cheri and Kathy. When Jon and Jadee were married a friend put together a very well done audio visual showing their growing up years which he showed at the rehearsal dinner. We did not have a video camera or a film movie camera, mostly because of the expense. However, when the video of Jadee singing in the bathtub (it was decent, of course) came on I really got choked up because I could see that she hadn’t really changed in her spirit. It was a priceless gift to get that window into who our new daughter in law really is. Jon has always been a dramatist in everything he does, but it is hard to show dramatic movements in still photography. But he sang on the platform at our church on many occasions and his friend patched in the sounds and video of him singing “I’m Divin’ In” while pictures of Jadee diving into a pool and doing cartwheels and other gymnastic moves showed. Oh how I wish I had ignored the expense and bought one of those expensive movie cameras. Our sacrifice would have been worth it. Instead of selfless memories in this I live with regrets.

By: Kathy Nickerson

Kathy Nickerson — Sat, 08 Aug 2009 18:47:46 +0000

Of course, the pictures are really for the grandmother who didn’t go with you vacation. So,I appreciate the fact that you are sacrificing the last few hours for my sake :) I totally agree about school plays, though. I always want to shout at the parent behind the camera a famous line from one of my favorite four-year-olds, “Mom! Watch this! … and lift your head.”

But, of course, we do have that one great snapshot of a little girl in a poodle skirt and the be-bopper beside her in rolled up jeans from the fifth grade Christmas pageant. It’s pretty much priceless despite the poor lighting :)

By: Cheri' White

Cheri' White — Sat, 08 Aug 2009 13:27:19 +0000

I totally get the reasoning for not taking pictures, but kind of disagree with Rosie. I’ve found (over my many years :-) that it’s the kids who want the pictures of the things they did and the vacations we took.

I guess you do miss the moment at the time, but years later, when they’re laughing together at their pictures and joking around about the memories from that particular vacation or event, or showing pictures of their brother to their soon-to-be sister-in-law, it’s well worth any of the moments I missed.

By: Sarah

Sarah — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 21:20:01 +0000

So that’s where you’ve been. Here I was getting all paranoid that you were off on Johnny’s private island without me;)

Also, I have to say, take ALL Rosie’s advice with a grain of salt. I watched one episode of The View where she talked about inversion therapy and using it as a treatment for headaches, stress, improving memory etc. So I had a bit of a headache and decided to hang upside down (as she’d demoed on the show).
Let’s just say that it didn’t end well. I fell and nearly got a concussion…oh and “bruised” a spinal disc. Dangerous stuff.

Enjoy your last day of vacation!