I NEED the camera more than you do

These are the words I said to my husband as we were getting ready to part ways at our Phoenix home. "I'll have the kids with their cousins for 10 days and I'm sure there will be lots of photo opportunities. You can use the video camera for any final farewells to the house, right?"

I took the camera. Are you ready for ALL of those precious, photographic moments?
...So am I...

I didn't take ANY pictures! Not ONE! Dumb, I know. What a dork. You might ask, "Were there not any worthwhile moments spent between 8 kids under the age of 8 to be captured for time and prosperity?" "No shenanigans to always remember and use for blackmail later in life when these toddlers are teenagers?" Oh, of course there were. For some reason my brain turned off to the fact that I do indeed own a camera that while somewhat of a fossil, is still capable of capturing these life moments. Luckily for me, my sister was able to remember AND use her camera. I'll have to hope that she will be willing to share some of these pictures with me - and then I to you. So sad!

Then you might ask, "Have you taken any pictures since you arrived in Vancouver?" "Is it not one of the most beautiful places to live with gorgeous views of rivers and mountains and trees? With an amazing view of Mount Hood and the Columbia River every time you drive home?" "Do you not want to remember the tiny townhouse that seconds as an echo chamber you endured to live in while you waited to move yet again?" I better go and find, dust off and charge my little camera!

We do have a family reunion to go to in Spokane in a couple of weeks - I better leave the photo taking to Pat. He's better at it anyway.

For now, here a few last memories of our life in Phoenix:

A quite unflattering for everyone but best that we could get in the glaring sun with anxious kids who are ready to get in the car and go picture. Lane had already been in his car seat for about 30 min prior to this picture. We had to coax him out...notice the grip I have on him!

The boys bedroom that Pat was so sad to prime and paint. We'll miss you our jungle friends!


Nora enjoying and expressing her joy of new found freedom to unlocked kitchen cabinets...even if they are empty.



The boys on their last Friday of helping Dad with the recycling. He's even thoughtful enough to give them a little step so they can reach! Many a fun Friday morning remembered for them.