What would I have done had I not taken pictures when the kids were younger. Pictures that they gripped and complained about me taking at the time, but looking back at now gives them a rush of sensations, like remembering the thrill they felt when they saw familiar Disney characters, or the nervousness of approaching them for their autograph.
Our daughter was around 3 years old when Toy Story initially came out, so we have grown up with Andy, Buzz and Woody. I was warned that I would cry when I saw Toy Story 3, especially with a child heading off for college, but against all odds I managed to make it through the movie without tears. I will be the first to admit that come May 2011 I'll be standing there with a camera in one hand and a box of Kleenex in the other. But one way or the other, I will manage to take pictures, and between the tears of joy, capture the moment.
My gal was little bitty when Toy Story came out too. At a year or two old, she would jump up and down and shout "WOO! WOO! WOO! WOO!!!!" during the whole song. I have no idea why. I think I'm the only one in the entire universe who didn't like it, but I just couldn't muster any tears or much of anything for Toy Story 3. I think it got a lot of mileage out of the teens who are all emotionally wrapped up in it and would like it no matter what. I just didn't think it was good. I know, I'm a total stick in the mud. I did truly enjoy the first Toy Story though, really.
ReplyDeleteAs for the pictures vs. not taking pictures and regretting it thing, I think there's definitely a time to put down the camera and just fully enjoy the moment without worrying about the picture. It's true that you sometimes end up wishing you had the picture. And I understand that sense of duty. But it's also true that sometimes it's enough to just be fully present with your family and giving them your full attention. I don't think it's taking them for granted AT ALL - I think it's worth doing every now and again.