This year, I decided to try something new. Instead of simply filing away the many (…many) photos and videos from the year, I opted to create this family highlights video containing bits and pieces from my favorite moments. Naturally the video is 90% pictures of our kids. But Rick and I had some amazing adventures of our own too. Between the standard chaos of raising a 2.5 year old boy and the whirlwind that comes along with welcoming a new baby to the family, our vacation photos haven’t seen the light of day. So I wanted to capture it all in this short(ish) video. The adventure, the fun, and even some of the chaos.
While it took me about a weeks of naptimes to put together, I think it was totally worth the effort. It’s a perfect time capsule for us to look back on as our children get older. Now that I’ve seen the outcome I definitely plan on making one of these videos every year. While creating this, it really hit me how quickly Sammy has grown in just twelve short months. From a 1.5 year old who was still a little wobbly on his feet, to a full-sentence-speaking, climbing, running, bouncing little boy. It was a nice reminder to myself also to really soak up all of those little moments.
I also thought this video would be a perfect post to start out our new blog. I have a few different reasons for starting Sammy & Sky, but one of the main ones is to document our journey as a family. Motherhood is so special, but it’s definitely a whirlwind. I know there are so many little things I will forget as we make new memories. And really, the little things are everything. I’m hoping this blog can not only help organize some resources for myself and other caregivers out there, but also help me remember all the little things that are making this time in our lives so wonderful. I hope to include lots of yummy toddler-approved recipes, play ideas, local KC playgrounds, and more in the future.
It’s far from perfect, but I thoroughly enjoyed making this family highlights video, and I hope you enjoy watching too!
Things I learned while making this video:
- Live Photos are amazing and can be a fun addition to a highlight video. I’m so glad I used live photos almost all the time because even that little bit of motion can really capture the feeling of the moment better. (Not to mention toddlers/babies move way too much and its much easier to get those perfect little smiles!)
- I wish I would have taken more videos and pictures in landscape orientation instead of almost always using portrait. When the video fits on a screen perfectly it makes it look more polished and professional, and much easier to put together. I will be turning my phone sideways a lot more this year!
- Although it was very fun to try and go through every picture/video I took from the entire year all at once, it was very time-consuming and I’m sure I missed some of my favorites just because I had to skim through everything. From now on when I take one of those perfect pics/videos that is one of my absolute favorites, I’m going to try to keep it in a special album on my phone or folder on my computer so I make sure it doesn’t get lost in the shuffle.
- I’m sure there are plenty of video programs you can use. I used iMovie for this video and thought it was pretty simple to do. I’m sure there are better programs out there, but all-in-all it did the trick. I enjoyed the built-in music selection and transition options.