And Then They Broke It

They buzzed around my head like flies at a picnic. Seth swooped in to beg for computer game time and Isaiah, for snacks.

"Hold on guys. It's a beautiful summer day. You know where you should be?" I asked, surrounded by piles of folded laundry and an empty suitcase.

"Outsiiiiiiiide," they droned in unison.

"Exactly. Soon you won't be seeing each other for twelve whole days." I glanced up at these two, joined by the hip. Whatever would one do without the other? "Play while you can," I insisted.

They lingered, then buzzed some more. Time to shoo 'em out the door. Maybe a broom... I looked around and caught a glimpse of the camera. I really should pack that before I forget. Or...

"Heeeeeeyyy. Why don't you guys take some pics outside?" (so I can get back to packing)

Yeah. This was new. Nobody plays with Mama's camera. They grabbed it and flew out onto the porch before I could change my mind.

Folded clothes weren't gonna cut it. We were trying to pack light for the trip to Marmie's. It was the first time we'd be out that way in six years. Jay, Sal, and the kids were on vacation, but would be back before we left their home, so we would get the chance to see them too.

Really. These clothes weren't going to fit. Time for the military roll. That worked.

The boys peeked back through a crack in the door.

"It hasn't even been five minutes, Seth!"

But Seth and Isaiah looked worried.

"Uhhhh. Something happened..." each began to talk over the other. All I heard was, "BzzzzBzzzzBzzzzz!"

"Shhhhh. You'll wake Micah from his nap," I hissed.

Seth handed me the camera, its bottom hanging open, batteries missing. It wasn't shuttin', either. Argh. Isaiah found the batteries in the cracks of the porch and I shoved them back in. Tape? It would have to do. And if we held it just so.... I squeezed the bottom with all my might. They'd managed to capture two pictures before destruction. I grinned in spite of myself. That's what I got for trying to make the camera my babysitter. It was going to be interesting taking pics on this trip!