The memories I have of my childhood are preserved in printed photographs and polaroids. Mom and Pops have around a dozen albums of such photos: right from my baby days, up until till my brother and I completed our schooling. They’re stashed away safely in a cabinet. Just like a time capsule.

Photos are great because they bring back so many memories! And the memories of events and experiences are the only things that really matter, specially when you have kids.

Now we’re just here to be memories for our kids. Once you’re a parent, you’re the ghost of your children’s future.

Cooper, Interstellar

With some free time on my hands, I undertook a personal project to collect and preserve all the memories Vinnie and I have made — for the girls’ sake.

Since we live and breathe digital, it made sense to archive everything in the cloud. I chose Google Photos as Vinnie and I both use Android phones, and Google lets you save unlimited photos at 16MP, and video at 1080p — which I was fine with.

It’s taken numerous weekends and late nights, but I’ve finally brought it up to date. Nearing 50GB, it includes photos and HD video taken from every camera and phone we’ve owned since 2008.

So many precious memories!
Our days in college.
Our first jobs.
Christmas photos from when we were dating.
My reply to the toast at our wedding.
Our first dance as husband and wife.
Sasha’s first steps.
Sofia’s first day at Playgroup.
And who knows what’s to come!
They’re all in there.

The best part is that the entire archive is accessible on any device with Internet access, so I can even see it on my phone when I’m away on travel.

Just like a time capsule.