Hello icehockeymom31,
You can use the steps below to see if that behavior may be related to your iPhone attempting to sync with iCloud Photos:
1. Open the Photos app.
2. Select the Library tab, then tap All Photos.
3. Scroll to the bottom to see the status bar.
You can also find photos and videos from your Photos Library that haven't been uploaded to iCloud in a smart album on your Mac.
You can also find those steps in this resource: Get help with iCloud Photos - Apple Support
If you don't see an upload or download status, do you sync your photos with any other devices? If so, are they exhibiting the same behavior?
How about if you check the iCloud website using a computer? iCloud Photos
Hopefully those details will help to isolate this further so we can provide the best guidance possible.
Take care.