How Do You Capture the Moment on Vacation? #AlamoDriveHappy

Each day in our lives is made up of minutes that seem to pass slowly, but then we blink and years have passed. Life is fleeting and with Angeline about to enter the 11th grade next month, I feel the end of her adolescence creeping in closer and closer during everything we do together. Pretty soon, my only daughter will be off to college, then off to her own life: a job, marriage, kids...and what will Chris and I be left with?

Memories. 

We will look back on our family photos and remember the days when the kids were small, when they were playing and laughing and filling our hearts with so much joy that we sometimes thought they might explode.

I am an avid picture taker and love capturing our family fun, including family vacations, through photos. The perfect photo captures the moment without being forced, just a natural smile or laugh at just the right time.

I snapped this photo of Angeline in Curacao last week. She was sitting on the ledge of this overlook, chatting with her friends and taking selfies, and I had them all turn around and BAM, just like that, the perfect vacation photo.

When Angeline is all grown up and brings her our children to grandma's, we will look at photos like this and reminisce about that time we went to Curacao with her two best friends from high school.

We'll laugh about all of the ice cream we ate that week on our cruise and tell the grandkids about how crystal clear the water was, so much so that we didn't even need a snorkel to see them swimming between our legs!

And the coconuts in Dominican Republic, they were so refreshing! We'll share a funny story about how the bartender at the swim up pool bar almost gave the girls regular pina coladas instead of virgin ones, because they thought the girls were of age.

Shenanigans, I tell you!

Photos are so important. Memories slowly fade over time, being replaced by newer experiences and more exciting adventures. It's so important to capture the moment as it happens to help keep the memories fresh in your mind.

Have you ever looked back at a vacation photo and the experience suddenly became alive in your mind?

I can practically smell the salty air just looking at our photos from our summer travels!

As you might recall, I am an Alamo Chief Travel Mom. Our goal is simple: to inspire you to get out and travel with your family! Whether it's a family road trip, a flight to somewhere new and fun, or a cruise to an exotic destination, or even just a day trip to a local beach, these summertime travel memories are ones that will last you - and your kids - a lifetime.

This month the other Alamo Chief Travel Moms and I have come up with a few ideas for helping you perfect the art of capturing the moment.

July's Alamo Drive Happy Box Contains: 

About a Mom - @aboutamom - recommends the My Life Digital Photo Album

Angela says: “This pocket-size album stores up to 4,000 images and can easily be carried in your bag or purse, so you can enjoy your vacation memories anytime and anywhere.”

A Nut In A Nutshell  - @blueviolet - recommends the Smash Book Style Journal

Liz says:“Capture your family travel adventures as you're experiencing them! Live it up, jot it down, smash it in, and your favorite travel memories will turn into a forever keepsake.”

Dear Crissy - @crissy - recommends the Olloclip 4-in-1 Lens

Crissy says: “Sometimes the best camera is the one you have with you! Boost your mobile vacation photos to the next level with the 4-in-1 lens from Olloclip.”

The Divine Miss Mommy - @stacieinatlanta - recommends the Sharper Image Telescoping Selfie Arm

Stacie says: “Don’t wait to ask a stranger to snap a photo of you and your family – use this telescoping selfie arm! Bring it with you on your next trip to easily capture vacation memories – just point, smile and shoot!”

The Rebel Chick - @therebelchick - recommends the XCSource Bluetooth Remote and Mini-Tripod

Jennifer says: “This fantastic tripod allows you to capture the moment - and everyone can be in the photo! Just put your smartphone on the tripod, set the timer and say cheese!”

Sounds like a pretty awesome Alamo Drive Happy Box, right? I bet you want one for yourself, right?

Then enter to win one!!

Capture the Moment #AlamoDriveHappy Travel Box Giveaway

Just share your favorite family travel photos on Instagram with a brief description about why they're your favorite and #AlamoDriveHappy and tag me, @TheRebelChick

You can share as many as you want, just make sure to use the hashtag and tag me so that I can find them all! One winner will be randomly drawn via Random.org at midnight EST on July 11th.

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