Let’s be real: It’s a ROYAL PAIN in the YOU KNOW WHAT to have to tote around your “expensive/professional/third childlike camera + lenses” on a vacation. MAYBE if it was just Michael and I, sure. But with kids, diaper bags, toys, snack bags, towels, AHHHH its just a lot. So, not everywhere on this trip did I tote around my professional camera. Yes, I would have taken some pretty incredible shots with it, but I wanted to be 100% present and focused on my kids for most elements of this trip…and bringing along professional grade photography equipment to have to babysit was NOT part of the plan.

Michael and I got home, pulled out of phones and sent each other some of the great shots we were able to capture with our phones. As true husband and wives do, we compared who got the better shot and who’s camera did a better job. We are a Samsung vs Apple family and I am always pulling for my Samsung as being the SUPERIOR picture capturer. LOL. #pickyourbattlespeople

So, in no particular order, form or fashion, here is THE REAL behind the scenes, personal, candid shots that sum up a week of family bliss, love, chaos, and joy! : )