Family Photo Fun
A few years ago, we took our kids to Maui for family vacation. It was the first time our kids had ever been there, so we made sure to book a family photographer to mark the occasion. Our youngest was 12 years old at the time, our oldest 19. Prime ages for vacation, right? At least we thought so! Juggling everyone’s requests and interests can be difficult to manage on vacation. Thankfully, our entire family loves the beach. My adventurous kids like to get out in the ocean, while the youngest prefers to hang out in the sand.
On our scheduled family photo day, I was a little nervous about how my boys would cooperate. Family photos have historically been less than happy memories… There’s usually someone in a bad mood because they don’t want to smile or don’t like the colors we’ve coordinated in our outfits.
Little did I know, however, that night would turn into one of my most treasured memories. The photographer knew exactly what to do and say to let us be “us” as he took the photos. The kids teased each other, laughed hysterically, and thoroughly enjoyed the water fight at the end of the photoshoot. My husband and I stood there in awe, watching them hug each other and laugh. It has been cemented into my memory. I thought my “momma heart” would burst.
This past Christmas, we decided to spend the holiday in Maui again. Once again, we scheduled the same photographers to shoot our photos. And once again, core memories were made. There was genuine happiness to simply be together. I have loved these memories. When the kids were little, you never could’ve convinced me that family photo night would turn into my favorite memory. Every time I look at the photos, I can see how much my kids have changed, matured and grown into fantastic young adults. Something is satisfying and sweet about those memories. It feels complete.
I’m determined to encourage more “forced family fun” nights as they marry and have families of their own. Only, next time, we’ll have spouses and perhaps a grandkid or two to add to the fun!