As a mother, it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of family vacations, focusing on making sure everyone is happy and having fun. Recently, my son Riley urged me to compile a photo book documenting our family trip to Wyoming. A year had passed since that adventure and with our next vacation on the horizon, I sat down with him to sift through countless photos, write descriptions, and choose colors and designs for our book. It was a laborious task, and without Riley’s insistence, I might never have completed it.
While putting the book together, I noticed a glaring issue: I was largely absent from the photographs. Most images featured my partner, Jake, engaging with the kids—both candid and posed shots—while I was relegated to selfies or only included in group photos taken by strangers. Jake often claimed his phone wasn’t the best for photography, but the truth was, he simply hadn’t considered the absence of me in our vacation memories.
As we prepared for our next getaway, I couldn’t shake that realization. Just a few hours into our trip, my phone was filled with selfies and snapshots of the kids and Jake during our rest stops. Once we arrived at our destination, I expressed my feelings about not being featured in our past vacation photos.
I had meticulously organized this trip:
- I coordinated hotel reservations, ensuring amenities like swimming pools and complimentary breakfasts.
- I planned our meals and researched dining options.
- I delved into forums for kid-friendly activities, booked excursions, and prepared a detailed itinerary.
- I even created a packing spreadsheet, making sure the kids had extra underwear, weather-appropriate clothing, and additional swimsuits.
- I packed their favorite books, movies, and games, along with new activities for the journey.
- I curated car snacks and playlists.
Despite being the driving force behind our vacation, I found myself mostly absent in the photos. When I mentioned this to Jake, he didn’t make excuses. Instead, he committed to capturing more family moments on our trip.
This time around, Jake made a conscious effort to document special memories. I would hear him exclaim, “What a wonderful mom moment!” and he would rush to grab his camera. One memorable instance was when I was in my swimsuit, giving a peanut butter and jelly lesson to our son. I allowed him to take that picture.
In other instances, I would catch glimpses of him capturing candid moments, like when I was lying on the beach, playing in the sand with the kids. I was pleasantly surprised when we returned home and I began downloading the photos he had taken. He had captured so many beautiful moments, many of which have become some of my favorite expressions of motherhood.
This experience taught me the importance of not assuming someone else will take those cherished photos. I realized I needed to actively ask Jake to snap pictures of me. It also required me to embrace my current self—feeling comfortable enough in my own skin, whether in shorts or a swimsuit, to want to be photographed. When I reflect on those images, I strive to focus on the joy and connection rather than any insecurities about my appearance. What truly matters is the bond I share with my children, as these photos will evoke memories of our family vacations and the loving mother I strive to be.
Now, I can proudly say I’m part of our family vacation photos. These images serve as a testament to the effort and love I poured into making our trips enjoyable. I want my children to remember not just the fun we shared but also the fact that I was there, fully engaging and cherishing our time together.
For anyone interested in further insights into family planning and parenting, be sure to check out this resource. Additionally, Modern Family Blog offers valuable information on related topics. If you’re looking for more about pregnancy and home insemination, this podcast is an excellent resource.
Summary
Moms, don’t hesitate to ask your partner to take photos of you during family vacations. Being present in those memories is vital for both you and your children. Embrace yourself and capture the beautiful moments that define your family’s experiences together.