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Azul Fives Hotel: Stolen MOMents

November 30, 2014 By Lena

A few months ago, I shared a fabulous little tidbit: I’m a Nikon MOMents Blogger! As such, I’ll be documenting my life (nothing new) and special occasions with my Nikon D3300 camera (very new – and exciting). Last month, I vacationed with my family in the Mayan Riviera, where we enjoyed seven blissful days in paradise.

So, beyond the obvious reasons for bringing along a DSLR camera – fabulous vacation photos, the ability to enlarge memories, crisp and clear scenic shots – why else should you release your inner shutterbug? Well, the Nikon 3300 makes it fun and easy to preserve those moments in the lifelike beauty they deserve: stunning 24.2-megapixel photos and 1080p Full HD videos with tack-sharp details, vibrant colors and softly blurred backgrounds.

(Plus, if you love sharing photos like I do, D3300 photos can appear instantly on your compatible smartphone or tablet for easy sharing with the optional WU-1a Wireless Adapter.)

But I suppose the real reason I am addicted to my Nikon for vacation photography is the ability to capture those stolen moments – the moments when the boys don’t know I’m about to take a photo; the opportunities to capture a sweet smile or a friendly snicker; the landscapes I want to preserve in my mind for years to come.

Today, I’ve love to share with you the stolen moments from my recent vacation.
DSC_1430Stolen MOMent #1430: Sunday Morning. Funny, it’s Sunday morning again – at roughly the same time this photo was taken – but my view today is decidedly different. Sigh. It would be heavenly to return to this balcony, to this view… if only to savour the moment a little longer. As the sun rises over the horizon, I can almost feel the humidity in the air, making my hair curl at the nape of my neck. 
DSC_1445Stolen MOMent #1445: Pose for the Camera. There’s a reason there are so few photos of myself from vacation – I don’t necessarily trust my husband with my DSLR! (I hope he’s not reading this.) If you were following my vacation stream on social media, you’ll know that more often than not, I appear in selfies and smartphone pictures. However, it’s nice to have a few with “the good camera” (as my husband says).
DSC_1464Stolen MOMent #1464: Relax, Amigo. The weather in Playa del Carmen was HOT with a capital H. Ryder, who’s not a fan of the heat, could often be found lounging under a sun umbrella, hiding from the sun. Capturing this moment, I realized that he is 6 going on 16.
DSC_1467Stolen MOMent #1467: Smile, Amigo. Because Reid is the ying to Ryder’s yang, he is a sun worshiper. In fact, he was most at home simply in his swim trunks, catching rays on the beach or floating in one of the enormous pools.
DSC_1477Stolen MOMent #1477: Swim, Little Fish. He’s not afraid of anything, and dives into everything head first – including an enormous pool in Mexico. Equipped with his puddle jumpers for floating, there’s nowhere my little guy would rather be.
DSC_1488Stolen MOMent # 1488: Put the Camera Down, Mom. Because sometimes, it’s not enough to capture the moment – you have to live in it. And that means putting down the camera and jumping in the pool, because your child give you one of those looks.
DSC_1497Stolen MOMent #1497: Wait for Mommy! The lush, topical backdrop and eerily melodic sounds of the rain forest are’t enough to slow these two down. Even in paradise, I can’t find my boys’ “off” switch.
DSC_1513Stolen MOMent #1513: Brothers. While lazing on the beach after an equally lazy day, I looked over and found both boys playing in the sand, their poses and postures mirroring each other. One of my favourite stolen moments from the trip, I can’t help but marvel at how strong their bond is.
DSC_1514Stolen MOMent #1514: Cheers, love. When vacationing in Mexico, do as the locals do… okay, so maybe the locals don’t spend all day on the beach drinking frozen and fruity concoctions. My husband and I? We decided that all-day hydration was necessary in a hot climate.
DSC_1530Stolen MOMent #1530: Because, Palm Trees. What is it about palm trees that instantly puts you in an “Out of Office Alert” frame of mind? I’m actually pleased that we don’t have palms in Canada, because I’d never want to take them for granted.
DSC_1536Stolen MOMent #1536: Salt Water. I used to own a CD filled with relaxing sounds – one of them being waves of water crashing into the shore. And today, I’m here to tell you that it’s not even close to the real thing. My advice: toss the CD and boot it to a beach.
DSC_1546Stolen MOMent #1546: Siesta. I am very tempted to frame this photo, as it marks the first time in years that Ryder has taken an afternoon nap. Looks like the combination of sun and sand works its magic on both the young and old alike. Extra points to Ryder for his “do not disturb” posture.
DSC_1549Stolen MOMent #1549: Look Mommy! It’s You! Although I actually kind of think this sand creature has better hair, because obviously seaweed is a good look. Oh Reid, I absolutely adored the “Sand Mommy!”. And am honoured that you chose to immortalize me on the beach… at least until the tide came in.
DSC_1543Stolen MOMent #1551: Hubba Hubba. My hubby, that is. The fringe benefit of a family vacation? Remembering your husband has the body of a 20-year old. (Although if I have to endure one more of his Hey I got carded at The Beer Store again bragging sessions, I’m ripping this photo down.)
DSC_1556Stolen MOMent #1556: Gourmet Inclusive. Azul Fives Hotel by Karisma offers a gourmet inclusive experience. And that experience includes this scrumptious sun dried tomato and green olive focaccia. I felt *slightly* rude whipping out my DSLR during dinner, but I mean really – can you blame me? As if I wasn’t going to steal this moment.
DSC_1560Stolen MOMent #1560: The Cheese Board. Or as they say in Mexico – Queso, senora? Side note – the last time I visited Mexico, I was a senorita, ha! How times have changed. And in case you’re wondering, I sampled everything on this platter except for the blue cheese, which I still haven’t wrapped my taste buds around.
DSC_1576Stolen MOMent #1576: The Groundskeepers. These two dudes made a daily appearance around noon, just as the resort started to come alive. One of the unique aspects of vacationing in the Mayan Riviera is the ability to get up close and personal with nature, and its natural inhabitants.
DSC_1579Stolen MOMent #1579: Oh, Those Two Heartbreakers. So handsome in their own way; they seldom pose together for the camera – usually, one is always distracting the other. So thankful I was able to steal this moment with my two loves.
DSC_1609Stolen MOMents #1609: Playing Frisbee by the Ocean. This is just as glorious as it sounds. And using the camera’s sports mode setting, I was able to capture every moment of the action. Showing this photo to Ryder, he immediately asked, “Can we do that again?” Yes… we’ll have to do just that.

I am part of the Nikon MOMents program with Mom Central Canada, and I receive special perks as part of my affiliation with this group. The opinions on this blog are my own.

Filed Under: Travel Tagged With: #NikonMOMents, Azul Fives Hotel by Karisma, Nikon D3300

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Chandra Christine O'Connor

    December 1, 2014 at 5:17 am

    great shots. your children would have me wrapped around their little fingers they are so adorable. I long for a camera

    • Lena

      March 5, 2015 at 9:35 pm

      Aw thank you Chandra :)

  2. Michael

    December 1, 2014 at 6:33 am

    Great Pics Lena, thanks for sharing!

    • Lena

      March 5, 2015 at 9:36 pm

      Welcome!

  3. Parent Club

    December 1, 2014 at 10:20 am

    Such crisp and clear pictures! The dock picture at the end is magazine worthy!

    • Lena

      March 5, 2015 at 9:37 pm

      I think so too! My new Twitter background!

  4. Jannette

    December 1, 2014 at 12:36 pm

    Nice Pics Lena!

    • Lena

      March 5, 2015 at 9:37 pm

      Thank you Jannette!

  5. Ella Pretty Blog

    December 1, 2014 at 1:06 pm

    These pictures are all so gorgeous and frame-worthy – my faves are the portraits of your little boys – you truly captured their personalities! Ryder’s napping photo is so funny…and Reid is so proud of his Mommy sand sculpture ;-P

    • Lena

      March 5, 2015 at 9:37 pm

      Thank you so much Ella :) xx

  6. Jolee

    December 1, 2014 at 1:11 pm

    Stunning photos and photography. I enjoyed seeing your instagrams too!

    • Lena

      March 5, 2015 at 9:38 pm

      Thank you Jolee!

  7. Ashley J

    December 1, 2014 at 1:23 pm

    What fantastic photos Lena. So amazing to see the quality of what a camera can steal!! Love Nikon

    • Lena

      March 5, 2015 at 9:38 pm

      Me too! #Nikon4Life

  8. Jenny

    December 1, 2014 at 1:51 pm

    Loved all your stolen moments (or MOMents lol)! Looks like you had a great vacation!

    • Lena

      March 5, 2015 at 9:38 pm

      We absolutely did! Thanks Jenny!

  9. Anne Taylor

    December 1, 2014 at 2:12 pm

    I need a good camera! These photos are gorgeous!

    • Lena

      March 5, 2015 at 9:38 pm

      Thank you Anne :)

  10. caryn salageanu

    December 1, 2014 at 3:04 pm

    Your pictures are awesome Lena! No wonder you love your Nikon camera!

    • Lena

      March 5, 2015 at 9:38 pm

      It’s true! LOL

  11. Darlene Schuller

    December 1, 2014 at 3:17 pm

    Stunning picces Lena!! Beautiful memories made for a lifetime <3

    • Lena

      March 5, 2015 at 9:39 pm

      Absolutely, a vacay we won’t soon forget!

  12. Guppy

    December 1, 2014 at 4:02 pm

    Beautiful pics! You should start a side blog devoted to travel. Bet there’s many perks :)

    • Lena

      March 5, 2015 at 9:39 pm

      In the works my friend!

  13. Soozle

    December 1, 2014 at 6:06 pm

    Wow! Such beautiful photos! Memories you will have forever, indeed!

    • Lena

      March 5, 2015 at 9:39 pm

      Thank you Soozle :)

  14. Ira

    December 2, 2014 at 12:43 am

    These pictures are incredible! We have Nicon too and got some nice pics with it, but I think it might be a time to upgrade… or take a vacation to Mexico :)

    • Lena

      March 5, 2015 at 9:39 pm

      How about both? :)

  15. Erika Belanger

    December 2, 2014 at 9:41 am

    Awesome pictures, I love the look of the food, the beach, your kids are so cute and man I want to be there right now!!!

    • Lena

      March 5, 2015 at 9:39 pm

      Aw, thanks Erika!

  16. Tricha

    December 2, 2014 at 9:43 am

    Beautiful! Love the view. These will be great to look back on ten or twenty years later.

    • Lena

      March 5, 2015 at 9:40 pm

      I agree. Love these memories!

  17. Sharlene

    December 2, 2014 at 9:56 am

    Lovely pictures – even though our smartphones are convenient, I miss a “real” camera and those precious moments that come and go so quickly as our kids grow up!

    • Lena

      March 5, 2015 at 9:40 pm

      Couldn’t agree more!

  18. sandy M

    December 3, 2014 at 12:06 am

    Beautiful pictures. One day I will go on a vacation! But I have to say the quality of your pics are amazing. When your little one was taking a Siesta, you could see the reflection in the pooled water on the other lounger! Amazing, so crisp and clear! So Lucky! Enjoy it while you can people, the world is amazing and one day, I will see some place else besides Winnipeg!

    • Lena

      March 5, 2015 at 9:40 pm

      Thanks for pointing that out – you’re right! Amazing!

  19. Michael

    December 3, 2014 at 9:01 am

    Good times!

    • Lena

      March 5, 2015 at 9:40 pm

      :) Very good!

  20. Stephanie LaPlante

    December 7, 2014 at 8:49 am

    Very beautiful pictures!…& adorable kids. *squeezes cheeks*

    • Lena

      March 5, 2015 at 9:41 pm

      Thanks Stephanie!

  21. Holly

    December 7, 2014 at 1:24 pm

    Great photos! I’ve owned a lot of cameras, and no camera has come close to Nikon. Always clear, crisp photos.

    • Lena

      March 5, 2015 at 9:41 pm

      absolutely agree with you there!

  22. Victoria Ess

    December 18, 2014 at 1:35 am

    Great photos! You’re so great at picture-taking!

    • Lena

      March 5, 2015 at 9:41 pm

      Thank you! I’m learning!

  23. Michelle

    January 8, 2015 at 5:28 pm

    What a wonderful vacation you had such beautiful pictures from the Nikon D3300…

    • Lena

      March 5, 2015 at 9:41 pm

      Thank you Michelle!

  24. Margaret Imecs

    January 10, 2015 at 4:33 pm

    Beautiful photos with great settings!

    • Lena

      March 5, 2015 at 9:41 pm

      Yes! They go hand in hand :)

  25. kathy downey

    June 26, 2015 at 4:01 pm

    I just totally love the expressions in their eyes

  26. kathy downey

    January 6, 2016 at 10:31 am

    The food looks delicious,the photos are beautiful and the smiles are amazing

  27. kathy downey

    March 4, 2017 at 2:33 pm

    wow,when i see these sunny day photo’s i realize i need a vacation !

  28. kathy downey

    September 14, 2017 at 11:28 am

    You sure captured some beautiful moments !

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Lena Almeida

Toronto Blogger, Social Media Strategist for Listen to Lena Inc. Television & Radio Personality, Columnist and Speaker. Family Travel Expert. Star Wars Fanatic. Perfecting the Art of Conversuasion. Read More…

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