Azul Fives Hotel: Stolen MOMents

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.
Stolen 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. 
Stolen 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).
Stolen 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.
Stolen 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.
Stolen 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.
Stolen 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.
Stolen 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.
Stolen 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.
Stolen 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.
Stolen 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.
Stolen 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.
Stolen 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.
Stolen 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.
Stolen 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.)
Stolen 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.
Stolen 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.
Stolen 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.
Stolen 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.
Stolen 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.