Last week, we packed up our SUV and drove 900 miles to Panama City Beach, Florida. This trip was fairly last minute but so, so important: Miss F needed some extra time with her Gigi (Great Grandma Mary). Miss F is Gigi's only great grandchild and the two of them are cut from the same cloth. Seeing them together definitely made my heart happy.

Panama City Beach is not only ridiculously family friendly and absolutely beautiful, but it also holds further meaning to my husband and I because about four years ago, we got married there! I love that we are able to go back to the exact spot we said "I do" with out daughter. If you're ever looking for a great place to get away with your kids, consider PCB. Between the white sand beaches, Gulf World and amazing seafood restaurants, you won't be disappointed.

Anyway, I always struggle when it comes to vacations because I am torn between being present in the moment and capturing the moment. This time around, I decided to allow myself "the first ten minutes," meaning that whenever we went somewhere or did something, I took pictures for the first ten minutes we were there...and then I put my camera away. Let me tell you, this was no easy feat for me! I'm chronically concerned with "missing the moment" and I constantly found my mind noticing times that would have made for a great photo opp. But I fought the urge and left the camera in the bag. And you know what? I'm glad I did. I still got beautiful images that told our story, but I also got to just enjoy the moment. And let me assure you, this trip was packed with beautiful moments.