Family Beach Pageant 1 __hot__ -

There is a specific kind of chaos that happens when you try to take a family photo at the beach. You know the one: Dad is squinting into the sun, the toddler is eating sand, the teenager is pretending they don’t know you, and the wind is doing terrible things to everyone’s hair.

Last summer, I finally gave up on the perfect photo. Instead, we started the Annual Family Beach Pageant —and honestly? It saved our vacation. It is exactly what it sounds like, but zero stress and 100% fun. No swimsuits, no serious judging, and definitely no talent portions involving actual practice. family beach pageant 1

Hashtags for social sharing: #FamilyBeachPageant #BeachDayChaos #MakingMemories #FamilyFun #SandySmiles There is a specific kind of chaos that

How we turned a regular beach day into our family’s most anticipated (and hilarious) annual tradition. Instead, we started the Annual Family Beach Pageant

Sand, Smiles, and Sashes: Why You Need a Family Beach Pageant This Summer

Here is the simple premise: Every family member competes in four ridiculous categories. The winner gets a plastic crown from the dollar store and first pick of the ice cream flavor. 1. The Sandcastle Gown (Creative Construction) Forget bikinis. Each person has five minutes to sculpt a "gown" or "suit" out of wet sand on their lower half. My husband tried to make a “Roman gladiator skirt.” My daughter made a mermaid tail. I made a pile that looked suspiciously like a melting cake. The messier, the better.

Trust me—it beats one more stiff "everyone say cheese" photo.