Before we begin today, I wanted to say how overwhelmed I was by your response yesterday concerning bringing Ashby home. I was flooded with sweet emails,text messages and comments. I really and truly felt your love and prayers. Sometimes, you think the world is full of cynical and heartless people but then things like yesterday happen and you realize how kind and caring many people really are.
Late last night, we officially received a new “gotcha day” for our girl and it will happen in January instead of December. Even though this is not what we had been preparing for, we know God is in control and is working things out. Thank you so much for your prayers. Obviously, until I hold her myself, I’m going to be a little nervous things will change again. Thank you for praying friends. XO
Last week, the Shull four took our fifth annual carriage ride around the historic neighborhood of downtown McKinney. It’s hard to believe we started this tradition when Smith was less than one year old! This is one of our very favorite holiday traditions and we talk about it all year long.
Before we left on our ride, we had breakfast for dinner at our favorite diner. Apparently, Kensington was in model mode…note facial expression one…
…and facial expression two.
That girl.
We love Miss Shannon and her horses! When we see them around town the rest of the year, we always stop and say hi. She brought one of our favorite horses, Smoke and then a new one, Jasper.
Saying hi to his friend Smoke.
Love these two.
Love him too!
Another year, another carriage ride. We probably said Ashby’s name 100 times on the hour long ride. We cannot wait for her to be doing these things with us next year!!
On my foodie blog today…
…my Tex-Mex Breakfast Casserole! Perfect for Christmas morning…or even as a quick weeknight meal. If you’re into breakfast casseroles, you will love this one!
XOXO
Macy Strozier says
Hey Shay, I just wanted to say maybe god did this for a reason. You never know. At least your getting little Ashby London in January. I know you wanted to spend the holidays as a family of five, but sometimes things just don't work out at that moment. You could have Christmas in January with Ashby. Ever since you mentioned adopting, I want to do it now. To young though. ???
Erika Slaughter says
It was the perfect night too!!! Great weather!! And…text mex breakfast casserole??? Yum!!!
Lauren D says
So happy to hear that you will be able to hold Ashby in January! Not that long of a delay in the scheme of things! The holidays will make it fly by. Best of luck!
Michele @ The Joyful Home says
Such a fun tradition, and one I'm sure you'll love even more next year!
Sheaffer {Pinterest Told Me To} says
Bald headed Smith makes me want to sit in an corner and cry. And Kensington's 2nd model pose? Look out boys!
But what makes me the most happy of all on this post? That's easy. TEX MEX BREAKFAST CASSEROLE? YES, PLEASE!!!!!
Katie Smith says
So so glad that y'all have a new "gotcha date". Praying Lord willing this will be the date!!!
Cheri says
I have been living the holiday season through your blog and all the wonderful traditions your family does. Our small town in GA doesn't seem to do anything and all activities are in Atl. and excessively expensive, so thank you for sharing.
Nicole Miller says
Thinking of you & your family, Shay! Can't wait til you get to hold Ashby in your arms!
kimm atwood says
How fun! Can't wait to try the casserole!!!
lorisavage says
I love starting my day with your blog! Praying for you as you get closer to your new "gotcha day!" Sweet Ashby is going to be so blessed to be a part of your family!
Haley Southey says
So sweet! Love looking at the pictures over the years. What fun traditions!
melissabunny100 says
I am so glad you got a new date….You have no idea how I am looking forward to hearing how this all worked out!!
Jordan says
I just brought home my 4 year old daughter from Haiti! Hang in there….it does happen! Praying for your family!
Kim M. says
Aw, I am so glad that you got a new date! I know that any wait is too long but Jan. is not too far away at all! Prayers for a wonderful Christmas season!
Sara Laverty says
Oh gosh, Kensington's poses. Awesome!!! 🙂 Glad y'all are enjoying your fun holiday traditions and so glad to hear y'all have a new date to bring your gal home! Also glad you got to experience the great side of the internet when you needed the encouragement! 🙂
kteacher22 says
Where did you get your daughter's dress and leggings set? So cute and warm for the winter!
Elaine says
So glad y'all finally have a date!!! I died over Kensington's 2nd model pose!
Candice Ibarra says
It's funny to see how you guys have less room in the carriage as the years go on. Your kids are growing up too fast!!
erica zucco says
Love the succession of Carriage photos!!! Also, Kensington's poses… haha!
Mattie says
I love how in the second picture in the diner Smith is smiling so hard his eyes are almost shut! And then I noticed in some pictures later in the post that you do it too! Such a cute similarity. 🙂
Kim Saffran says
Keep the faith. We adopted our son in February and every time there was a setback my heart ached. Soon she will be in your arms and you will have her forever. That's the important part!
Molly Middleton says
Okay Kensington is too fabulous for words. She is just like you!!:)
Laurie S says
This looks so fun! Oh, Kensington and those faces/poses.
Regarding bringing Ashby home – I remember this song – "in His time, in His time, He makes all things beautiful in His time…" God has this in His hands – on His timeclock.
Keeping all of you in my thoughts…
Jenny @ jennycollier.com says
Y'all are the most gorgeous family…ever!
The carriage ride looks so fun!
Jeanie says
Oh, my goodness! Facial expression #2 made me laugh out loud. She is truly a beauty and could be model material. All of you are so photogenic.
Alison says
Carriage rides, what a fun tradition!
Gavan says
Sorry your gotcha day has been pushed back but yes God is in control! Everything will work out in His time, even when it goes against what we have planned! Praying for your family!!
Melody Byrd
Sarah says
Yay! Yeah I wish you could have gotten Ashby earlier but I think January is the perfect way to start 2015. Love you Shay!
Jamie D says
Ah! Just read and posted on Mondays' blog before reading this. So happy to hear you have a new homecoming date! Sending prayers from across the miles for a special and beautiful Christmas with your family!
Jaren says
Praying for all to work out with getting Ashby home! She's one really lucky little girl who is already so loved!