Go ahead and grab yourself a cup of coffee and get comfy…this is life lately and there are a lot of pictures to go with it :). Happy Thursday!
This is summer. This was the last day of school, so we stayed up late after baseball and enjoyed snow cones on the driveway.
First official day of summer! Let’s do this!
She stopped swimming just long enough to enjoy a plum :).
What could be more fun than dumping water on your head while sitting next to your bestie?
Dumping water on his head. He wasn’t amused…but it sure made Ashby laugh!
Friday night rehearsal for Don Quixote.
After the dress rehearsal, we hurried to Smith’s baseball game and then headed to Mexican food after that. We were all tired and oh so hungry! After Mexican food, we walked next door for ice cream and then as we were heading back to the car, Andrew found a stray shopping cart in the parking lot and they went for a ride.
My crazies.
My Saturday morning view.
This is Saturday.
We had two nights in a row of Don Quixote! These girls did so good!!
Bowen wanted a pic…big sister wanted to photobomb.
Catherine and Sean stepped off a plane from LA and drove straight to the recital. Bless them. It was two hours of little girl dance…you know…that’s not always the most entertaining. So sweet!
Love him so much.
During a two hour recital, one must do anything to entertain a small child…such as allow her to take selfies.
I can only imagine what my brother is thinking right now. I looked over and saw him and laughed out loud. I’m sure he was thinking “when is this going to be over????”. #uncleproblems
After sitting through two nights of this ballet, Ashby is all dance, all the time. This was her backstage.
Look mom!
“Please sign me up for dance.”
Everyone wanted pics with our little dancer!
After night two, we hit the snow cone joint with the Slaughters. Nixon and Smith are trying not to give me their best smiles. Their faces crack me up here!
And then on Tuesday morning, we woke up with a three year old in the house. Love this girl so much!
The kiddos were so excited about her opening her presents.
And she was too!
Working on her new puzzle with breakfast.
My big 3 year old girl!
The many faces of Ashby :).
Kensington has been talking about donating her hair for a while now and on Tuesday morning, she just had to do it. After calling six places, I was able to find one that had an available spot for that afternoon.
So proud of my girl!
On Tuesday night, we invited Ashby’s friend Bowen over for swimming and grilling to celebrate her 3rd birthday.
How many life preservers can Ashby wear at one time? She floated in the ring with her puddle jumper on :).
I put this on Instagram…but she waited three years for her first birthday candle, first birthday cupcake, first birthday Happy Birthday song. I hope it was worth the wait…she sure was.
That’s our week!
For dinner tonight…
…a really quick chicken supper for your week. This is my Jalapeno Peach Chicken. And psssst (you can serve it to your kids with ketchup instead of the jalapeno peach relish if you like!).
xoxo
Anonymous says
It looks like ashby had an awesome birthday!
And kensingtons hair looks so cute!
kimm atwood says
Kensingtons hair looks absolutely adorable !!!!
Sheaffer {Pinterest Told Me To} says
I can't get over K's hair. It is so chic!!!!!! And how in the world did you get so many good pics of Ashby on the front porch? That girl was made for the camera!
Anonymous says
Aww I love staying up to date with your beautiful family. Ashby's beautiful soul has blossomed over the sweet five months and you can just see this by her gorgeous smiley face.
I thank you for being such an inspiration to all young women out there looking to one day start a family through adoption as well..
Thank you for sharing!
M
Anonymous says
Can you please write a piece on inspiration for young women? I am 25 years old and am very inspired about your adoption progress. Although my partner and I are still a few years off from going down the parenthood path, I would love some advice on career, relationship or just some general chit chat on what you would tell your younger self.
Thanks
M
Anonymous says
Kensington's hair!!!! Makes me want to cut mine! She's a beauty! And how amazing that she wants to donate her hair already! What a thoughtful beautiful on the inside out little girl you got!
Erika Slaughter says
Hilarious that you captured Bowen flipping about the water and Ashby grinning from ear to ear AND I can't blame Sean one bit. The sweet lady next to me was helping me count down acts to the end. 🙂
Narci says
Kensington's hair is precious!! And, I love that Asbhy had such a fun birthday!!
Joie Burke says
Shay, I just cried tears of joy for sweet Ashby! What a wonderful birthday with a wonderful family. Thanks for sharing with us and I love K's hair and how she is already thinking of others. Awesome post!
Mama Of Boys says
You did it again, I was fine until you said 'she waited 3 years for her first happy birthday' and I just dissolved. You have changed her entire world and I can't even put into words how amazing the whole thing is. Love it.
Also, Kensington is just the most wonderful little thing, what an incredibly selfless thing to do for a little one, how lovely xxx
daniellem02 says
Happy Birthday Ashby!
Paula says
I love it! Kensington looks so pretty. Uncle Sean & Aunt Catherine rock! Our family (husband & I and 4 kids) sat through a 2.5 HS graduation last week! Not very exciting, but I'd do it again 100 times for my niece! Worth it! So they get high fives!
Paula says
BTW- how is Mandi? Still praying for her….
Kelly Stamps says
Love this post!!!! And I'm dying over K's hair!!!!
Anonymous says
Speaking of puzzle pieces, I love that the six Shull/Slaughter kids are so symmetrical. 3 girls/3 boys. Age matching BFFers for each. How truly Divine 😉
Anonymous says
Love K's hair! It makes her look older. And Sean's facial expression during the recital is priceless.
Anonymous says
Hi Shay! Where did you donate K's hair? Just asking because there are so many wonderful organizations that do it free, Locks of Love NOT being one of them. Long story, but my family learned the hard way. On top of that, they don't even use must of what is donated…it's a very shady company. Anyway, that was so sweet of her! She is adorable 🙂
Mix and Match Mama says
After reading similar comments on Instagram the other day, I ended up sending it to Pantene! I'm so glad people spoke up about Locks of Love.
Anonymous says
So proud of K for donating hair! It looks too cute!!!
I have donated 8 ponies to pantene!!! I plan on donating again in the fall, so winter blow drying doesn't take as long!!! They will send her a note thanking her if you included your address.
SS
Whitney S. (Gracefully Mama) says
It looks like you've had a fun couple of weeks! I was just saying last night, this time of year, especially June, seems to be so crazy busy! Looking forward to a much easier going July! Love seeing all of the pics. 🙂
Shelby says
I love your life lately posts!! Ashby is just the sweetest! I love all the pictures you captured of her! And what a sweet sweet thing for Kensington to do! What a heart of gold she already has! And I had to lol at the picture of your brother. My brother is the same age with no kiddos & came to my daughter's recital this year as well. This was exactly him! Haha! Uncles are the best!
RebeccaLynn17 says
Happy 3rd Birthday sweet Ashby!! Looks like a great first week of summer! Both my nieces recently had their long hair cut to donate, and I just love their short bobs! Kensington's looks super cute too!!
Tara Smith says
so sweet to see your beauties just being kids! Love seeing how happy they are!!
Dana Vissage says
Loved this post! Ashby exudes happiness!! And K's hair! Love!
Kendra Henderson says
Ashby's face looking at everyone singing her happy birthday has to be THE SWEETEST ever! Happy Happy girl!
Natalie Zambreski says
Ashby's birthday outfit is so precious! And I LOOOVE Kensington's summer hair cut! 🙂
Lindsay (LindsayWeighsIn) says
I teared up about the part where you said she went threw years without a birthday candle.. it makes me so sad and makes me think of all the other kiddos out there who need families. I'm hoping to adopt one day too!
Jenny Behn says
That last picture made me tear up! God bless you and your family for doing such an amazing thing a giving Ashby so much love.
Anonymous says
shay,
we are starting to draw up plans for our new home.
what's the Sq ft of your main floor? upper floor? and do you have a basement?
Mix and Match Mama says
Oh goodness, I should know that kind of stuff. I know the total for the entire house but not just the ground floor. I wish I had a basement (they're pretty rare here)!
Rebecca Jo says
So is she wondering why every day isn't full of cakes & presents now? 🙂
I think you have a new ballerina on your hands.
I love Kensington's new do. Perfect for summer!
Anonymous says
I just love seeing pics of your sweet family! Y'all really enjoy life!! Can I ask about Andrew's tattoo? It's difficult to see but I wondered if it might something of significance to him in Chinese??
Mix and Match Mama says
He has two tattoos on his chest that he got before we ever met. One is a cross and the other is a Powercat (the Kansas State logo). 🙂
Mrs W says
I don't know why every time you post something about how waiting for Ashby was worth the wait or pretty much any post about Ashby seriously gives me a lump in my throat. At first, I thought it was because I have a little girl around Ashby's age and I couldn't imagine her not being in our lives. But the more I think about it, the more I feel like something is stirring in my soul to start considering adoption. I have read your adoption story and how you and your husband prayed for a long time before making a decision. Is there any advice you can give me, any Bible verses, books to read or anything that helped you understand, accept and come to this decision? Thank you for sharing your lives with us. Every day my little girl and I pray for all the kids who still don't have a forever home, so that they may feel loved and find a family to love.
cmcdonald says
Ashby opening gifts in her mama's lap next to her sister warms my heart. I'm so glad the Lord called yall to China to scoop her up and love her the way she is now loved and adored. I hope she felt like the most special, beautiful and loved little girl on her first/third birthday! Happy Birthday pretty girl!
Anonymous says
I love k's hair!!!!!
sayyestohappy says
LOVE LOVE LOVE this post!! So much fun. Those pictures of Bowen and Ashby with the water bucket is hilarious, such a funny moment captured.
Happy birthday sweet Ashby!!!! She is beaming in your love and care Shay. What a sweet, loving, happy girl she is! She is a tiny dancer in the making.
How amazing that Kensington donated her hair. I've donated mine the past two years as well. Feels great to chop off your hair.
Thank you for sharing your wonderful life with your readers. It's such a delight to read about it everyday!
Waleska Clarkson says
Hi Shay! Happy birthday to Ashby. I love your blog! I find it inspiring! I love the outfit Ashby is wearing on her birthday picture. I love that kind of outfits your girls wear. They look so cute and comfy! Where do you buy them? I will appreciate any information! Thanks!
Mix and Match Mama says
That outfit is Matilda Jane. Andrea (momfessionals.com) is my rep! I love their clothes!!
live compassionately says
LOVE Kensington's hair! Adorable! Happy Birthday to sweet Ashby 🙂
vanillafrog says
Just wanted to say hi to Smith since his sisters are getting so many comments! Hi, Smith! 🙂
Anonymous says
Thanks for this post. You have a lovely, lovely family Mama. God Bless you all 🙂
Cheers, Jane from OZ
Queen In Between says
I bet Ashby will be ready for dance very soon! And Kensington looks adorable with her new do…what a big girl thing to do.
Ang Samp says
I just started crying when I read the last comment about Ashby and her birthday cake, candle, etc. I somehow missed this on IG, but so very sweet and she's so very special!
ClintandGina says
Love Kensington's new hair style……..what a sweet and compassionate little girl to want to donate her hair.
willow7810 says
The "please sign me up for dance" picture is wonderful!
did you make a birthday sign for Ashby?
Love the pictures!
Nikki Hanley says
Happy birthday Ashby! She won't remember the birthdays she missed, but she'll definitely treasure all these birthdays (and all the other wonderful moments) with her new family! I was wondering if you had a sign made for her birthday, like you normally do for the parties. I love your birthday sign wall!
Aubrey says
Annie's comments on today's post: trolley, swimmin poo, yellow, pink, and Oflahf. Love!
April Bryan says
I was visiting my sister this week in Frisco and we were in your area today checking out downtown McKinney. You are so right, it is such a fun place to go eat and shop. We will definitely be back for some of their festivities over the holidays.
Marty says
Love this post so much. So thankful for Ashby…and to you for sharing your journey with all of us.
Maureen Chen says
Happy 3rd bday!!! Love your recent posts on Ashby and her sunshine bday party! So happy for her and your family; you ALL shine!!!