We had a weekend full of Christmas cheer!
On Friday night, we hit up our town square for pizza and then stopped and took a picture in Santa’s sleigh.
On Saturday morning, after Smith’s basketball game, we went back to the square and had brunch at our favorite diner followed by walking to the candy shop and ski shop. I just love these four so much 🙂 .
And then later that night, we headed back to the square (we obviously love the square) for our town’s annual Christmas Light Parade! We LOVE this parade so much! It feels like the whole town shows up for this event.
Four sweet girls ready to see the floats!
And the mamas too!
Andrew had the bright idea that we should move to McKinney, TX eleven years ago and I protested. A lot. But I am so glad that he was right and I was wrong 🙂 . There is no where else I would rather raise my family.
It’s so sad that my kids didn’t have any fun.
Even Papa Jay and Lovie come to the Light Parade! Ashby had the best seat on the street…in Lovie’s lap.
It’s just charming, quaint, good old-fashioned fun!
So then how do you top Saturday? You go visit Santa on Sunday…
Pour Samuel…he constantly has a Shull in his face. Ashby was playing peekaboo with him…and he laughed hysterically every time.
This year, my kiddos insisted they bring their letters to Santa to visit Santa because they wanted to study them right up until they got on his lap (lest they forget something!). They were so excited about this! I don’t take any of this for granted because I know any day now, they’re not going to believe, so I soak it all in.
First up on Santa’s lap…
And then…
Followed by this cutie…
And then it was Miss Madeley’s first time to meet Santa…
…she was cautious…
…and then she was flat out done. 🙂
Sweet Samuel was such a champ on Santa’s lap! Love that big smile!!
We always visit Santa at the Dallas Galleria…and the tree is the most spectacular part.
Lovie, Ashby and me.
(And pssssst: my sweater had been sold out but now it’s all restocked! Click HERE for my sweater and HERE for my over the knee boots that are now 25% off.)
C and me 🙂
Me pushing a precious sleeping baby around the mall. I told Catherine that I want his shirt in my size 😉 .
We ate dinner at a yummy Mexican restaurant right on the ice. Dinner with a view is always a win!
See my crazy crew! Love these people all so very much!!
She was full of guacamole and Christmas cheer!
And one last picture before we wrapped up our evening. Another year of Santa in the books!
One last thing, I know so many of you have been praying for my friend Manda. Please continue to lift her and her family up in prayer. She came home from the hospital on Sunday afternoon, so for that, we’re very thankful. Prayers for her please. They just need a lot of prayer. She has a FB page for updates that you can see HERE.
xo
Leslie Z. says
So much fun!! I’m dying over Madeley’s face in her solo Santa picture! Also, your hair looks like it’s getting long! I really like it at the current length!!
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Megan says
Great family pic at the end! Crying Santa pucscare always the best. We visited Santa this weekend as well. Have to get our requests in!
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Bernadine says
Firstly – your hair on Sunday….. Stunning!!! And secondly, Kensington is just gorgeous… 3rd…. Ashby is definitely going to be the best mommy one day, maybe also adopt. And then finally, Madeley on Santa’s lap 🙂 🙂 🙂
Lindsay says
We need the dets on Catherine’s shoes please! Those are so different!
Kelly says
I thought Catherine’s shoes looked cool too. And comfortable!
Beth says
Sweet Samuel looks so cute! I’m sure he loves always having his cousins around! Continuing to pray for Manda and her family!
Vivian says
Can you share what brand boots and coat you get for Smith? Thanks!
Mix and Match Mama says
His coat is from Gap and I can’t remember his boots. Maybe Sorrel???
Kelly says
You guys are such a gorgeous couple and all your kids are so cute!! That Smith, though! He’s so All-American cuteness! Ha . Fantastic pics of parade and all things Christmas! ! Such a fun weekend 🙂 thank you for sharing
Whitney says
So fun! Beautiful family. Ashby’s little hand looks absolutely wonderful. Praying for her continued healing!
Haley R. says
Your kids are adorable! Can you do a handbag post one of these days? I could use an update to mine and im always noticing you have a different cute bag! Thanks. And Prayers continuing for manda!
Erika Slaughter says
Super fun post! I love all the Christmas cheer and Madeley’s cautious face…too cute!
Sheaffer Sims says
That group shot of y’all is great, but Madeley’s solo shot with Santa is AWESOME. Y’all are really soaking up some Christmas cheer, and I love it!
Narci says
Just pure sweetness!! I am loving all of the Christmas Cheer!!! Ashby making Samuel laugh is just precious. Love that cute girl!
Shan says
Ashley’s head tilt in the last pic ???? She’s so full of character! I love that you guys are all mix matched ie ur parents holding Samuel, C & S with Ashby- really shows what a tight knit group u are. Sean and Ashby seem like that have a good bond (based on previous pics I’ve seen too) Wishing you and your family a safe and happy Christmas season ????????????????
Jessica says
My daughter is sitting next to me while I read and she “must have” Kensington’s outfit that she wore on Sunday. Your kids are just adorable.
Mix and Match Mama says
It’s from Gymboree :).
Lizzie @ This Happy Life says
Such a fun weekend! Your little town seems just perfect!
Kelly says
Such a fun weekend! Madeley’s Santa picture is priceless;). Thank you for the update on Manda. I have been and will continue to pray.
Stacy says
Where is your red stocking hat from ? I love the color !!
Mix and Match Mama says
Gap!!
heidi says
What beautiful memories you are making xx
Prayers for Manda x
Renee says
Where did Madeley’s black shoes come from ? Love them
Mix and Match Mama says
Nordstrom 🙂
Tasha says
I followed the link to the update page for Manda which led me to her go fund me. The first donation I saw had a comment along with it said “I follow Shay Shull’s blog and want you to know prayers from IN are being said. God bless you” I was so moved that I was brought to tears to see that something as simple as a blog that people read for fun could call someone to donate to someone they don’t even know. I just wanted to share that your blog does so much more than just provide recipes and fashion advice, thank you.
Lindsay says
I think we need to pause and note that Papa Jay is not wearing anything Red Sox in those photos. I think that’s a first!!
Mix and Match Mama says
I just LOL’d!
Susan says
Where did you get the girls’ furry boots at? Those are the cutest. Your family is so adorable love reading your blog daily and will be praying for your friend Manda.
patricia says
Do my eyes deceive me or is sweet Ashby’s hand showing improvement? I do hope so. The Santa photos of all are adorable.
Brooke Richardson says
Our downtown is so awesome!!! Loved all these pictures so much!!!
Francie says
Beautiful pics!
LeAnn says
Hello Shay, I’ve read your blog for some time now and I’ve never seen where you address your brother being so popular. I just wonder how the kids act when people recognize him when you guys are all out in public together? Are people always stopping him (and you too!) since you guys are well known?
Mix and Match Mama says
You know, when it happens, it’s very subtle. People are so respectful of them and their privacy. My kids don’t even notice.
Michelle says
Looks like such a fun weekend. We don’t have any fabulous malls here in Charleston, which I miss around Christmas time. You and your crew really rock the bundling up for the cold #notestaken. The kids look so festive too!! Boys are harder to get in the mood; my 15 year old hates anything constricting for church or holiday outings. if I could get him in just one festive outfit! Cheer!
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Bettie says
Visit Gandhi Smriti if you can. It's awesome, my kids loved it…lots of auid-ovisual multimedia stuff, and interactive, brings Gandhiji alive.Aditi looks adorable!
Angela Ellingson says
Such a fun, festive weekend! Love the big family picture and the Santa photos are the best!
Courtney says
Love all the Christmas activities! And LOVE your boots!
Sharon says
Love the pics. Any idea where your husband got his black coat?
Suzy says
Precious pictures….precious times. Cherish every single minute!! Praying for Manda, I don’t know her, however, my heart breaks for her entire family – so very hard for those young babies. Thanks for sharing –
Kristen says
What a fun weekend filled with Christmas festivities! The kids pictures with Santa are precious!
Holly Hopkins says
Love that Tree???? Sounds like some fun traditions. Praying for your friend!❤️
Lindsay @ Lindsay's Sweet World says
That picture of Madeley’s face is just classic! I actually LOLed when I saw that picture on Instagram… every kid has to have one of those!
Heather S says
Your hair looks amazing recently! Any secrets or vitamin supplements you’re taking for all the growth and shine? It’s perfection!!
Mix and Match Mama says
Thank you so much! It’s probably because I’m not swimming and out in the sun right now.
Christina Ruiz says
I know you were looking for Samuel’s shirt in your size so thought I would just leave this here 🙂 its super soft and comfy too! http://www.southerntide.com/marshmallow-plaid-hampton-holiday-shirt
Jackie says
Hi Shay – great pics and looks like a fab weekend! I’m glad Manda came home from the hosptal, still praying for her day and night and hoping that God has her in the palm of His hand and promotes healing upon her.
Hena Tayeb says
wonderful pictures.. you have a beautiful family.
Kara B says
Hi Shay! You take your family out for meals all the time, so I have to ask…how do you do it with your kids? What do you do to entertain them and make the meal enjoyable for everyone? We rarely go out because it’s just rushed with my 4 and 1 year old. Got any specials tips and tricks?
Mix and Match Mama says
Honestly? I kind of think practice makes perfect. They color and such while we wait or they bring a little something to play with, but it’s one of those things that the more they practice doing it, the easier it gets!
Kari says
Any idea where Samuel’s shirt is from? I’m hoping they make it big enough for my son. Still on the hunt for his Christmas outfit!
Megan Butler says
Oh miss Madeley. You are the most precious ever!!!
Jaren says
I cannot wait to show my kids their pictures with Santa through the years where one kid is always cautious or all out crying. There is always one in the bunch! I’m happy to say we squeezed by this year with 4 smiles!!
Prayers for Manda!
Kerri Jones says
Precious precious family! I can not say that enough! You all are truly blessed. I love that your mom goes by Lovie. So cute! How did that name come about?
Mix and Match Mama says
She just heard it one time and loved it :).