Happy happy happy Monday!
On Thursday, Andrew took Smith and Ashby to a Yankees game up in NYC (they ironically played the Red Sox). So, it was me, my big and my little for a few days. We’re all back home now and gearing up for our last fun adventure before school begins later this month. Here’s hopin’ you had a great weekend and are gearing up for something besides a boring old Monday 😉 . This is a little look at life lately around the Shull house…
The big kiddos were at day camp the week before last, so I went on a lot of walks with these two early in the morning. We love to walk around the neighborhood…and almost always walk to Starbucks. Because…my name is Shay and I’m addicted.
As I was walking, I looked down and noticed their sweet feet. See anything funny? 🙂
Popcorn and movie night after a long day at camp! We like to add marshmallows and a few M&Ms to our popcorn.
Madeley at the doctor’s office entertaining herself. And me.
Lunch date on our town square with this cutie. We had lunch at our favorite diner and then…
…after we picked up the kids from their last day of camp, we headed back to the square for dinner. I was going for that sweet, posed, adorable picture…but got this instead. Ha!
A magic shop, an old rare bookstore and a cute boy on the stairs…our little town is so charming!
Love these four.
Before Manda passed, she planned every detail of her daughter’s fourth birthday. Last Saturday, we were able to see it all come to fruition just like Manda wanted. Miss Miley is so precious and us mamas love her so much. We wish more than anything that her mom could have been there that day.
Enjoying her cupcake at Miley’s party.
There are just some moments when I see Kensington and she’s all girl and not kid any more. I came home and she was just boppin’ around the kitchen making herself a snack. She just looked so old! Where did my baby go?
On Sundays…we get out of swimsuits and into real clothes. It’s a rare occasion to actually get dressed during the summer.
Never. Dull.
Last week, I told you how Madeley likes to call for everyone and she really does feel like we should all listen to her. This was her calling for the dog. She even wants the dog to come running when she says her name. Ha!
Snuggled up with the boys watching American Ninja Warrior.
About every six months, we measure the kiddos’ on the laundry room door. Everyone grew about an inch!
We were walking into Smith’s flag football game when Samuel facetimed my mom…and Madeley lost her mind with excitement. Ha! She was screaming his name and then of course, he was laughing his head off. Those two are so funny together! And side note: Ashby’s new favorite toy is her Etch A Sketch. It’s the most random circa 1985 toy for her to play with but she carries it everywhere. And you know what? It’s FANTASTIC for her dexterity in her right hand.
Back on the town square but this time…buying the two big girls stuff from the dance store for this fall.
Smith has been obsessed with climbing the rock wall this summer at our gym. I love his little tan lines on his legs. Ha!
I really don’t know who needed who more? These two were meant to be sisters.
That’s a little look at life lately!
Happy Monday!
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog says
The last picture is the sweetest!
Any walk is better than no walk… even a walk to Starbucks! Haha!
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Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
Sally Hepworth says
Ashby is just the SWEETEST thing I’ve ever seen in her new specs. Bless her little heart.
Sarah Shaneyfelt says
So sweet! I hope y’all enjoy your last little bit of time together before school starts back up!
MeetTheShaneyfelts
Meredith D. says
Such a sweet family. :))
Elspeth Mizner says
Busy busy but all fun memories to be made! Enjoy the last few weeks of summer!
The Nelson Nook says
Love your Life lately Posts ! Our school year starts this Thursday. We didn’t spend much time at the pool this summer, but we enjoyed some other activities like summer basketball league. Our son did some traveling and played in lots of tournaments that kept him so busy.
The seeing how close your girls are to each other, super sweet photo of Kensington and Madely ! Adorable 🙂
Jenny V. says
Ashby in those glasses just kills me! She could not be any cuter!
Angelique says
The McKinney Town Square is soooo adorable! I wish we had something similar down in Austin. Madeley’s shoes are the cutest – can you get them at Nordstrom? I know I’ve seen them before but can’t remember the brand name. 🙂
http://www.fourpointsmom.com
Mix and Match Mama says
They’re Mini Melissa’s from Nordstrom 🙂
Megan says
My Q always wears her shoes on the wrong get. It’s her signature look? We just measured our kiddos this week (also on the back of the laundry room door) and I was shocked by how much each of them have grown.
http://www.lettinginthelightblog.com
Sonia Limon says
Madeley’s cupcake eating face is the cutest thing ever!!! I want to bring her cupcakes just to see it again! LOL
Sarah says
Looks like a fantastic summer!!! I love cute little downtown areas! We just spent the weekend in the Blue Ridge Mountains of NC and LOVED the downtown area of Blowing Rock!! Beautiful, tons of great shops/restaurants, a park, and more!! Can’t wait to hear about your last excursion of the summer!!
-Sarah http://www.thefrugalmillionaireblog.com
Paula says
Enjoy the last week of summer with your sweet kiddos!! I read your blog every morning and have enjoyed every post! This morning I am getting ready to head to teacher inservice and starting a new school year. Oh! My sweet lady, the Etch a Sketch is from the 60s—I loved mine as a child. I think I need to buy a few to put into centers for my class!!! Thanks for the inspiration!!
Francie says
Those pictures are so sweet, Shay. Miss Miley is so blessed to have amazing women like you guys. http://www.supersimpleways.com
Danielle Rigg says
With Smith’s rock wall love & American Ninja Warrior – if you are ever in Cape Cod, Mass, you should try the Inflatable Park. Kids love it…they have toddler area but also a challenge area. The challenge area has rock walls, and other challenges. Kind of like American Ninja Warrior for kids & adults. http://capecodinflatablepark.com/
Narci Dreffs says
That photo of Kensington and Madeley melted my heart! Such sweethearts!
Julie says
Such sweet pictures of everyday life! Your crew is the cutest! We took our boys to Boston a few weeks ago and loved it. It was my first time as well. We are big baseball fans and we love, love, loved Fenway. I kept thinking of you while we were there. Of course one of my son’s is now a huge Red Sox fan and the other one loves the Yankees!
Alexis deZayas says
So sweet! I was in town this weekend and tried Cadillac Pizza
Alexis deZayas says
So sweet! I was in town this weekend and tried Cadillac Pizza for the first time – it was delicious 🙂
Nicole says
What do you order from Starbucks in the summer? Also, when you work out from home – what do you usually do?
Mix and Match Mama says
I typically order an iced green tea (because it’s so hot!!) and when I work out at home, I use our stairmill, go for a walk or do a video.
Laura @ Laura Likes Design says
I love mixing candy in with my popcorn — such a fun little treat! Enjoy these last few weeks of summer together!
Laura Likes Design
Laci says
The kids are getting big!!
Kathy says
Actually, Etch a Sketch has been around since 1960.
Mix and Match Mama says
Well, I have vivid memories of playing with mine way back in the early 80s. Who knew they would still be popular?!
Carol Gerome says
Thank you for sharing your family with us. I am a Mom of three grown kiddos but it makes my day to see your sweet children’s smiles. . You are doing a fantastic job of MOM and DAD. You are a great role model to us all. I hope there are a lot of Mom’s and Dad’s out there following you that realize, spending as much time with your kids as possible, makes a difference. I hope you all have a blessed school year.
Chrystianne says
Madeley’s face eating a cupcake = me eating ANY FOOD all the time. She looks like she has so much spunk… love it!
Laura says
Hi Shay! I watched “Find Me” this weekend on Netflix per your recommendation, and oh.. my.. GOODNESS! What an eye-opening, moving and just powerful documentary. I was sobbing a good percentage of the time! I am only 20 years old but adoption is already on my heart and this documentary just made me that much more excited for the day I can hopefully adopt! Thanks so much for sharing.
Erin Port says
We watched Find Me last night and at one point I had to get up and get some tea because I needed a moment to collect myself…I was doing the ugly cry. Thanks for the recommendation. xoxo ERIN
Erika Slaughter says
I love that you captured Madeley screaming for the dog. I have no doubts Poppy would coming running if he heard that. 🙂
Angela Ellingson says
They are all so precious! That photo from Miley’s party brings tears to my eyes. Love that Manda planned her party.
Amanda @ Cupcake N Dreams says
Awww looks like summer fun in the Shull house! Your pictures bring back so many memories of running errands with my mom and siblings in the summer 🙂 Happy Monday!
Amanda @ Cupcake N Dreams
Amanda @ That Inspired Chick says
I laughed out loud when I scrolled down and saw those shoes on the wrong feet. So cute!! And I cannot get over how gorgeous and OLD Kensington looks in that picture of her in the kitchen!! She looks like a teenager!! I can’t wait to see how Andrew reacts when those boys start taking notice of the beauty!! 😉
That Inspired Chick
liz says
Such a beautiful life lately. Can’t wait to be back in McKinney and have lunch on the square
liz says
I also meant lunch with you on the square 😉
Amanda says
Shay Shull, you are doing this life gig the right way. Your intention and care as a momma and friend and wife is a WITNESS on these here internets. It’s a joy to observe. As a mom who is a little bit down the road from you (my oldest just started her junior year….tear) I am happy to see you savoring these moments and making the most of them. Thanks for the breath of fresh air that you always are to a random reader over here in west Texas.
Julie says
Oh, I bet that party for Manda’s daughter was just heartbreaking.
Andrea says
Your kids are adorable and that last picture is the sweetest. This comment has nothing to do with today’s post but I heard about an app on a podcast two weeks ago and thought you might appreciate it since you’re a reader. It’s called Overdrive. Once you download it I believe you create a log-in or you may be able to log-in with your Facebook account and if you have a library card you select your library and enter your card number. You then have access to “check-out” digital and audio books for FREE. I’m on my 5th Elin Hilderbrand book because I don’t have time to sit down and read but I can listen when I’m in the car, cooking dinner, doing dishes and getting ready in the morning. Thanks for the author/book recommendation!
Amanda says
Your kids are just the cutest! I love how active you guys are!
Liz Thorson says
I agree w/several others: I think Ashbey looks adorable in her glasses! I also love her hair this length! She is such a darling, little girl! She looks so dainty and sweet!
Gwen H. says
When my girls were little, their Daddy would put their shoes on the wrong feet about 95% of the time. He’s a lefty, and I always wondered if that had anything to do with it. Sweet Ashby looks precious in her glasses. I know you don’t want to hear this, but I think they make her look older. I had to smile when I saw the reference to the Etch A Sketch. It was actually invented in the late 1950s and sold starting in 1960. I had one as a kid and loved it. My daughters also had them as children. I think it’s great that they are still around! I love reading your blog & seeing the pictures of your beautiful family! ❤️
Lindsay @ Lindsay's Sweet World says
What a sweet post! I always love these posts and being able to see what you guys have been up to! I hope you guys enjoy your last few weeks of fun before school starts again!
Bethany says
That birthday party is the sweetest thing!
Heather says
I just love your family. And Miley’s party was so sweet. Manda seemed like an incredible person, and I love that you ladies are all still a part of her life! ❤️
Elizabeth says
I love the pic of Ashby shopping for dance clothes in front of the wine store ?
Mix and Match Mama says
After shopping for dance stuff, I feel like I need wine 😉 .
Susie says
What’s your favorite Elin Hilderbrand novel?
Mix and Match Mama says
Right now, I would say The Identicals 🙂 .
Hillary says
I’m headed to Boston this weekend for my first Red Sox game…and they play the Yankees! So excited! I’ll be thinking of you..especially if they win!
Shawnna Griffin says
hey girl- love the post! and the pics! your kiddos are so darn cute!
Crystal McDonald says
I watched Find Me over the weekend. #allthetears
Thanks for sharing all about your family! Saying prayers over the Shull family this morning.
Sandy says
I am interested in school lunch prep. Will you be blogging about that soon? What was the name of the containers you use?
Mix and Match Mama says
Yumboxes!!
Ella says
What gym do you go to?
I’d love to join if I lived local.
Mix and Match Mama says
I go to Craig Ranch 🙂