Happy Thursday, friends!!
Here’s a little look at life lately…
It’s a shame that Mia and Kensington don’t have a connection…
…such a shame 🙂 .
We loved every minute of Samuel’s Swamp party! Can we just talk about Isaiah’s face here for a minute?! Oh my gosh!!!
Smith and I were waiting for him to walk into his orthodontist appointment. It’s never dull with a ten year old boy. 😉
On Friday, Andrew and I both took off work and headed to the pool to swim. This was my one and only picture…but I think it adequately sums up our happy day 🙂 .
On July 4th…
…I was dressed and ready to go!! Isn’t my shirt cute?!
All dressed up in our swimsuits but first stop, the McKinney parade…drive thru edition!
Love my peeps so much.
In the car ready for the parade! Andrew and I met 18 years ago on July 4th 🙂 .
Okay, wow. The parade was insane. The city of McKinney tried really hard to do a parade where everyone stays in their car and then follows the route and drives by the floats on our historic square. Our mayor has a band and they were playing in the middle, so you got to drive by and see all of the festivities from inside your car. The only problem? Like 4 billion people wanted to drive by. We were at a standstill on our square because traffic was so bad. It took us one hour and we NEVER saw anything! Isn’t that nuts?! Who knew everyone would be there??? Hahaha! Not me!
We finally pulled over on the side and watched from a distance for a minute just so the entire hour wasn’t for nothing.
It was crazy…but made me proud that so many people want to be out and enjoy July Fourth even from their cars.
The second part of our day was spent swimming at the Slaughter’s house! There was even an inflatable slide into the pool that I couldn’t quit!
It’s always such a fun day together!
After pool time, we went across the street to the lake that separates our neighborhood from theirs…
…and we had the best time on paddle boards and in the canoe. Look at Ebby Lee and Kensington go!
And then there go Erika and me!
Such a fun time out there!
After that, it was time to head to…
…Ms. Jeni’s house for fireworks and fun!!
It was the perfect way to end our fun day!!
Sigh. Lots of laundry room living these days.
With all of the construction, it’s too loud/dirty/crazy, so they hang out with us in a room versus roaming around like they typically do. It’s going to be a long few months.
Don’t be scared. It’s just Madeley 😉 .
That’s a little life lately. See you guys tomorrow!! xx
polly pover says
Sounds like you had a great 4th-so good to have some “normal” fun (except for the virtual parade)! You guys don’t have to social distance anymore or wear masks? Aren’t cases spiking in Texas again?
Mix and Match Mama says
We do! That’s why the parade was drive by.
Brantlee says
The fourth of July is a great day to meet a future spouse. I met mine 27 years ago on that day. Didn’t realize we have that in common.
Mix and Match Mama says
Awwwwww!! I love that!!
LBasinger says
Same! July 4th! 23 years ago!
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog says
Looks like you guys have been enjoying summer so far! ❤️✨
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
Emily says
Random, but do you have alligators in TX? Growing up in FL I just assume they are everywhere
Mix and Match Mama says
We do not! I believe Texas only has one natural lake too, the rest are all man-made (so very controlled).
Teresa says
Many years ago my brother worked near Mineola and they had an alligator in the lake by his house. He didn’t tell me until I was in the water to ski! I did see it but I was back in the boat by then.
Your 4th of July looked fun, we had a great time at the lake too.
Shana says
Yes, there are alligators in the Houston area! My parents have one in the little lake at their golf course!
Britt says
We do have alligators in N.TX! I’ve seen one in Lake Lewisville and there are often news reports about alligators in nearby lakes.
Shawnee Peacock says
Yes, alligators out here at Lake Fork too.
Valerie Allen says
Shay, we actually do have alligators in Texas. They are mainly down in the lower east portion of TX and along the coastal areas.
Mix and Match Mama says
Well there you go! We do not have them in North Texas! THANK GOODNESS!!! Ha!
Kristin says
Ummmm….We have tons alligators in our bayous..in Katy/Houston
Mix and Match Mama says
It’s a good thing I live far away from there! Those things freak me out.
Heather says
Yes we do. East Texas and Houston area.
Kristen says
I love in Houston and see alligators a lot in all the bayous/on the golf courses. Especially this during this hot time of year – we even saw some babies a few months ago.
Libby says
We live outside of Houston and have 2 gators in our neighborhood lake. These are the first 2 we’ve had since living here 12 years. Our lake is connected to a creek that drains into the Gulf. With the many bayous in Houston, they are able to navigate. We also have a state park that is known for its many alligator residents and can be viewed an a nature walk.
DANIELLE K RIGG says
Looks like a blast. I would love to hear how the virus has affected you guys. I am so nervous to do a lot of things but it seems like you have been in your “circle of friends” and having a blast. Are you nervous with it, what is it like now that Texas is going up? At times I feel I am the only one who is more nervous going out these days and I am just so lost on how to feel and what to think.
Mix and Match Mama says
I’ve lost how to feel and what to think too. From work to home to school to even grocery shopping, everything is so weird and different now. And now, I don’t even feel like I have a home to live in…it’s all so sad right now on many fronts.
M says
How do you explain the coronavirus, social distancing, etc to your kids? How much do they understand what’s going on?
Mix and Match Mama says
Totally! At this point, I feel like my kids understand it all. It’s affected every aspect of their lives (from seeing grandparents to school, sports, friends, they can’t leave the house even to go to the grocery store with me, etc). I feel like they have a really good grasp on it.
Laura says
Hi Shay! I would be super interested in a post about what the pandemic has been like in your area. Did you guys know anyone with coronavirus? Did you “isolate” with the Slaughters, too? Have you found any cute masks online? Do you all still have to wear masks in public? School plan there? Every area of the country is SO different that I’d be interested to hear what it’s like there!
Mix and Match Mama says
We were by ourselves for a long time (didn’t see family, friends, anyone). Later, we slowly started seeing our family and the Slaughters. Now, sports have opened up (for us volleyball and baseball) where we’ve seen other people. Our church opened for a few weeks but didn’t we attend, it’s now closed again. We typically use the disposable masks from Amazon (they’re like 50 to a box) but also have (of course!) yankees and Red Sox masks too 🙂 . As of now, we’re supposed to start back to school mid-August.
Laura says
Thanks for sharing! Stay safe! ❤️
Erika Slaughter says
I’m ready for our next paddle boarding adventure!! You in?
Mix and Match Mama says
My arms still need to rest from it. 😉
Kate says
I’ve been meaning to ask and missed Andrew’s post. How did you guys handle electricity the night of the heavy rain? & now that they are working in many areas of the house.
Mix and Match Mama says
We never lost power in our area during the rain. Thank goodness!!
Gina says
I have been wondering about the electricity during your house flood too! With rain pouring in down your walls, light fixtures, etc. if you guys didn’t shut off the breaker, were you concerned about risk of electrocution or fire? That would have freaked me out haha! Glad y’all had a great 4th!
Mix and Match Mama says
I should not be answering electrical questions! No one that was there (the pros) seemed worried about that??? I’m assuming that’s what the breakers are for? IDK?
Beth Valenta says
Yes, the simple things on the 4th! We played a lot of relay games and croquet. I have same cute shirt! It was in my second rotation of patriotic shirts…obsessed with all things red/white and blue.
Mix and Match Mama says
It’s cute, right?! I really loved the quality!!
Kate says
I meant, did you have to switch it off for safety reasons seeing as water went into the walls and stuff? Just curious as it all happened at night. Not the area you live in. Sorry if my question wasn’t clear.
Mix and Match Mama says
Ohhhhhhh! No, we didn’t have to switch it off. We had the contractors and water removal people there during the night, and they didn’t tell us to switch it off.
Elspeth says
So many fun things in today’s post from the swamp party to the Fourth of July! I love it! So glad you are still finding moments of fun in all the chaos!
http://www.elspethsdaybyday.com
Mix and Match Mama says
That was a cute theme, right?!
Sheaffer Sims says
Yep, even a drive by parade sounds like a nightmare to me. 😉
Mix and Match Mama says
I just LOL.
Kristin Lyngaas says
You guys must have been exhausted! But in a good way ? For a split second I was thinking- who’s Mia?? Haha! When you see her in person who does she most resemble? Hope you have a beautiful day!
Mix and Match Mama says
To me, she looks just like our cousin, Laura 🙂 . I see “Lowe” when I see her!
Kait says
Hi! Where did you guys get your paddle boards from?
Mix and Match Mama says
We borrowed them from a neighbor!
Kristin Lyngaas says
By the way that pic of all of the grandkids is priceless. Christmas present maybe? ?
Laurie says
Hi Shay!
Still thinking of your family- you’ve certainly had more of your fair share this year, yet you remain as positive and gracious as always. Thank you for sharing your 4th of July festivities. That yearly post always makes me want to move to McKinney. I’m so glad you were able to have some normalcy and get out to celebrate with your friends. You. deserved every minute of fun. Hang in there! Your readers Love you. ?
Mix and Match Mama says
We would love to have you here!!
Heidi says
Is that tile or vinyl flooring In your laundry room?
Mix and Match Mama says
Tile!
MH says
How are you handling social distancing with your parents and grandparents? I’m so worried about someone accidentally passing the virus on to them ?
Mix and Match Mama says
We cannot see Andrew’s parents because his mom has a very severe autoimmune disease. We’ve been Facetiming, etc. I have one set of grandparents we cannot see and then my other set, I’ve seen two times since February (both for less than 10 minutes). Lots of FaceTime. That part is so hard. My grandparents are older, so I don’t want to think this is how they’re spending their last years, you know? I hate that for them. For all of us. For everyone.
Joanne says
I saw that inflatable slide in Erica’s post and it looked so fun!
Tracy says
I always think Isaiah looks like Smith. Do you see it too? You & your brother both have such cute kiddos.
Mix and Match Mama says
When I look at his eyes and nose, I do! They’re all suuuuuper sweet kids too!!
Lisa says
Can you link to your Raybans in this post? Thanks!
Mix and Match Mama says
They’re oldies but still available! I bought them at Nordstrom and they’re Ray Bans in the blue gradient color.