It’s Friday…and we’re officially back in school.
I’m going to continue to get my life together over here and transition back into my “normal routine”, so while I’m off doing that, I’m leaving you here with the final four days of our vacation.
Get some coffee and settle in…you might be here a while 🙂 .
If you missed my first seven recap posts, you can see them here:
Cape Cod Vacation: Chatham
Cape Cod Vacation: Martha’s Vineyard Part 1
Cape Cod Vacation: Martha’s Vineyard Part 2
Cape Cod Vacation: Martha’s Vineyard Part 3
Nantucket: Part 1 The Ferry
Nantucket: Part 2
Nantucket: Part 3 Beach & Boat
From my family to yours, have a wonderful weekend!
Here are the last pics from our amazing summer vacation to the Cape Cod area…
This day started extra fun as Smith and Andrew headed out early (6:00 am!) to do some deep sea fishing! They asked if the girls wanted to come too, but we politely declined. Waking up early to be on a rocking boat out in the ocean for three hours didn’t sound like my idea of a great time.
They, however, had the BEST time!!
My boy LOVES TO FISH! He caught more fish than he could count and said it was “the best day ever”. I love having a great day before 9:00 AM 😉 .
Love these two.
Meanwhile, back on dry land…
…I was enjoying beautiful Nantucket.
We met up with the boys as they were disembarking and Smith and I decided to go for a little walk to see the yachts…
…this one had Yankee flags on it…so, it was the ugliest yacht out there.
After some yacht lookin’ we headed back to…
…the beach four our final “beach day”!
She did this herself and was quite proud!
After a fabulous day at the beach, we cleaned up and went to dinner at Sea Grill!
I really think this place gets my award for best menu options and best service!
Take me back.
Cod over lobster mashed potatoes? Yes, please!
That ended our Thursday.
The next morning, we woke up and…
…Smith had a private sailing lesson! Do you see him out there? He’s always wanted to learn how to sail (he’s read books on sailing and such), so he had a lesson. Again, the girls opted for a lazy morning instead.
When sailing lessons were over, I went to go pick him up and guess who went with me…
…Papa Jay!!!
Woohoo!!!!!!
The last three days of the trip, we invited both sets of grandparents up for the weekend!!!
More Nantucket gorgeousness as we walked to Something Natural for lunch…
…Papa Jay and his girls 🙂 .
Lovie and her big girl!
And Andrew’s parents too 🙂 . The grandparents all arrived on Friday morning, and we were all SO EXCITED!! My parents have been to Nantucket a million times, but this was a first for Andrew’s parents.
Gang’s all here! I am SO THANKFUL that our parents love each other so much!! They are such great friends! They even see each other outside of our family time (my parents love going up to Missouri!), so it’s so special that occasionally, we can all travel together too.
We stopped at bACKyard BBQ for a quick bite.
We spent the rest of this day in town taking it all in with the grandparents.
We headed back to our hotel later in the afternoon to get ready for dinner and the grandparents sent us this selfie 🙂 . They stayed in town a bit longer and hung out.
I married a good man with a good family…and I certainly don’t take that for granted!
Here we are, dressed and ready for dinner with the fam!
Isn’t this a sweet picture?!
We took the grandparents to our favorite restaurant for this first dinner together…Brant Point Grill.
Love them.
The views aren’t bad :).
We had THE BEST DINNER! Oh my gosh, I’m still thinking about it! We laughed and laughed and probably caused a little trouble…we had FUN 🙂 !
The next morning…
…we set out for a day in town. We divided the trip up with the grandparents between “town” and “exploring”. This was our town day.
My dad has been in love with Nantucket since the early ’90s. He’s taught me to love the best things: Jesus, the Red Sox and ACK 🙂 .
Steve and Kensington…aren’t they the sweetest?!
The grandparent to kid ratio was perfect for the two of us 🙂 .
Another Saturday in Nantucket, another trip to the market.
She’s just getting SO BIG!
I hope my kids always remember this trip.
There is a picture in my dad’s office of the three of us in this exact spot from 2001.
After a full day of shopping and exploring, it was time for dinner at…
…The Lobster Trap. Because…
…this never gets old. Ha!
The perfect ending to our day was with Papa Jay!
The next morning…
…he was the perfect beginning to our day too!
On this day, we got up and explored the island. This was our only chilly and overcast day of the trip, so it worked our beautifully that we were there just to explore.
First stop, Bartlett’s Farm where we grabbed some snacks and watched Kensington pick up both of her sisters.
Love these two ladies.
Kensington brought this shirt from home and saved it to wear on a day with my dad…he wasn’t excited about it at all.
We headed over to Madaket for lunch at Millie’s…and then…
…drove to the opposite side of the island to check out Sankaty!
Gorgeous views from the cliff!
After lots of looking, stopping and checking things out, we went to ‘Sconset for coffee and cookies!
Lovie and K matched in their ACK gear!
Because of the weather, we were the only ones on the beach that day…
…which was pretty darn cool.
Those two Shull guys enjoying Sconset and a snack!
After a full day of exploring…
…we ended our 14th and final day of vacation enjoying dinner outside at Nantucket Prime with our very favorite people.
Awwwww! Even though this wasn’t our intended vacation for the year, it ended up being one of our VERY FAVORITES!! I am so very thankful for our time in Chatham, Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket. I’m super thankful that both sets of parents were able to join us too. There is just something so wonderful about traveling with your people.
Don’t forget, you can catch the other recaps here:
Cape Cod Vacation: Chatham
Cape Cod Vacation: Martha’s Vineyard Part 1
Cape Cod Vacation: Martha’s Vineyard Part 2
Cape Cod Vacation: Martha’s Vineyard Part 3
Nantucket: Part 1 The Ferry
Nantucket: Part 2
Nantucket: Part 3 Beach & Boat
Mix and Match Travel Agency does not offer our services to these destinations, so I hope you’re at least able to use these blog posts as references. I will be posting more about the differences between MV and ACK too at some point. If you are interested in going to Walt Disney World, Hawaii, Alaska, on a cruise or any international destination, please reach out to Mix and Match Travel Agency! We’d love to help!
Have a great Friday, friends!!
Erika Slaughter says
Those views though!! It’s a shame Nantucket isn’t gorgeous. ? I love that the grandparents joined you! Looks like an amazing time had by all!
Lauren says
Looks like such a great trip! I love that your parents and in laws are so close.
Do you have a link for the white t shirt you wore with the pocket? I always need a good t shirt!
Mix and Match Mama says
It’s Madewell from Nordstrom! It’s a great tee! https://www.nordstrom.com/s/madewell-whisper-cotton-v-neck-pocket-tee-regular-plus-size/4665724?origin=category-personalizedsort&breadcrumb=Home%2FWomen%2FClothing%2FTops&fashioncolor=White&color=100
Elspeth says
I love that you did so many different things and it’s so sweet the grandparents could come too!
http://www.elspethsdaybyday.com
Jen says
I love that the grandparents joined you! What precious memories for everyone! I know you are a master packer, but with being gone for two weeks, how did you handle clothes for everyone? Did you ever have to do laundry? Nantucket is still on my bucket list for travel…hopefully soon!
Mix and Match Mama says
We did laundry multiple times while we were gone! In Martha’s Vineyard, we had a washer and dryer in our room!
Rachel says
What is Andrew doing with his hands in the picture with the lobster? You said “this never gets old “ – do you mean eating lobster? Or am I missing something? (Probably! Ha!)
Mix and Match Mama says
I mean posting pictures of Andrew acting a fool while he eats a lobster with his hands. It’s so “not” Andrew. Ha!
Karen says
Love Nantucket & Cape Cod. Great memories for your family! Do you remember where you got the Nantucket beaches hat? It world make a great gift for my Sister.
Mix and Match Mama says
At a shop right there where the Hy Line lets off passengers in Nantucket. It’s right there!
Kasey White says
I have been following three posts because I am hoping to plan a trip to Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket one day soon! You had mentioned returning the rental car before you went to Nantucket. Did you rent another one in Nantucket to get around everywhere?
Mix and Match Mama says
Yes! The rental car company didn’t want us taking the car all the way there, so they had us leave it in MV and then we picked up another one in Nantucket. I DO NOT think rental cars are necessary in Nantucket. We were there for a long time, have four kids and wanted to get further out on the island, but I don’t think they’re that necessary. In MV, however, I do think you’d need it.
Nikki says
Your kids WILL DEFINITELY remember this trip with both sets of grands! We just took our family to Hawaii with both sets and had a ball. Our kids are 19 and 17, so will remember it well.
Thank you for sharing such good trip info!
Sheaffer Sims says
Wonderful pictures and even better memories!!!
Laina says
Andrew’s mom is gorgeous! I never noticed before how much K and S favor his parents too! Great genes in your family! This trip looks so fun! I would love to run into your group on vacation!
Shannon says
What an awesome trip you all had. This one will be memorable for sure!! Thanks for sharing all the great pics. Now I have to plan a trip there!
Shannon in PA
Katie says
May I ask where your white denim shorts are from? I am looking for a new pair and those look like a good not too short not too long pair.
Mix and Match Mama says
They’re AG from Nordstrom but not from this year.
Courtney B. says
Hope your kiddos are off to a great start! Our three began Wednesday! Our oldest daughter is K’s age. I love the animal print dress she’s wearing in these photos. Would you mind sharing where is it from? Thanks!
Mix and Match Mama says
It’s an Amazon find!!! It’s actually an adult xs.
Jennie says
Just curious which airport would you fly into when visiting Nantucket?
Mix and Match Mama says
Nantucket’s ACK!
Kelly says
Aww, I think I love these the most!!:) When I saw your instagram posts with the grandparents, it made me so happy! I’m a Mimi of 11 (soon to be 12) and being with my kids and grandkids is my favorite thing ever, what amazing memories you are making for and with your family.
Suzy says
Lovely photos! Can’t wait to finally get to Nantucket next year! Just wondered if you stayed somewhere else with all the grandparents? or same hotel. Thanks!!
Mix and Match Mama says
The grandparents stayed in a different hotel. We decided to invite everyone up in June and by then, our hotel was booked, so they stayed down the street at a second place.
Claire says
Can you go back so we can get more posts?! I’m not ready for the vacation recap to be over yet! ? Also love the Millie’s sign… my daughter Millie (9 months) is sitting on my lap as I write this!
Mix and Match Mama says
Awwwwwwww! Claire, you enjoy that sweet Millie RIGHT NOW! Get lots of snuggles in!!
Alison says
What an extra special trip! And I love that you recreated a photo 20 years later, with your parents. I think we need to see the side-by-side comparison. 🙂
Mix and Match Mama says
I’ll ask my dad to send me the other one! He’s out of town now (so not at work where the pic is), so I can’t do it today.
traci says
I have loved following your vacay!! Cannot wait to go sometime!! You have the sweetest family!
Mix and Match Mama says
Thank you so much!!!!
Kim says
Looks like a great vacation! My daughter is new to gluten free and I have been wondering about vacations. Do you bring some of your own food for Kensington, or do you find that most restaurants are able to accommodate? Do you call all of them ahead of time?
Mix and Match Mama says
We call and/or check online before we even leave Dallas, so we know which places have the best gf options! We do our research in advance as much as we can.
Ani Martinez says
What a blessing to have the whole family together! Your posts have me yearning for a New England vacation!
Lyndsey says
How do y’all handle checks when out with a bigger group like that/is it different with family? Do you bother asking to split or just cover for ease?
Thanks to you, my little fam is getting to explore Nantucket for the first time in just a couple weeks! I am SOOOO excited and have booked SO many of your recs! xo
Mix and Match Mama says
We did it multiple ways! Andrew and I wanted to treat everyone the first night and then, they wanted to treat us the third night (so they just split the bill in half). Everyone bought one lunch (we had three) and then on the second dinner, we just got three separate checks. Sounds like a lot…but in the moment, it worked really well!
Colleen says
What a gorgeous trip and such amazing memories with both sets of grandparents!
Do you have the kids bring books to meals or do they just bring books wherever they go? I noticed a few photos of the girls holding books and just wondered if there was a strategy or just kids liked to read a lot 🙂
Also, could you link your striped tank and blue tank?
Thanks so much!
Mix and Match Mama says
At this point, after years of prompting, they all bring a book or coloring book (Ashby and Madeley keep a big baggie in the car with supplies) to dinners out.
Kayla Bruce says
Amazing! How gluten free friendly were these places in general??
Mix and Match Mama says
Very! We did our research in advance and had no issues!
Sandra Roberts says
There is no way Andrew’s mom is the parent to a 40 year old!! She is stunning!
Also I love all the tree lined streets in Nantucket. It’s so charming.
Mix and Match Mama says
Right?! He has an older brother too…she looks amazing!!!
Shavon says
Your mother’s are BEAUTIFUL. Stunning.
Mix and Match Mama says
Inside and out!!
Lisa D says
Such great memories for your children, they won’t forget your amazing vacation!
Chrissy says
What do your kids call Andrew’s parents? And where/how did your parents get their grandparent names? Lovie is so cute!
Mix and Match Mama says
Our kids call them Nanny and PawPaw (their older cousin came up with those names for them), and then my parents are Lovie and Papa Jay. My mom heard it one day watching an NFL game as Lovie Smith used to coach the Chicago Bears 😉 .
Chelsea says
Andrew’s mom’s skin is outrageous. I’m 30 and her skin has more glow than mine ?
Mix and Match Mama says
RIGHT?! It’s crazy amazing!
Anne says
Pretty picture of the lighthouse!
Laura says
I would love to go to Nantucket. How far in advance would you suggest to start planning a summer trip there in order to get hotel and restaurant reservations? And what do you think are the best months to visit? Thanks!
Mix and Match Mama says
I would say six months if you can. We love going in the summertime, but my parents favorite time to visit is early fall.
Leanne Gilchrist says
Okay, your recaps of this vacation just make me want to go there all the more!
Also:
~Your mom, Andrew’s mom, they look like sister, and your dad and Andrews dad could be brothers! I’m not kidding!
~It’s such a pity that Madeley is SO low key and not a party in a box! LOLOLOL! She’s HILARIOUS!
~The cobblestone streets, my heart swooned!
~My 12 year old, Lucie and my 10 year old, Pennie, they saw Kensington’s book, Hunger Games, and they instantly loved her! All of my 7 daughters LOVE the movies! Eeeek!
~I’m not lying, your pictures made me tear up. How precious, how treasured these memories will be for your kids.
Thanks, Shay, for sharing this vacation with us!
Amy Reichel says
Hi. Can you ask papa jay where his pink button up shirt is from? The day he went with you to get Smith. Thanks!
Joanne says
How wonderful to have the WHOLE family together on Nantucket. My oldest son and husband like to try different fishing charters when we go on vacation too and the rest of us always politely decline as well.
Mary C says
Good luck to Kensington when she has to recreate that pic lifting her sisters in 20 years haha!!
SB says
Love the recap and have to chime in like everyone else- Andrew’s Mom looks incredibly young, and is just a classy lady-already knew your Mom was a babe 🙂
Want a pair of sunglasses like Andrew for my husband can you share details- thanks
Vacation with grandparents is an incredible gift, your children are very loved and it shows
April A says
I hardly ever comment but always read. This post just made me smile!! I could feel the love and happiness just reading and enjoying your pictures! I love that both sets of family are so close! People look at me funny when I say I miss my mother in law. I do, though. I love her and she has truly been my mom since cancer took mine. But this post was so much fun to read. My sisters and I are planning a girls trip to Nantucket and your posts will be our reference guide!!!
Amy says
How wonderful! You have convinced me that I must visit Nantucket one day!