You guys, IT’S THE FIRST DAY OF SUMMER BREAK!!!!!
We all had such a fun last day yesterday, so this morning, we’re going to sleep in and ease into our summer break.
I am so excited about this upcoming season and blessed to be able to share it with you guys here.
I’m off to enjoy Summer Day #1 right now, but before I go, as always, I’m linking up with my friends Andrea and Erika and sharing this week’s FAVORITE THINGS!
The last day of school pics, y’all. They made me tear up! There is so much variety in this post (Ashby is leaving on her 10 year old trip, a cocktail and much more!)!
Plus, there is a new episode of The Bestie Breakdown podcast out today too, so make sure you listen!
Here we go, I hope you all have a wonderful weekend!! xx
What a difference a school year makes!
From the first day…
…to the last, we officially have a high schooler in the house! Someone hold me.
This kid decided that 7th grade would be the year he GREW! Holy cow! How did this happen? I’m now living with two men and three ladies.
This sweet girl loved her 4th grade year! I cannot believe that next year will be her last year in elementary school! She’s so excited to be the oldest on campus.
And of course…
…this munchkin adored her 2nd grade year. I can’t believe I now have a “baby” that will be in 3rd grade.
First day…
…and the last 🙂 .
I mentioned this movie on our podcast the other day which prompted me to watch it THREE TIMES this week while I was at my desk. If you want just a fun, cute, summery movie set in a beautiful location, here you go. I have always loved this movie. It’s just ADORABLE! Harrison Ford, you are oh so extra adorable in this one 🙂 .
Well, I loved my tennis skirt so much in green that…
…in BLACK! And guess what? I bought it in navy too 🙂 . (You can find MY TANK HERE! It’s such a great quality that over the last year, I’ve purchased it in blue and black too!)
I really, really love this one! I have been slow to get on this trend as I’m petite and so many of these skirts are too “pleat-y” for me. I don’t need all of those extra pleats around my already short torso, but this one only has a few pleats in the back which I think makes it extra cute since it’s not bulky. It comes in OVER THIRTY COLORS! I might just need the bright lemon next. This is my new summer uniform, friends!
I know we just started summer (TODAY!), but…
…as I was making a payment on my family’s spring break trip in March, I thought it was a good time to remind you that it’s not too early to start making your spring break plans! If you are ready to book, my travel agency would LOVE to help you!! I like to personally book my trips further out to not only make sure I am getting exactly what I want, but this also gives me time to make payments instead of paying for it right before I go. You can make installment payments on any vacation you book through my agency as long as you’re not about to go right away (at that time, the final payment would be due). So, just an FYI for you! There is still time for us to plan most summer vacations too! You can reach out to us today HERE!
Make sure you check out my TRADER JOE’S SUMMER SHOPPING LIST this week which includes a printable list to carry with you (or view on your phone!) while shopping. One thing to add to your cart though are these individually wrapped packages of artichokes. Friends, Sheaffer brought me a packet because she knew I would love them and oh my word, they will be a staple at my house now. You can add them to salads or just open a packet and stick your fork inside. They’re so good!! Use MY LIST and add to cart for a delicious summer!
I bought THIS TOP last year and wore it all summer long. I’m back in it again this year too 🙂 . I love the quality of the fabric, AND I love the adjustable straps. This is a great Amazon find!
And just an FYI, my “high rise mom shorts” are on sale today! As are my seamless bodysuit and sandals in select colors!
My grandparents started a tradition with their grandkids when I was younger that every summer when their grandkids were 12, they would take them on a special vacation. I still have the BEST memories of my grandparents and me going on that trip together. My parents started the same tradition (but changed the age to 10) of taking their grandkids on a special trip, so when Kensington was ten…
…she picked Maui and had a wonderful week with my mom and dad.
Then when Smith was 11 (darn COVID pushed his back a year)…
…he picked a cabin in Colorado where they hiked, fish and did all sorts of “outdoorsy” things (God bless my sweet mom!).
Well today, MISS ASHBY GETS TO GO!!! We are so excited for our girl who is boarding a plane this morning and heading off with my mom and dad for a week. As soon as I have pics, I’ll share the details, but she picked her destination, we packed her suitcase, and she is OH SO EXCITED to go!
If you missed the photos and details of when I went with my grandparents on my trip, you can catch THAT POST HERE. That will be our Flashback Friday for the day! Spoiler alert: my grandmother doesn’t age.
Finally, if your weekend calls for a red, white and blue recipe, try my PATRIOTIC PUNCH COCKTAIL! It’s delicious!!!
I hope we all enjoy our weekend but never forget the men and women who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our country. This isn’t just a weekend about grilling out and hanging with family, this is a weekend about remembering true heroes who gave it all for us. God bless any of you who have lost a loved one and are remembering them this weekend. I’m so very sorry for your loss. Praying today for any of you.
I’ll see you Tuesday. xx
Elspeth Mizner says
Happy summer! Have the best day! Looking forward to the latest podcast!
http://www.elspethsdaybyday.com
Alison says
Have a wonderful weekend! I can’t wait to hear about Ashby’s trip.
SS says
Shay & kids!!! Happy Summer!!!
Love that movie. It is one I can watch over and over! When we watch I always think who knew Harrison Ford was so funny!! Lol.
How exciting for Ashby… can’t wait to see where in the world Ashby Shull? *Yes sing it to Carmen San Diego theme* Lol. Miss M….3rd grade I had my favorite teacher. I still text her everyday and I have been out of 3rd grade a Loooong time. My teacher always says to call her by her first name… But I just can’t. Lol. I love my teacher so much!!!
Have a great long weekend and summer!!!
Jen L. says
What a special time for Ashby! I would love to know Smith’s training and eating plan. My son grew in height but not weight and it is rough for sports. Happy summer, we still have two more weeks of school.
Lisa says
Hi Shay, what size did your order in the tennis skirt? The size chart on Amazon is a little confusing 😉
Mix and Match Mama says
A size 2!
Kristen says
I searched my Trader Joe’s for those artichokes yesterday and couldn’t find them?!!!! What section are they in. Maybe they don’t have them here in Boston.
Mix and Match Mama says
They’re right by the pasta sauce in our store. They are NOT easy to find!
MS says
Hi! Can you link the white tank top that you paired with your new black tennis skirt? I like the thicker straps.
Mix and Match Mama says
Oh I love this tank! I bought one last summer in navy and now have it in white and black too. Let me find the link, and I’ll add it. The quality is so good!
Sara Alexander says
I love that tradition with grandparents. How incredibly special! Where did you and Sean go with your grands? Happy summer!
Mix and Match Mama says
I went to Maui, and Sean went to the Bahamas!
K.K. says
Amazing post!! I can’t wait to see what Ashby chose and does. So special!!
Erika Slaughter says
WE MADE IT TO SUMMER!!!!! I can’t wait to hear how much fun Ashby has!
Darcy Berte says
If you look on Amazon they also make that same tennis skirt and it doesn’t have pleats in the back! I have both and love them.
Kate says
My oldest “baby” is finishing his sophomore year… I need someone to hold me too! 🤪 Enjoy your summer and I look forward to following along here!
Mix and Match Mama says
We should really hold each other and have a good cry.
Deb says
Do your parents set limits on where the grands can pick to travel such as the US and Bahamas? Or, will they take them anywhere in the world they want to go? Or, do they set a budget and decide within those parameters? Do they help the kids decide by offering up suggestions? It’s a fantastic idea and I could use some tips from the grandparents, for when I steal their idea for my grands. Happy summer!
Mix and Match Mama says
They will take them anywhere in the world (albeit, they’re 10 which I think helps temper things a bit), but so far, no one has picked anything crazy out of the ordinary (like an African safari). Ashby picked a place she had heard of but never been…and it feels very “Ashby” to me in all the right ways. I’m so excited for her! Right now, Madeley is saying Hawaii…but she has two more years, so who knows?
Deb says
Thank you for adding what Memorial Day is all about! I feel that gets forgotten. Looking forward to Nantucket pictures!!!!
Dena says
Love your kids style and seeing them grow and change through the years. What sort of vest was that Kensington was wearing in the last day of school picture?
Mix and Match Mama says
It was “neon day” at school and her friends all had neon crossing guard vests on. ha!
Kim Carberry says
Hooray for the summer break, we still have a few weeks of school until our summer starts. I love the photos, a year really does make a big difference! Your boy really did grow and his hair. hehehe
Have a fab weekend.