Happy Monday from McKinney, friends!
After two full months on Nantucket, we closed up the house, hopped on a plane and returned to Texas on Thursday afternoon.
It’s a BIG week around here. On Wednesday, Mades starts third grade, Ashby will officially be the big top dog at their elementary school (while Smith will now be top dog at in middle school), and we will officially have a HIGH SCHOOLER. Needless to say, right now my emotions are all over the place.
I’m so thankful to be home (I love my home!), I’m so thankful for McKinney (I love this town!), I’m so thankful for my office (oh how I’ve missed my office!), I was so thankful to be at church yesterday (I love our church), and of course, I’m so very thankful to see my friends and family again…but I left a piece of my heart on that tiny island too.
I keep a list in my prayer journal of my four kids’ names and underneath each one, I write down specific ways I’m praying over them, little quirks about them, moments we have together…all the things that make each one of them special to me as their mom. I added a new list next to this list and under each name, I wrote down all of the little details from our summer that I want to remember forever. It wasn’t a perfect summer, but it was the best summer I’ve ever had with my family. I’m so very thankful for each moment (even the terrible ones…and there were terrible ones), and although this is hopefully just the beginning of our family spending more time on Nantucket, I know we’ll never have summer like this one again. The amount of time we had, the ages of all of the kids…it was just exactly what we needed to do, and I’m truly so grateful we were able to do it. Andrew and I said from the very beginning that if we are ever ready to leave our home on Nantucket or indifferent when it’s time to go back to McKinney, then we should sell immediately. We were not ready. It was very bittersweet. Needless to say, we are not currently putting it on the market 😉 .
So, that’s where my heart is right this minute on the Monday of Back to School Week.
I thought it only fitting that I take one last blog post and share some of the random things I’m taking away from these last two months (all light, all from my heart, all little bits that I’m reflecting on today…nothing serious).
THINGS THAT MADE THIS SUMMER DIFFERENT:
#1: I SLEPT A LOT
Holy cow, I got a whole lot of sleep this summer. I mean, you people have been telling me forever that a bit more sleep is a good thing, and you know what? I didn’t hate it. Instead of my normal 6-ish hours of sleep, I was getting more life 7 to 8 each night. With fewer commitments and more time on my hands, I didn’t have to wake up quite as early every morning. Will I continue this now that I’m home? No, but it was certainly something to enjoy while I did it. I love the mornings, I love my morning time, and I love those extra hours of productivity before my family is awake…but I would be remiss if I didn’t say I didn’t enjoy my lighter schedule and a little more sleep this summer too.
#2: I ATE A TON OF FISH
I ate a TON of fish! I enjoy fish at home too but…you know, it’s just not as fresh, easily available and inexpensive here, so we don’t eat it nearly as much as we do poultry, beef and pork. My entire family was eating fish at just about every single dinner (and many lunches too), so it has inspired me to try and incorporate more fish into our diet this fall. We loved it!
#3: I LOVED MY OUTOOR SHOWERING
Gosh, I don’t think I’ve ever loved showering more. I really, really, really loved coming in from a run or workout and going straight to my outdoor shower. It was so refreshing. We used the outdoor shower way more than we did the indoor showers…it was just really the simplest pleasure that boosted my spirits every single time.
#4: I BIKED EVERYWHERE
I biked more this summer than probably my 41 years combined. I biked to the gym, to the grocery store, the beach, to town, the drug store, for fun, for exercise just to get from A to B…I biked everywhere. My bike now lives permanently in Massachusetts, but I am going to get myself a new one here and *try* to intentionally bike more. I mean, it’s a little hot here right now (we’re all surprised I waited this far down in today’s post to mention the heat, no?), but when the weather is bearable and I won’t melt, I’m going to try hopping on the bike instead of hopping in my car more.
#5: I LAUGHED JUST SO VERY MUCH
We just laughed so much this summer. There are a few moments in particular that I will carry with me forever of us laughing…but really and truly, there was so much laughter. Being a mom and hearing your entire family laughing about something together, is there a better sound?
#6: I LIVED AT THE BEACH
We were there on windy days, cold days, warm days, foggy days, sunny days, cloudy days…days with 12 foot waves, days with barely any movement…we were there a lot of days, and I loved it. I loved that we had a routine. I loved that we could pop over for a just a bit. I loved how we learned the differences and nuisances of so many beaches. I loved it at sunrise and loved it at sunset. I just loved it.
#7: I KEPT THE WINDOWS OPEN
Hi, my name is Shay and up until this summer, I never lived anywhere where we actually opened the windows to cool down the house. I’ve always lived in Texas where it’s basically cold until it’s hot and there isn’t much in-between, so we’ve always had the heater going or the the a/c. We didn’t turn on the a/c on Nantucket until July 1st, and that was only really because the Slaughters were arriving that day, and we wanted to double check that it worked. It was a whole new experience leaving the screen door open and the windows open all day. I loved it.
#8: I ATE THREE MEALS A DAY WITH MY FAMILY
Breakfast, lunch and dinner with my peeps every single day. Was it hard sometimes when we spent allllllll of this extra time together? Yes. Was it more amazing than not? Yes. This school year, we’ll hopefully get to eat dinner together almost every night, but breakfast and lunches are never together (I almost always eat them alone), so to be able to stop what I was doing and really focus on my family and my food at every meal was a big blessing.
#9: I USED A LOT OF PORTA POTTIES
Yeah. I used a lot. I’m “that” person who has to go to the bathroom all the time. I’m also “that” person who will walk to the porta potty instead of you know…using the ocean. If you’ve never been to Nantucket, let me fill you in on a secret…these are not “resort beaches” with chairs and umbrellas and cabana boys and bathrooms. Only a few of the beaches have actual bathrooms nearby, but they all have good old fashioned lovely porta potties and as I reflect on my summer, well, I’m just sayin’, I used a lot. And lived to share. 😉
#10: I PRAYED MORE THAN NORMAL
I am a praying person, but this summer, I prayed even more than ever. I don’t know…God and me had a lot of talks. That’s never a bad thing, right?
#11: I REALLY WATCHED QUALITY TV
Awwww! This one really spoke to me. Between family time, beach time and work, we had very little time to watch TV (and if I’m being honest, very little desire), so when I did watch TV, I ended up watching more quality than just “whatever was on” (with the exception of The Real Housewives, that’s quality, baby 😉 ). I started watching shows that my kids could watch with me like The Great British Bakeoff and movies that were just sweet and happy and well, I liked it. I’ve always been a “consume happy” person, but I really put it into practice this summer with my TV time and am *hoping* that’s a new habit that sticks moving forward.
#12: I VISITED THE LIBRARY MORE THAN EVER BEFORE
We went to the local library at least once a week this summer, and it was always SUCH a treat! Why don’t I go more often at home? My kids loved it! It was free, it was fun, everyone was happy to be there…I need to do this more in “normal” life.
#13: I LISTENED TO A TON OF TAYLOR SWIFT
When you are your 14 (almost 15) year old daughter’s pretty much bestie for two solid months, you listen to a lot of Taylor Swift. I’ve always been indifferent to her in the past. Great singer-songwriter, adorable, seems nice…but you know, she’s not really in my musical genre. I haven’t listened much to Taylor Swift in the past, but after spending two months with my teen girl, I’ve listened to every album, I know all the stories behind the songs, we’ve talked at length about specific songs, albums…you guys, it was my Swifty Summer. I will never hear a Taylor Swift song again without thinking of this summer.
#14: I LIVED WITH A MAGIC ERASER IN HAND
You know what…a “white” house looks really good on Pinterest and pretty fabulous in person, but throw in four kids and three dogs, and it’s a Type-A person’s nightmare. I lived with a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser in hand. Me and Mr. Clean thought many times that maybe a dirty beige-colored home might have been a better decision.
#15: I COOKED LESS
Over the summer, I cooked less than ever before…and I enjoyed it. I love cooking. I love baking. Being in the kitchen is one of my absolute favorite things, but with all of the other things we had going on, I just didn’t cook nearly as much this summer as I typically do. My brain enjoyed the break. Instead of constantly thinking of recipe ideas, playing around with recipes, making lists, making meal plans and over-thinking dinner, I didn’t. I’m so motivated now to get back into the kitchen (fall is coming!!), but I truly enjoyed the mental break of just not thinking about what’s for dinner every night. We went out or kept it very simple (the grill!) at home most nights.
#16: I WATCHED A WHOLE LOT OF BAYWATCH
And yes, I watched a whole lot of Baywatch, and it truly just has to be mentioned. At our gym, they only had two TVs. One TV would always play the local Boston morning news and the other would play old re-runs of Baywatch. I would go in there and tell myself to focus on the news while I was working out and stop watching Baywatch, but you guys…I couldn’t help myself. Ha! As someone who never really watched the show when it was originally on, I was sucked into the “drama” of every episode, the terrible (truly terrible!) special effects that still ended up making me nervous and despite my best efforts, I couldn’t help but watch. I don’t know if I was relieved or horrified when my husband and two teens told me later that they too couldn’t help but watch it when they were all at the gym. Hahahahaha! It was a whole lotta Baywatch, people 😉 .
So, that’s that!
We’re home, we’re getting ready for school, and we’re super excited about this next chapter in our family’s life.
You guys, thank YOU for coming along with us this summer to Nantucket. It was such a joy to share it with you. I made a list before the summer started of things I wanted to share with this community and believe it or not, we barely scratched the surface. In the future, I’ll have more content, more photos, more places to shop, eat, and enjoy on Nantucket. We will be bACK soon, but for now, we will be diving right on in to the new school year and F-A-L-L.
I hope you have a wonderful start to your week. I’ll see you all tomorrow. xx
Libby says
Not a day goes by that Ms. swift is not mentioned in our house. My husband will even send us articles he comes across in the WSJ or another credible source. Ha!
Elspeth says
I loved hearing about your family’s time in Nantucket! What wonderful memories and quality time together! It makes me want to take a trip there! Welcome home!
http://www.Elspethsdaybyday.com
Paula says
Sounds like your summer was a sweet & memorable one. Thank you for sharing.
Whitney says
Hi, Shay! I always love the blog, but it was extra fun keeping up with your island adventure this summer. I was wondering if you would share what you did to close/open each house? I guess some things are obvious. I’m just wondering if you have tips as to what makes coming or going easier for you and your family!
Mix and Match Mama says
I think I am going to do a post on this! I’ve had several people ask. Stay tuned!
Arika says
I would love this too! For some reason I really love posts about logistics – how you managed the trip home with the kids, deciding what to take/leave, the pups, all the little details! So glad your family had such a special summer.
Kerri says
Thank you for all the ACK content! Massachusetts resident here, and it was so fun to read your posts about such a special place here! Been to many of the places you wrote about but always fun to hear anything new! I make notes when I read Elin Hildebrand books about places to try next time on island, and now I have more!
Carrie says
Thank you for sharing your Nantucket summer with us! I truly loved going along. I can’t believe you are already back in TX. Didn’t you just leave for Nantucket like last week?! So many good thoughts and prayers for your family as you head into this next season.
Beth Knecht says
So glad you guys found your place and enjoyed your first summer there! Are the kids already asking to go back or do you think it will take them some time after the school year starts?
Mix and Match Mama says
I think the fact that we now live on the sun has made them all wishing they were back for a bit. They’ve jumped right back in with their friends but seriously, it’s SO HOT here right now, so they have been fussing a bit about not being able to go outside as much. I think it’s a good mix of happy to be home but happy to go back eventually too.
Jennibell says
This was such a terrific post! Thank YOU for sharing your summer with us! It seems like it flew by. Those intentional and surprise moments are seeds that will grow into strong plants, I’m sure.
Kelly M Sites says
Welcome home. Such a sweet post. We should all reflect on the fun and hard and laughing times of our summer. I’d love to see a post of how you organize your prayer lists. I have a journal that I keep track of ALL the prayer needs. If someone asks me to pray, I write it down, so I can follow up, and keep praying. I just move things forward if they are not “resolved”. I have lists with my kids’ names and what I pray for. It keeps me organized. But I’d love to see how you keep it organized and stay on top of it all. So many prayer needs in the world and in our circles of family and friends.
Mix and Match Mama says
Yours sounds very much like mine. I have pages dedicated to just blog readers’ prayer requests, pages for family, friends, I have three pages just for people battling cancer…and then pages for my kids. It’s a hodgepodge but kind of organized like that.
Erika Slaughter says
We’re so glad you’re BACK!
Kathy says
So glad you had such wonderful family time. What a great adventure to do this together!
Jacqueline Reed says
What kind of bike did you use/are you going to buy??
Mix and Match Mama says
I really don’t know, but I want one with a basket this time 🙂 .
Joyce says
I really enjoyed reading your reflections on your Nantucket summer. But I’m responding to maybe help you on a bike decision. I rented a bike last year on Nantucket from Young’s and they happened to give me a basic Electra Townie 7D with flat-foot technology. I biked 24 miles on that bike from the wharf all the way to ‘sconset and back. I so loved it I came back home to northern MA and bought one immediately. But before I left Nantucket, I also bought a Nantucket bike basket at Young’s. I could’ve gotten it slightly cheaper online but I loved it so much I impulsively just bought it when I returned the bike. This year, I also bought the electric Electra Townie. I probably would’ve just bought that if I’d done my research beforehand cause even if I turn off the electric motor, it’s still light enough to use if I want more exercise. I’m still finding a good time to bring it to the island for some good biking. Nantucket is my favorite spot for bike rides although since I don’t own a place there, it’s just the occasional weekend trip for me.
Pamela says
I have LOVED you sharing your summer with us. Thank you for not taking summer off but instead bringing all of us along with your blog. I pray your kids have a fantastic school year!
Sarah M. says
I loved reading this, so nice you found some good habits you can bring home with you. I love biking and going to the library too!
This is just our halfway point of summer and not ready for it to end, but I love back to school time!
Brooke says
Thank you for sharing! We went to Nantucket this summer and loved it; hope to go back next year.
What kinda of bike do you like? There are many options so curious to know what is good.
Mix and Match Mama says
I have a very basic bike…I can’t even think of who makes it. I just need one that’s sturdy enough for a few curbs and such. This next time, I want a basket on my bike though!
Kristin Lyngaas says
I love those “basic” bikes. Nothing fancy but cute enough to ride. 🌻A basket would be the best!
Sharon S says
I got the greatest “cruiser” from Bike Mart in Richardson with a basket. I feel like they used to have a Frisco location? It’s like the bikes in Seaside so I’m guessing like the ones in Nantucket too. I love it for cruising around with my kids! My husband got one too, but we lent it to someone and forgot to who and haven’t gotten it back – boo!
Joyce says
A basket is just a bike accessory. You don’t need to buy a bike with it. Just add it on to your existing bike. Just make sure it fits.
Mix and Match Mama says
Totally! That’s just the only thing I’m thinking about this go around. Ha! I need to add one to my bike on Nantucket too.
Lisa D says
What a great list! You and your family certainly experienced a “one-of-a-kind” summer. I especially love #12, the library. I LOVE my local library, I have a stack of library books ready to read and can’t say enough about it.
It’s hard to consider that a new school year is now here! These are such sweet and precious days (and bittersweet too).
Angela says
Great recap! Growing up my grandparents were “snow birds” and would fly south every winter to avoid the cold winters in Canada. We need a fun name for flying north in the summer to beat the heat! I hope you can get back for its pretty fall!
Amelia says
I have LOVED following along with your Nantucket summer. I live on island year round and just had our first baby in May so haven’t been to the beach (or out of the house) a whole lot- so it was fun seeing your stories on IG and reading along your blog every day. Thank you for sharing so many parts! It was a beautiful summer!
Laurice says
Thank you for all your knowledge and tips about Nantucket! We are leaving today from a magical weekend here and I cannot tell you how many times we referred to your posts! I told my husband “my friend Shay said to do this…”! Ha! I can see how why you love it here- cannot wait to come bACK! ❤️
Mix and Match Mama says
I’ve said this before, but that is always the ULTIMATE COMPLIMENT!!! Thank you so much for calling me a friend. I feel like you are all my friends too! xx
Jessica Belanger says
Welcome back to blog world! It was a long week without you! 🙂 I’ve enjoyed your Nantucket content so much, thank you for sharing all the fun details of your home, the yummy food and giving us an extra post on Saturdays!
Melissa says
Giggling about the T Swift part…because ditto on all of it! What a fantastic summer experience for all of you!
Vicky says
What an upbeat post! This was so so lovely to read!
Kristin Lyngaas says
Thank you Shay for sharing your family life with us. I’m actually happy you just barely skimmed the surface for us, because it meant you were present for your family. We all love reading and looking at pictures, but we all know your family and family time is more important to you than anything. As it should be. As a mom of two young men 20 and 21, I remember those summers of doing nothing. It’s the best. Prayers for all of you as you head into a new school year. God bless all of you. 🙏💙
Anna says
This was a really nice post & I enjoyed reading it. What I actually appreciate the most is that you mentioned that there were some ‘terrible moments’. You are a very positive, upbeat, glass half full kind of person which is wonderful, but sometimes when something is too shiny it feels like it can’t be real so I really appreciate the ‘keeping it real’ mentions. You have a beautiful life and I absolutely wish you nothing different but it’s nice to know that even within all that beauty sometimes your kids/husband/the world might make you want to scream like a crazy lady too😉 Thanks!
Mix and Match Mama says
Oh listen…if I could unload some of the terrible moments on the internet without upsetting said family, I would. Please know, I feel very fortunate to have my people, but sometimes, I can’t stand ’em at all 😉 .
Samantha says
Shay this comment made me lol! I loved reading your Nantucket posts this summer, what a wonderful summer for your family. The beach info, island info, restaurants, the pictures-it all made me put Nantucket on my vacation list! Thank you for sharing with us!
Sheaffer says
What a sweet summer y’all had. I look back on the several months we lived at the ranch (at the beginning of Covid) as my favorite time EVER. I’m sure you’ll look back on this summer in the same way. Such special memories.
Courtney says
Shay! Thank you for sharing your ACK adventures with us. You touched on it here, but it was so nice to see how often you unplugged, slowed down, and just enjoyed each day/week/moment with your family this summer. God knew you all needed this chapter in some way, shape or form. Praying for a smooth week as you transition back to TX life and school!
Kristen says
I loved my library growing up and I love mine now as an adult! I am there weekly! I have a 13 yr old and Taylor Swift was the talk of the town this year too! I was never a huge fan , but let me tell you after seeing her in concert I am now a Swiftie!!! I can’t get enough!
Kay says
Awww, I feel this post! Thank you for sharing. I am so glad you loved Nantucket and made memories that will last forever. MA really is a special place. One of the many! things I love most about ACK is all the smiles. I feel like wherever you pass strangers; biking, walking, on the beach, etc…people are just smiling. And I love seeing the big groups of families gathered on the beach at sunset. It’s truly amazing to see people putting down their phones and connecting with nature and family.
I love how you gave yourself permission to do a different version of you this Summer! I’m super type A and regimented as well and I’ve been allowing myself a bit of flexibility this summer too. Like you, I’ll go back to my normal (and earlier!) routine once school starts in Sept, but for now, it feels good to just let things go a touch.
Happy Back to School!
Annie says
What a blessed person you are to have a second home to escape to and build that family time! Count your blessings ❤️ glad you had a great summer!
Joanne says
That sounds like a fun and fabulous summer for sure.
Ramona Puckett says
Thank you for the great recap of y’all’s summer! You have made special summer memories your family will never forget ❤️
MelanieL says
Well I moved my freshman into her college dorm yesterday and my HS senior started last week…thought I’d be fine today and now here I am a crying mess again. This list reminds me of our week we spend in St. Augustine each summer (19 years now!) as a family of four. Everything, even down to this being your Swifty summer hits home for me. Memories, foods, popular songs, all the closeness and laughter and of course the terrible times too. It is a treasure, a timeline of a life well lived, to hopefully remember forever and for it to have no end. Loved this post, thank you for sharing. Thinking of you as K enters high school. 🙂
Laura says
Beautiful post! I’m glad you had a memorable summer. We have too. Now I have a kids going into 2nd, 8th, and 11th grade (plus a 7month old baby) heading into another school year and I’m so excited for FALL!
Mix and Match Mama says
You are covering all forms of parenting at once, friend!
Robin says
It has been a JOY to follow along this summer!!!! Also, happy to be back to regular programming but what a sweet post and sweet summer. Thanks for taking us along, as always!❤️
*T. Swift been the talk of our summer, also😂 even my hubby reports anything new/newsworthy 😉
Anne Seiler says
Nantucket is on my bucket list!
How are your nails? Did you go back to powder? What color was that?
Mix and Match Mama says
They’re fabulous! I came home and went back to the dip (I’m too Type-A not to have my nails looking good), but honestly, they were in great shape underneath the dip (which has been on since post-quarantine). I think it’s the Nutrafol I’m taking that really helped with nail strength. I have them currently dipped in just white.
Anne Seiler says
Thank you! I’ve had dip on for 2 years and took it off about 6 weeks ago my nails were so thin. Went with gel this week, hoping to get back to dip. I’ll try the nutrafol!!!
Katie Stewart says
Ahh. Number 5.
That’s the magic. ❤️✨
Sounds like Nantucket is right where you were meant to be this summer.
sandi says
That was such a fun post to read! Taylor Swift has been a thing in our house this summer too. The 20 year old boy is over it, but the three girls play her on repeat. Her songs were okay, but they have taken on a different meaning this summer and I kind of like her now.
After we get the college kids back on campus, we are traveling with our youngest to Niagara Falls then on to Denver in an RV. I have been scouring the internet on advice for shutting down a house for an extended period of time. Turning off the water, putting lights on timers, you know the standard list is great, but someone mentioned putting zip lock bags of water over the drains to keep the gas smell from coming back up into the house from lack of use. Is that a thing? So yes, a post about shutting down your Texas house would be of interest.
So glad your summer was the best ever. Great memories for your family!
Lindsay says
I have really enjoyed following along this summer! It may sound cheesy but you are such an inspiration. I’ve already told my husband this kind of uninterrupted family time is something we need to make happen for our family. I really love the way you and your husband live life. Thank you for sharing!
Mix and Match Mama says
Well this is just too nice for words. Thank you so much, Lindsay. xx
Sue Jones says
Love this post so much. It’s definitely on my bucket list to make a trip to Nantucket with my daughter. I have so enjoyed reading about your adventures there.
I do have a TV show recommendation…..have you watched Suits? We are binge watching it now and it is so good. I think you would love it.
Brittany says
I so enjoyed reading this! I could feel your peace shining through your words. You make me want to visit Nantucket! 🙂 We just drove from NC to Maine and back, so perhaps on the next road trip. Hope you’re adjusting well now that you’re back! 🙂
Julie Roersma says
Glad you guys had such a wonderful summer! Were all the dogs able to fly home with you?
Mix and Match Mama says
We decided to use the same ladies again! Frenchie flew back with us and the other two dogs drove home with them (and a turtle they picked up in Boston!). Flying out of ACK, they only had room for two of our dogs, so we decided to let them drive again. They arrived home within 15 minutes of us on Thursday night.
Liz Lind says
We also have a Swiftie. My husband will find that he has a Swift song stuck in his head all day. Runaway car was his last one. It’s definitely something to remember.
Dana Jackson says
Thank you for taking us along on your Nantucket family adventures!! Loved watching and loved how your happiness came through on videos, posts and pics!! Thanks also for being honest that there were terrible times too…we all have them and can relate!! Welcome back to our great state of Texas! ! Try not to melt in this Texas heat it is BRUTAL…so ready for rain and Fall weather!!
Sally Lockwood says
Loved your summer in Nantucket. Being a foodie I really loved all the food and pictures of what you all ate all summer. So envious and I am still wondering if you found a source you could order fresh seafood from Nantucket to your door in McKinney….. so you could enjoy all of the seafood when you want??? That info would just be the ultimate to be able to know where to order and know that it is clean and healthy for you back here in Texas. I hope you have a source for us 😘
Emily says
Love this! Thanks for sharing! Do you have a specific prayer journal or do you just use a regular spiral bound journal?
Mix and Match Mama says
I use just a regular spiral notebook!
Elisabeth Hogue says
Please share some of the movies you enjoyed with your teens! Sounds like it was an idyllic summer!
Mix and Match Mama says
I need to make a list! The first thing I think of when I think of what we watched at night was The Office. My teens are very into that show right now which is totally fine with me because I love it too!
Sharon says
If you like The Office, I think you would like a new show on Amazon Prime called Jury Duty. It is just 8 episodes and chronicles the inner workings of an American jury trial through the eyes of juror Ronald Gladden, who doesn’t realize that everyone except him is an actor. It is very funny.
Andrea says
I really enjoyed all of your Nantucket posts! thanks so much for sharing.
Andi says
I personally like the porta potty tidbit. Keeping it real. It can’t be like Hawaii where there are few (porta potties) due to the cold weather months – pipes would probably burst with permanent outside restrooms. I am guessing Martha’s Vineyard is the same?
Mix and Match Mama says
I’ve only been to one beach on MV, and as I recall, it too had porta potties!
Amy Heinl says
Thank you for sharing your summer with us. It was so fun tagging along. The two words that always came to my mind when you posted from there was joy and happiness. Every single one of you just radiate joy and happiness….it was palpable from the pictures and clips. Everyone seemed to find their little piece of internal happiness there and all of your faces just seemed so relaxed…like you took deep breaths in and let that ocean air permeate your souls. So very glad for all of you and hopefully there will be many more treasured times on the island. Noone will ever ever forget their first summer on the island…you built a lifetime treasured memory.
Marla says
Oh Shay i have loved following every minute of your summer so thank you for sharing and also for keeping things real:) I am praying the transition back home and the start of school goes well. Also, that means PUMPKINS!
Is the Nutrafol you mentioned a hair supplemet or is there one specifically for nails ?
Thanks Shay!
Mix and Match Mama says
It’s for both! I think my skin, nails and hair have all benefited TREMENDOUSLY! And yes ma’am…PUMPKINS!!!
Marla says
Thank you Shay!
LindaP says
Thank you so much for taking us along! I get a work sabbatical next year and a road trip to Nantucket is on my list for next Fall. Selfishly hoping you make your way there this fall to see what the island has to offer outside of summer.
Carrie jackson says
My family bought a second home in Florida nine years ago when my two girls were seven and eleven. We also live in McKinney so it’s a haul to make it to our home but soooo worth it!! It was the BEST decision we have ever made for our family. We have made so many amazing memories together through the years and we continue to love our home and community there more and more each year. Such a blessing to be able to share our home with family and friends..we love it!! I don’t see you selling your home in Nantucket anytime soon!
Barb says
Thank you for sharing your Nantucket summer
with us. You will treasure your family memories
for a lifetime.
It is so good to be home after you have been gone a while.
Blessings on you all.
Faith says
Sounds like a perfect summer. I now want to plan a trip to Nantucket! Thanks for sharing all of your adventures.
Erin says
We’re about to head back to school here, too. Reading this has me thinking back over our summer and reflecting on everything. It’s a really bittersweet time of year because, by next summer, my kids will be another year older. My momma heart usually aches a little around this season. I thank God that He’s faithful to me in every season.
Amy Azza says
Oh Shay, thank you for always sharing your heart and your incredible family with us and as a Massachusetts resident I am so glad you loved Nantucket! Your posts always speak to me and this post especially spoke to me when you said this was your best summer with your family. I feel that way too. this has been my very best summer with my family. We drop off our oldest daughter at college in a few weeks and that has made this summer so much sweeter knowing that her life and life as we know it is about to change. We took alll the trips and enjoyed quiet time together too. I will look back on this summer with so much love.. I wish I could keep my babies little forever but they continue to grow and amaze me.. and I’m just glad that this summer we took some time to be together and focus on our four family..
Mix and Match Mama says
Oh Amy, I wish I could hug you! Sending you so much love as your family starts this next chapter. xx
Lynn. T says
What a great post. I really missed you last week, but enjoyed reading all of your content this summer from Nantucket. I look forward to my mornings or lunch time(I’m back to work this week too) reading your blog. I hope the first days of school are awesome!
Morgan Winters says
It was an absolute JOY following along with your summer adventures in Nantucket!! I would love to see your fish recipes!! I am always trying to find ways to fit it into our menu planning- thanks!
Denise says
Welcome home! I have loved your blog this summer. Family time is the best time!
Alison says
Thank you for sharing, Shay! I have loved going on this journey with you and your family!!
Jen says
What a wonderful roundup! Thanks for bringing us along!
Laura Stevenson says
I 1000% enjoyed living your Nantucket summer from hot as HADES Houston. Thank you for the vicarious adventure! What a life you guys live 🙂
Leigh says
I looked forward to your blog every day this summer. I love what you did with your Nantucket house. Sadly, the completist in me kept waiting to see the two bathrooms! Do you plan to do a post on those as well?
Mix and Match Mama says
I’ll have to take pics and share those on a future trip up there. I ran out of time. How is that possible?!
Lisa says
I have 3 daughters so I know those in-depth Swiftie song conversations well! And, I don’t mind a bit!
I truly enjoyed following along with your island life this summer and I hope there are many more visits to ACK to come! Thank you for a summer of great content! ☀️🌊