You guys, we arrived back in McKinney last night around 10:30 (I am typing this crazy late!). We are exhausted, a little sunburned, have mounds of dirty clothes and are certainly not ready for a Monday (but really thankful they don’t go back to school until Tuesday), but y’all…we had the BEST time!
Andrew and I just LOVE spending time away with our kids. Sure they bicker, fuss, argue and touch each other way too much, and it’s not always happy smiles and family fun, but the uninterrupted, focused, family time is our very favorite. We laughed and laughed and laughed, we shared loads of sweet moments, funny moments and moments we don’t get often enough in “normal life”. We only have three more spring breaks left now with four kids under our roof, and so I tried to really sit there and savor it all. My parenting advice to any new parent out there would be to spend the time. Whatever/however that looks like for your situation, I just don’t think you can spend too much time with your kids. I am so thankful we did it.
This trip was extra, extra special because not only did we celebrate spring break, but we were able to celebrate…
…TWENTY YEARS as husband and wife!
On March 13, 2024, we celebrated 20 years of marriage.
Andrew and I decided that celebrating this milestone anniversary with the four humans that have seen us work the hardest on our marriage was only fitting.
I am so very thankful for this guy right here. It has not been a perfect twenty years, but he’s shown up every day and tried his hardest and given me his best.
No one makes me laugh more than Andrew Shull.
No one frustrates the heck out of me more than Andrew Shull.
No one knows me better than Andrew Shull.
No one fights for our marriage more than Andrew Shull.
There is no one I’d rather be married to more than Andrew Shull. I am just so blessed to be his wife. So very blessed.
What are we doing today to celebrate with you?
The week before Spring Break, we answered your Q&A questions and are sharing the video. It’s raw, it’s real, it’s silly…it’s us two on the patio answering your questions. I hope you enjoy!
I always love my time away with my family, but I’m always so thankful when I get to be back with YOU!
Enjoy the video! I’ll see you tomorrow! xx
Elspeth says
So glad you had a good trip! Happy Anniversary!
http://www.elspethsdaybyday.com
Beth Knecht says
We were just talking last night about how fast the years go with kids! We went from a baby to an almost 3 year old! We find ourselves obliging more and pushing dinner bag so we can swing and take a walk because the years are so short!
Dawn Timmons says
Happy 20th Anniversary! 💕
Welcome back from vacation!
Loved the video. So enjoyable to listen to this morning. Have a great day!
Marcy says
Love the q & a with Shay and Andrew !! Thanks for sharing
Peyton Cline says
Happy Anniversary!!! What a blessing and what an example you are setting for your kids!
Dana P says
I’m excited to watch the video, but first I wanted to say happy anniversary AND it’s our 20th year, too! Isn’t it kinda amazing that we’re to this point?! I remember looking at other marriages as newlyweds and thinking how loooong that seemed and here we are! We’re also dropping our third child off at college next month…you are wise to encourage parents to spend that time with their kids. I can’t believe it’s already been 18 years with her. And now I’m tearing up and really glad to go watch your video and not meditate on the sadness of sending her off! Happy unpacking and re-entry!!
Mix and Match Mama says
And Happy Anniversary to YOU too!!! What a blessing marriage can be?! Sending you so much love!
Sheaffer says
Happy Anniversary! Excited to watch the video later today!
Kelly M Sites says
Yay, this was a fun video to listen to while I started my work day at my office. My son is a construction management graduate (Michigan State). He loves his job. My husband and I had a long term relationship when we first met (he lived in Michigan, I lived in San Diego and was going to nursing school). We met on a cruise 🙂 Like you, this was BEFORE email and texts, so we wrote LONG LONG letters and racked up huge phone bills. We have been super happily married 30 years.
Mix and Match Mama says
Awwww Kelly, I loved reading this! I’ve “known” you for years, so this is extra special to know!
Holly Peterson says
Happy Anniversary!!! 20 years is quite the accomplishment and you two are a great example for all 4 of those kiddos.
Future post idea/suggestion… “if I were getting married this year – here’s what I would envision”. The dress, the decor, the hair/makeup, the boys’ outfits… everything. 🙂 Sounds fun and interesting!
Mix and Match Mama says
Love this idea!! Thank YOU for the suggestion, Holly!!!
Holly Peterson says
You’re welcome!! 🙂
Grace says
Happy Anniversary! 20 years!! Congratulations!
Natalie Lyles says
Oh my gosh y’all are so cute!!! So this is hilarious.. I am your dad and my hubby is your mom. When Andrew said your mom would call and say should I get this $500 pillow and your daddy says yes but will fret over a $10 shirt. That is me. I encouraged him to get that $7,000 watch but no I won’t buy that tshirt that is $10. I’m too cheap but when I do see something that I like and is expensive ($500 shoes per say) and mention “I like” he orders like that day SO I can’t do that bc now I have 2 pairs. I mean why do I need 2 pairs of same brand and very similar?! 🤣lol too funny !! Congratulation on 20 years!!!
Paula McKaughan says
Happy 20th Anniversary Andrew & Shay!! I always look forward to the A&S videos!!
Lyssy in the City says
Happy Anniversary!! So special to celebrate with your favorite people and doing your favorite activity, traveling 🙂 Cheers to 20 more!
K.K. says
Shay, happy happy 20th!! I love the big smile on your face of you at your wedding dancing!! I also laugh and think about how you shared you were thinking about chocolate covered strawberries… right?!! 🙂
I can’t wait to watch this video… ASAP. These are some of my very favorite content you have! Enjoy your Monday off.
Jen says
I’m giggling that you’re both giving the same sort-of-displeased expression in the freeze-frame of the video… ha!
Sarah Shaneyfelt says
Happy anniversary!!! Loved watching this video–it kept me company while I’m out on maternity leave a little early 🙂
MeetTheShaneyfelts
Ramona Puckett says
Happy Happy Anniversary! ❤️❤️
Arika says
Thanks for sharing a little bit of yourselves with us! You two are adorable and these videos are always so much fun.
Sara says
Happy Anniversary!! We just celebrated 25 in January and are in the same stage of life with kids…middle school and a freshman. Agh!!!! Totally agree on the middle school thing. They know EVERYTHING and we know nothing. 🙂 Even with that being said, every time I hear – only 3 more Spring Breaks – I want to curl up and cry. Y’all are great examples of a strong marriage and it’s so easy to see that y’all genuinely “like” each other. Cheers to many, many more!
Tiffani Moyer says
Welcome back! I’m so glad ya’ll had the best time. For the monthly book club, would it be possible to post the next book a few days prior to the 22nd so we have time to purchase it and can jump right in that month?
Mix and Match Mama says
I’m taking everything into consideration. Right now, I feel like a month should be plenty of time, but I’ll keep this in mind!
Jen Warchol says
Happy 20th Anniversary! How are any of us old enough to be married that long? I’ve got a few more years to go, but so crazy.
Jennifer Bethune says
Love the video. Happy 20 years! We have a split king, husband sleeps slightly elevated, I sleep flat…works great!
Shauni Lynch says
Loved this! For the mattress adjustments problem, have you considered getting two twin XLs and combining them to make a king? That way, the adjustment settings can be set differently for each one and both can get a good sleep. It works for us! 🙂
Mix and Match Mama says
It just arrived last week!!! It’s already changed our marriage! Bahahaha!
Kristen says
We have the XL twin adjustable too and it’s life changing!
Amy D. says
Happy anniversary to you and Andrew! Here’s to many, many, many more years of happiness, love, and adventures together. You are my favorite blogger and I was so honored to meet you at the Nashville Go Wild planner conference.
Mix and Match Mama says
That was SUCH a fun trip!!
Kristi Bluj says
I’ve listened to Cynthia Thurlow for about 6 months now. Haven’t made it through as many podcasts as you though!🥰 What podcasts does Andrew listen to?
Mix and Match Mama says
He’s *new* to the podcast thing, but I’m very excited he’s finally on board. Right now, I would say his favorite is Joe Rogan.
Katie says
I’m pretty sure that Joe Rogan has to be every mans first podcast listen, haha!
Stacey says
Always love these!
Bev byerly says
I loved your question and answer session. Happy 20th Anniversary!
Jillian vansickle says
Happy 20th anniversary shay and Andrew! 💍💍💍💍💍
Erika Slaughter says
SO fun! I’ll have to listen this week when I get time! Happy Anniversary!
Samantha Harris says
Happy anniversary! Loved listening to your chat on my afternoon walk. You guys are the cutest!
Amy Winter says
Go to Patagonia!! And Andrew, take Shay to Mauritius in South Africa!
Stacey says
OMG yes, Gordon Keith! The Ticket is the best. Am I on AM Radio? 🙂 (Love y’all!)
Mix and Match Mama says
We went to Ticket Stock three weeks ago and FAN GIRLED HARD!!!!!!
Cynthia Thurlow says
Happy anniversary! 20 years is a wonderful milestone!
Monica Beth says
Fun video! Best tequila you like? Thanks!
Mix and Match Mama says
I personally really like Casamigos Blanco.
Elizabeth Feldpausch says
Happy 20th Anniversary! Eleven years feels like an eternity 😆🥰
Where did y’all get your patio fans?? We need new ones! Thank you!
Mix and Match Mama says
I just lol! Some days are so much longer than the others 😉 . The fans are from lumens.com .
Patty says
Happy 20th! It really does go by in the blink of an eye, so I love that you’re savoring every moment. We’ll celebrate 40 years later this year and I’m shocked at how fast we got here. And while I adored having our girls at home, it brings me such joy to see them all flying beautifully as adults…all happily married. We have SO much fun whenever we’re able to be together. As for my guy…he’s still my best friend and people comment constantly about how we still act like we’re newlyweds. Wouldn’t trade him for anyone in the world. I know in my heart you and Andrew will be the same in 20+ years. “Ain’t love grand?”
Lyndsey says
Happy Anni! My hubby and I are 10 years behind y’all, which is crazy because I started reading your blog when we first got married! Could you consider doing a video like this with your parents?! I think that would be so fun to see y’all’s personalities together! xx
Mix and Match Mama says
Great idea, Lyndsey!!
Karah Stracener says
Happy 20th Anniversary to you two. I always love the Q&A!! Yall are the cutest and I am wishing you many more years of love and happiness.
Lynn V. says
Shay, I will go to South Africa with you 😆 I’m curious if you and Andrew would ever be willing to plan a “surprise” trip for one another? Our honeymoon location was a secret to me…my husband planned it and just told me what to pack. I didn’t know the location until we got to the airport! We’re talking about doing the same thing for our 40th & 50th birthdays ☺️
Mix and Match Mama says
We are not “surprise trip” people. I think we’re both too Type-A plus, we really like the planning and “thinking” about the trip almost as much as the trip.
Kacy M says
Happy anniversary!
Shawnna Griffin says
hey girl- I just loved the Q&A!! Y’all are the best!
Alison says
I just had the chance to sit down and watch your video. I always love these of the two of you, you are both such a joy to listen to! Four kids later, “I’m not sure parenting is for me.” 😂 Andrew nailed it. That’s an extraordinary response to parenting middle schoolers.
Michelle Okerlund says
You two are soooo fun! Happy Anniversary!
Barb says
Happy Wedding Anniversary and many more!!!