Happy Monday, friends!
I hope you all had the best holiday weekend. We had teenage friends at our house last week and another friend coming today. It has been so much fun having sweet kiddos here with our family.
We just had the very best July 4th with our kids. I don’t know if it’s me getting sentimental in my old age or the fact that my kids are getting older and the years are getting much much shorter, but I just love these days with my family. When we were sitting there watching the fireworks at the end of the day, I was trying to soak it all up while also trying not to cry my eyes out. Sometimes you just realize you’re living the best days of your life. These are the days I imagine I’ll be thinking about the most when I’m very old and gray.
This world can be so dark and so sad and so heavy. My heart has been absolutely broken for so many these last few days back home in Texas.
I’m thankful we can come here for lightness in the dark.
If you feel led, the Kerr County Flood Relief Fund and the Hill Country Chapter of the Red Cross are two places where you could donate today.
Grateful for you all.
Here’s a little look at last week…
Lunch (or dinner!) at Brant Point Grill is always a good idea. Best views on the island!
A bunch of teens and parents at the brewery for live music and snacks!
Awwww, I love him 🙂
Our very very sweet friends came to stay on Nantucket for the week and…
…it was the famous Dr. Riegel and his wife Lisa 🙂 . As you know, WE LOVE THE RIEGELS! We had dinner with them one night last week and all of the kids came by to say hi. Dr. Riegel delivered two Shulls and three Slaughter kiddos. Isn’t that so much fun?!
A summer evening on Nantucket.
On the morning of July 4th, I went for a run and then stopped and took some pics from around town…
I stopped at The Hub for iced coffee and then…
…strolled through the July 4th market before walking home.
Once I returned home, I showered and got everyone ready and then…
…we headed down to the marina.
The weather could not have been more amazing for a July 4th.
We met 23 years ago on July 4th 🙂 .
We arrived at the marina and hopped on the boat we had chartered for the afternoon…
Happy happy girl!
One of the best parts of being on a boat is seeing all of the other boats…
…everything was extra extra festive!
For the third year, we used Sweet Yacht Charters and LOVED our day at sea!
July 4th with my very favorite people.
And…
…a bonus friend 🙂 .
James is one of Smith’s besties, and we loved having him and Nixon stay with us last week (Nix had to go home the day before).
Boat day pics…
It was a wonderful afternoon!
We headed home after our day on the water, showered, got dinner together (we grilled out at home)…
…Kensington made a cake (and Mades posed with it), and we dinner outside on the patio.
After dinner, we had friends (who are neighbors) come over and we all headed out to watch the fireworks together…
…at Steps Beach.
When you’re living in an Elin Hilderbrand novel 🙂 .
We wrapped up our day watching fireworks from the beach…
…and that’s a little look at our holiday.
I hope you had a wonderful holiday weekend too! I missed hanging out with you last week. I am very excited to be back with you today. I will see all of you back here tomorrow! xx
Elspeth Mizner says
What great memories!
Thanks for sharing!
http://www.elspethsdaybyday.com
Katrina Goodman says
I love this life for you all! Looked like a great holiday.
Kim M Letteer says
Sweet Pictures. I’m not sure how I noticed this, but it stands out that James looks so happy, even with standing on his tiptoes to be close to your Smith’s height. What’s the height difference?
Mix and Match Mama says
I don’t know? I would guess those two are pretty close in height.
Cara says
After all those years and you are no longer sea sick! Wondering if you could share what changed…I know those of us who do get sea sick would love to know how you kicked it
Mix and Match Mama says
I really think it’s because I’ve really worked on it. I am very aware of what causes it and what prevents it (for me!). I did a post on it! https://mixandmatchmama.com/2025/04/shays-ways-motion-sickness/
Paula Hobbs says
Praying without ceasing for our sweet Texas families. It’s truly heartbreaking. Your 4th of July is light in the dark. Thank you for sharing!
Lisa D says
What an awesome holiday, and wonderful memories too!
Jess W says
So glad you had a wonderful 4th. I had a really wonderful holiday as well. I found myself feeling guilty that I was having such a great time with friends and family knowing there was so much devastation in Texas and lives being completely changed in an instant. Thank you for posting the places to donate, I just made a donation this morning.
Amy says
This post made me so emotional (dang you menopause)! Praying for all those affected by the Texas floods, so devastating. I absolutely love seeing and hearing about the friends and family that you share your special place with! We hardly get to see Smith, which is perfectly fine, and to see the big smiles of him and a friend.
Love the relationship you have with Dr. Reigel!
Laci says
Looks like a magical July 4!
Ashley says
Looks like you all had a beautiful 4th of July!! I love Kennsington’s cake, it is so pretty and festive!
Wishing you an amazing week ahead, Shay! 🙂
Make Life Marvelous
K.K. says
It’s so good to see all of your pictures from the weekend. 🙂 Happy Fourth, Shulls!
It’s a heavy weekend and day in Texas. Even though there’s not easy answers as to why things could’ve turned out differently, I felt the comfort of the Lord in church yesterday. Isn’t it interesting how He meets us where we are? Peace that surpasses understanding.
Donna Mason says
Shay your holiday weekend looked AMAZING. So happy for all of you!!!!! May I ask where you got your red tank and red bikini from?
Mix and Match Mama says
Oh my gosh, my tank is currently only $12 and comes in so many other colors. It’s here: https://shopstyle.it/l/csfrG
My bikini top is from the brand Becca at Nordstrom but not new
Donna Mason says
Thank you Shay.
Ashley R says
Love looking at all your pics. You (and Elin, of course) have definitely inspired a trip for our family to come visit the island someday. I would assume this is a busy time of year, but at times it seems like your pics of the local spots aren’t super crowded with people. Is this the busy season, or are you just that good at capturing pictures? LOL. (Also still shocked that K has passed you in height! I’ve been following you for so long, it’s just crazy to see them growing up!)
Mix and Match Mama says
Those Shull kids are TALL! Ashby is only about three inches below me. She’ll be bigger than me in no time soon too. This last week is the BUSIEST of the entire year. There are certainly pockets that are busier than others and certain times of the day. “Day trippers” come in the morning and leave around dinner, so in the evening and early morning hours, it is MUCH less crowded (which is when I took several of those pics). Day trippers don’t leave “town” either, so any time we venture out of town, it’s much less crowded.
Laura Holmes says
That looks like a perfect Fourth of July! I love your flag sweater with the embroidery. Can you provide a link? Thank you!
Mix and Match Mama says
Isn’t it so cute?! I bought it last year at a boutique on island called Blue Beetle 🙂 .
Kristen Hardison says
Looks like they have a similar version online from that same boutique!
Mary Jane McNeill says
In your batch of around town pics, that first one is of my favorite B&B, 76 Main. I can’t recommend it enough for those visiting the island. Great location and wonderful staff.
And right before you mentioned Elin Hilderbrand, I was just thinking the same thing! Enjoy this time with your kiddos…they will be grown in a flash.
samantha says
Wonderful 4th pics! And Thank you so much for posting the donation links. I was actually going to write to ask you for some guidance on places who could provide the most impact for my donation…you read my mind! I was glad to donate and keep these families close in prayer through this horrific time.
Alyssa J says
Kensington did a fantastic job on the cake! Looks like it’s ready for a Southern Living photo shoot!
Darcy says
Beautiful pictures! This post is getting me extra excited for our Boston/nantucket trip next June! Thank you for the wonderful inspiration and ideas!
Scarlett Spangler says
At some point, I’d love to see your idea of a weekend itinerary with the absolute must see’s and do’s on Nantucket! It’s on my bucket list of trips to take in the next few years with my family, so I’d definitely want to prioritize your recomendations for places to see, eat, visit the beach, etc 🙂 3-4 day stay would be ideal
Mix and Match Mama says
I can do that! Great post idea!
Martha Marino says
Thank you for the wonderful
Nantucket posts.. they always make my day!!
Amy says
I love the picture of Dr. Riegel! Thanks to your blog post over 5 years ago, I became a patient of his and feel better than ever! Thanks for all you do for your faithful blog readers. I look forward to your post every morning. ❤️
Mix and Match Mama says
YAY!!!! This makes me so happy! I feel better than ever too!
Leslie Wilcox says
What a great way to celebrate! Smith is bulking up like the hulk, lol. Can’t wait to watch him in college.
Amanda Wilson says
The sunset on the beach with fireworks it looks unbelievable!!
Heather says
Love how festive ACK is not only for the 4th but summer long. If only the whole country could get board and celebrate our great Nation!
Jess says
Question about the ferry to Nantucket. To take the Hy Speed, do you need reservations ahead of time? If so, how far ahead should we book? Thanks for your help!!
Mix and Match Mama says
Yes, especially this time of year. I would book it as soon as you know when you want to cross over. They’re very flexible with changing the tickets if you change your mind (they’re great at refunds too!).
Jodi says
Hi, where brand are kensingtons sunglasses? Do you have A link?
Mix and Match Mama says
Those are {I believe} from Polo. I don’t think they’re new though.
Deb says
The Texas floods are so sad – I can’t imagine what these families are going through and just keep praying for peace for everyone. Thank you for providing donation information. I know a lot of support, both financial and otherwise will be needed to get people through this terrible time.
Susan Jeffries says
Great memories! We love July 4 weekend!! I am wondering if you would suggest traveling to Nantucket in the summer or fall? Thanks!
Mix and Match Mama says
I would suggest July through September. I don’t suggest the off season especially if it’s your first visit 🙂 .
Keisha Dawson says
What a wonderful holiday!!!
Karah Stracener says
It looks like y’all had a wonderful 4th of July weekend. We are loving our time here this week on Nantucket. I saw Ashby running around with friends downtown and it just made my heart so happy. I have prayed for her so much over the years any time you asked and it was such a surreal moment for me. I am glad yall having a great summer!!
Mix and Match Mama says
Oh my goodness, praying over my kids is the BEST thing you can do for my family. I am so happy you’re having fun! I wish I would have seen you myself. Have a wonderful summer!
Alisha says
What a magical view for fireworks!!!
Nova says
Oh what a beautiful post, Shay! Thank you for sharing. I was just telling my husband, we are what we consume including media! I’m so careful about what I allow into my mind and soul, and here you are saying you’re living in a Elin novel! EXACTLY! I like to say I live in a romance novel and have really been savoring these sweet days with my little one. You are an inspiration and light.
Amy Mahoney says
You are going to look back on your sweet sweet life with zero regrets and some very VERY fond memories! I love this for you and your family!
Sarah Pond says
I love seeing all of your blog posts/Instagram/Facebook stories about Nantucket! It makes me want to go one day – especially around the 4th of July! Glad to hear you guys had an amazing 4th on Nantucket!❤️🤍💙🎇
Kylie says
Hi! I’m bringing my husband to ACK for the first time in September! If we only have two full days, would you suggest trying to get out on the water/charter a boat?
Mix and Match Mama says
I wouldn’t. I think there is plenty to do on the island if you only have two days. Enjoy!