Good morning, friends!
I hope you all had a wonderful weekend 🙂 .
Yesterday, the kids, dogs and I made our way back to McKinney from Nantucket. Andrew closed up the house and is on his way back to Texas now.
Per usual, today, I have my look bACK on the Summer of 2025 🙂 .
Andrew and I always say that if we’re not just devastated to leave, we should sell immediately. Spoiler alert, we will not be selling any time soon.
The very best part about spending so much time away with our kids is spending so much time away with our kids. The hardest part about spending so much time away with our kids is spending so much time away with our kids 😉 .
We hate to play favorites because every summer has been similar and yet a little different, but this one was our favorite to date.
We went, we enjoyed and now we’re back home and excited about this upcoming school year and fall.
My heart is very full right now.
Alrighty…
…here is a little look bACK on the Summer of 2025…
This was the summer of teenagers! Not only did we gain our third teenager on Nantucket this summer, but so many sweet teens came to visit. It is always fun having guests come to Nantucket, but it was extra fun watching my kiddos host their friends. Andrew and I are just so thankful to the parents who allowed their kids spend time with us here over this summer. It was an extra sweet season because of those teens.
Speaking of teens, it was the summer of three drivers! What’s better than having two people drive everyone everywhere all summer? Having three people do it 🙂 .
Speaking of transportation…
This was the summer my kids learned to use the public transportation on island! My kids’ “local” friends showed them how to use The Wave (the bus system) and that became such a game changer. I loved how often and easily they could get to town, to beaches, to eat with their friends…they loved it! It made them all a little more independent and gave them all a bit more freedom.
This was the summer of The Bachelor! I’m not exactly sure how it happened but one night my kids started watching Uncle Sean’s season of The Bachelor for the very first time and well…they binge watched it quickly. All four of them were OBSESSED. Bahahaha! They had A LOT of commentary and much to The Bachelor’s chagrin, his cell phone number. They were cracking me up with their opinions and thoughts…and they didn’t mind sharing them with their uncle. I hadn’t rewatched the show since it aired, so it was a fun/awkward/entertaining/nostalgic way to spend the evenings with my kiddos.
This was also the summer of Duck Dynasty! Until this summer, our family had never really watched Duck Dynasty…we are now all very familiar with Phil, Si, Willie, Korie, Kay and the gang. I will never hear another Duck Dynasty reference again without thinking about this summer and my family.
This was the summer of allllllll the books. You guys, Ashby read over 20 books this summer. I’m not sure what happened, but overnight, this girl became a READER. Every chance she got, she was reading. She was reading way into the night (multiple times a sibling would come wake me up around 3:00 AM to say that Ashby was still up reading and needed to go to bed). She was reading early in the morning, at the beach, on the couch, in the evenings…if she wasn’t participating in an activity or hanging with her friends, she was reading.
This was the summer of sailing lessons! Smith did sailing lessons for several years, but this year, Ashby and Mades signed up. Ashby liked it, but Mades LOVED it. I’m always a fan of my kiddos learning a new skill. After a summer of sailing lessons, they’re constantly impressing me with their nautical vocabulary and specifics about boats. It has been so much fun watching them learn something new (and enjoy it!).
This was the summer Andrew and I founded a new business on Nantucket! Three years ago during our first full summer on Nantucket, we quickly realized that at its core, Nantucket is a small town that gets flooded with a lot of “outsiders” each year. We met so many hardworking “year arounders” that we wanted to do something to give back.
For the last two years, we have connected with a local school and given of our time and resources to help this one particular program. In doing that, we quickly learned how valuable it is for many full time residents to earn extra income during the summer months (when they can make more and save more for the off season).
Andrew and I started praying and brainstorming about what we could do to help without adding a lot more to our already full plates. We are both already the faces of our own businesses (which is amazing!), so for this one, we really just wanted it to be about locals and run by the locals. We considered many, many ideas until it became clear to us that God was leading us towards helping some of the medical professionals here on Nantucket.
Over the last year, we started partnering with many of the medical professionals at the local hospital and created a mobile IV company. There are only 12 beds in the local ER, and as you can imagine, over the summer, they are over-crowded. This mobile IV company not only frees up more space in the ER, but it gives the on island medical professionals that work with us additional income which is especially nice to make during the summer. We hired an on island physician at the hospital to work with us as the medical director we were off and running.
It’s been the summer of watching this little IV business grow and getting to know these amazing medical professionals. Andrew and I have enjoyed doing this so much that we are talking with another family about potentially starting yet another (unrelated) business next year. We love this island and these people so much and want to help and contribute however we can. These are wonderful people who work really hard to make life work year around on this little island 30 miles out to sea.
And finally, this summer has really been the summer of community. After three years, our little family has really found its place here. I always think about the movie Fever Pitch because Jimmy Fallon has his “summer family” at Fenway Park, and we have found our “summer family” on Nantucket. It has been such a blessing to really get to know and love so many that call this place home whether year around or for a season. We spent the last week saying our goodbyes and it was extra bittersweet this year because our community has evolved so much. An unexpected blessing for us has been finding community here over the summer season.
Summer 2025, you were EPIC! We are very very grateful.
Thank YOU for being a part of another summer on Nantucket with us. I am so blessed by each and every one of YOU! I was also extra extra blessed this summer because I met SO MANY of you. Thank YOU to everyone who said hello. It is always such a blessing to meet you guys in real life. I was honored to hug on so many of you this summer, meet your friends and family and put faces to names.
Okay, don’t forget, you can also read A LOOK bACK ON SUMMER 2023 and A LOOK bACK ON SUMMER 2024 too!
I hope you have the best, best Monday! I am SO excited about what’s to come this month here in my blog world. The Shull family has a super fun new school year ahead, and I’m excited to share it with you.
Thanks for being here every single day with me. Love to you all! xx
Jami Romano says
What a great summary of an awesome summer ◡̈
Elspeth Mizner says
What an incredible and fulfilling summer! Thank you for taking us along the way!
http://www.elspethsdaybyday.com
Emilee says
Always so thankful for your positive content about raising teens. I have a 6 and 2 year old and glad to see there can be so much goodness ahead ♥️
Mix and Match Mama says
SO MUCH! I have yet to be in a parenting stage that was “easy” but I’ve also yet to be in one that I just don’t ADORE. Enjoy your littles now but look forward to enjoying them in the future too. xx
Tara Holcomb says
I’d love a list of Ashby’s favorite reads! Finding books for preteens/ early teens has been difficult for our family.
Cris says
Yes! Me too!
Brandi says
I agree! Would LOVE Ashby’s reading list!!
Jade says
I second this! Our 10yr old has been flying through books this summer, would love any favs!
Erika Slaughter says
Looks like an EPIC summer!!
Debbie Hibbert says
I love this post, and hearing how involved you’ve been able to get with the Nantucket community. I know every day for you isn’t perfect, Shay, but I so appreciate your positivity. You always make me want to do my best and be my best self. Thank you!
Susan Jeffries says
What a blessed summer you all had! Here’s to a great school year!
Beth Knecht says
Wow! That’s amazing that not only have you given back each summer but you have founded a new business! Super cool!
Sarah Shaneyfelt says
What a fantastic summer!!! I love that y’all are thriving on Nantucket but I bet your McKinney friends will be so happy y’all are back! And congrats on your new business! I hope you do a wellness Wednesday post on it!
MeetTheShaneyfelts
Mix and Match Mama says
I went on a walk this morning with my dogs and guess who I bumped into? ERIKA! Made my morning 😉 .
Alysa Bodolus says
What an amazing summer!
I am always so impressed by you and Andrew and your business mentality.. and we only see the surface! I would love to learn more about your tips & tricks to run a business successfully. Maybe a future blog post 😉
Mandie Howard says
How did you find time to open a new business when you already have two?? That is crazy in an awesome way! You are just super mom!
Mix and Match Mama says
We had so much help from locals on Nantucket as well as a mobile IV business here in McKinney. The Texas business was SO SO HELPFUL which was an extra big blessing.
Paige E says
Thank you for taking the time to share your Nantucket summers as well as your TX time the rest of the year. I have loved getting to know Nantucket a bit through your posts. Your pictures are beautiful and your precious family seems so fun! Happy end of summer and blessings into the new school year!
Pam E. says
What a wonderful summer full of fun family memories! I’m sure Nantucket knows how fortunate they are that your sweet family chose them to make your second home! What a great business idea that will help so many people ! I hope you have the best Fall and school year with your kiddos! I can’t wait for cooler temps and Fall colors here in VA😊
Pamela G says
This was an amazing recap!!! I can feel your joy through your words!! Way to go Ashby for reading that many books…maybe she needs to do a book review post 😀
Mix and Match Mama says
GREAT IDEA!
Kelly says
Loved this recap. I DO NOT KNOW how you do so much. People always tell me I do a lot (and I do) by using my time wisely and being super organized. But you guys are next level. Great job making things happen there, and starting this amazing new business venture. How cool. Such a creative, out of the box idea and plan.
Mix and Match Mama says
Do not give us too much credit. We are a big hot mess 99% of the time 😉 . Thank you for your kind words. xx
Brooke Griffith says
I love the reciprocal blessing Nantucket has given your family and your family has given Nantucket! Amazing!!
Ashley says
It looks like it has been an amazing summer for you, Shay! I’m sure it’s hard to leave Nantucket, but hope that August treats all of you so well being back in McKinney and getting ready for back to school and all the soon-to-be fall things!
Elizabeth says
I have absolutely loved following along your summers on Nantucket, I cant believe its already come to an end! Looking forward to all the back to school and fall content to come!
Nicole says
What a great summer! What books did she love reading? I have an almost 13 year old daughter too!!
Mix and Match Mama says
Gosh, so many! I need her to make a list. She read a lot of YA series. I’m going to write this down and hopefully share as many as I can this week (maybe friday?)!
Tera Knepp says
We are headed some today from Nantucket! The weather this weekend was amazing! I thought we might run into you but maybe next time!
Mix and Match Mama says
I hope you had the BEST time! It was a gorgeous weekend.
Dawn Timmons says
Wow, Shay! What an awesome summer recap! Those are some impressive fish pictures of Smith too!! How are we already talking about “back to school?!? Time, please slow down! Congratulations on the new business adventure on Nantucket. When I “grow up” I want to be just like you and Andrew 😉…maximizing moments, prioritizing faith, family, fitness, food, & fun…all while keeping many occupational plates spinning!!! Thank you for sharing and inspiring me! I hope you all have the best start to the new school year. ❤️🙏🏻
Sue Jones says
I love this summer recap. Visiting Nantucket is on my bucket list. But reading your posts about your family staying there in the summer makes me want to go ASAP.
Elizabeth S says
Will your IV business continue in the off season? I know the community truly appreciates this new business.
Mix and Match Mama says
It will! We know it won’t be nearly as busy, but we are going to keep it up and running.
Yvonne says
Great recap! Thank you for taking us along on your Nantucket summer, I appreciate it! I was lucky enough to visit Nantucket this summer and was completely inspired by you and all your helpful content! My husband didn’t know much about Nantucket but went along because I wanted to go, we had the best time! It is a magical place, we will be bACK! Have a blessed school year with your kids!
Maddie Giamello says
This looks like the best summer!! What special moments! So random but last week, the sweet girl that does my spray tans was over at my house giving me a spray tan and noticed I had one of your cookbooks laying out. She asked if I knew Shay Shull and I said no I don’t know her but I love reading her blog! And she said she has given you a spray tan and said you’re so sweet, had French music playing in your house and you were cooking something that smelled really good! It made me giggle because that’s exactly how I imagine you based on your blog posts!! Good luck with back to school this week! xoxo!
Mix and Match Mama says
Oh my gosh, that is so funny! I am SO grateful for both of you ladies. What a blessing to connect like we do through the internet. Truly, thank you, thank you. xx
Sil says
Thank you so much for sharing! You are amazing!! I enjoy all of your posts very much and this summer recap was so wonderful and inspiring! Congrats on the new business! You are such a blessing to Nantucket! Have a great school year!
Valerie Potts says
It warmed my heart hearing about the business you started on Nantucket, that locals are running it and why you did it. I too live in a very small rural tourist based community and so appreciate the “part timers” who show how much they appreciate this beautiful place and what it takes to live here full time. Clearly you and Andrew also get it and care deeply for the people and the place.
Kelly Kirkland says
Your recap this morning was inspiring! Thank you for sharing with this community each day! Congrats to you and Andrew on your new venture! Here’s to a fabulous school year for everyone!
Erin says
What an amazing summer! And how fun to start a new business in your favorite place. Hoping to visit the island one day.
Karah Stracener says
WOW it looks yall had the best summer on Nantucket. I know it must be so bittersweet to leave, but also looking forward to the season ahead. Congrats on the new business venture. I would love a list of what books Ashby read and loved. My 13 year old is very much into YA and we are always looking for new books. She just started So This Is Love: A Twisted Tale by Elizabeth Lim. It is Cinderella’s story if she didn’t try on the glass slipper. There are several books and they are all based off of Disney movies.
Marisa Patel says
My goodness, I get exhausted reading about all that you are always doing HA! I cannot believe that the summer is over and school is starting next week. I have loved reading about your life on Nantucket and look forward to the McKinney school time posts. I have a senior and 7th grader this year so I am sure it will be a busy one.
Kacey says
What an awesome summer!! I LOVE how much you care about your community and giving back. I grew up in a household that prioritized giving back and it’s a huge part of my life still today. I just know how much of a positive impact its making on your kids. It’s so inspiring! <3
Mary says
Now Shay, I am a pediatric Nurse here in Atlanta and I could easily apply for reciprocity for my nursing license in Mass, just in case you need an extra hand for your IV business- I could sunbath and start IV’s on the beach 🙂 – sounds perfect:)
so glad you are helping the locals!!
have a great week!
Yolanda McLean says
Wow, what a great Summer! I am looking forward to Ashby’s book recap!
Congratulations on the business, it looks awesome.
Tamara R says
What a perfect summer! You have room for my tent in your backyard to stay with you all next summer right? 😂. I can visit all of those great restaurants and breweries you talk about and then call your mobile IV business. pahaha!
Hope your transition back home is seamless and that the kids have an amazing school year.
kim mcneil says
I love reading about your summers on Nantucket! I am embarrassed to say that I have lived in Massachusetts my entire life and have never visited the island 🙃. I am putting a visit on my to do list!!!
Mix and Match Mama says
Aren’t you blessed to call Massachusetts home?! xx
TGK says
Fun recap; especially loved hearing that your family watched Sean’s Bachelor season- how cute.
I saw Smith and the shark on your Instagram. Wild! Made me wonder- was he named after the beach? 🫶
Mix and Match Mama says
So fun, right? He was not named after that beach. Fun coincidence though, right?
Sharon says
We started duck dynasty last summer and it has been so fun for us to watch as a family! I honestly never understood the draw but now we do. Being originally from Louisiana in a city somewhat near them, I love how they basically live out the values I was raised with (besides Christian, not being a wuss, being manly, not being too yuppy/materialistic, treating everyone well regardless of social class, etc…) which they don’t get in DFW. Feel like my kids are getting some good perspective while we are being entertained.
Amy Grace says
Summer’s ending is so bittersweet!! Could you please share the link to Kensington’s off the shoulder white with blue seashell dress? It’s so cute!!
Mix and Match Mama says
She bought that at a store on Nantucket called Cattivo. 🙂
Kacey says
I was searching for it too, Amy! Found it here =) …https://shopcattivo.com/collections/midi-dresses-1/products/ocean-breeze-midi-dress
Jenny N says
Looks like y’all had an awesome summer! Thank you for sharing it with us and welcome back to Texas!!
Dana J says
What a great summer summary!! Loved following along on all the adventures!! Welcome back to Texas!
Lori R says
What a wonderful summer! Love your content.
Marianne says
Hi Shay! Nantucket sounds DREAMY though I was quite disturbed by an article I recently read about Nantucket’s workers, including teachers, police officers and firefighters, living in substandard housing and even in their cars on the beach. I am interested in hearing your thoughts. I’ve included a link to the article below.
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/07/11/realestate/nantucket-affordable-housing-homeless.html?unlocked_article_code=1.bk8.9iQ7.c-dgTz-7OjFl&smid=url-share
Mix and Match Mama says
My thoughts are that it’s a huge problem that doesn’t seem to have a great solution at this time. The housing crisis is in the paper every single week, so it’s always a topic of conversation. I’ve learned so much getting to know so many locals about how they “make it work”. For instance, one of my friends and her ex husband still live on the same property in two different houses because the property is family property and it’s in everyone’s best interest if they build a second home on the same plot of land instead of one of them moving away. The hospital provides housing but it’s limited to three consecutive months (so often, they move out of hospital housing for 9 months into a rental home and then back into it for three months and then so on). Many workers ferry back and forth each day from the main land. It’s a small island with a big problem.
Laura Holmes says
Looks like an amazing summer! We just returned from Nantucket yesterday also. I was bummed not to see you on the island. It’s such a small place, I thought I might have a chance to meet you! You’re so lucky to spend each summer there. My family had an amazing time and we made some great memories! Now, time to get ready for the college drop off!
Mix and Match Mama says
I am so sad we didn’t see you, Laura! I would have loved to have met you in person. I am so happy you had a wonderful time!
Kacy M says
What a summer! The kids watching Sean’s season of the Bachelor is hilarious.
Laura @ Our Grand Lives says
So many beautiful memories made this summer! You and your family always make me smile! The way you and Andrew prioritize family time, your work ethic, the way you seize moments are only a few ways you inspire us all, Shay!
Kristen says
Your entrepreneurial spirit is inspiring, Shay!! Love hearing about your summer and agree that there is nothing better than time spent as a family! Enjoy getting settled back in TX!
Dustie Day says
What an amazing summer, Shay! Thank you for sharing it with us.
Debra lowe says
I love this post – what a great summer and what an amazing example you are as an individual, a family leader, a community champion, and a business woman. You set a wonderful example for all of us.
Kristin Seifried says
Love the Nantucket summers!! Sounds so amazing. I have been wanting to ask how you do it with Smith playing football? My teens have football practice, conditioning, etc. all summer long!
Mix and Match Mama says
You guys must live in a different state. Texas public schools can’t practice football during the summer (because of the heat and because we take football so seriously that coaches would turn it into a crazy hard year around sport). Coaches are limited to how many days a year they can practice (so coaches can split that up differently), but after spring football, around here, the boys can’t practice again until school starts (and even at that, they had to wait several days before they could begin). The expectation with our coaches has always been to workout and come back ready to play. Smith always has been able to do that.