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I'm Shay! I’m a cookbook author, lifestyle blogger, travel agency owner, wife and mama who loves making every day special for my family.

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Kensington ·

Kensington is 18!

70 Comments

And just like that…

…today, this sweet baby girl is EIGHTEEN YEARS OLD!

Goodness, that went by incredibly fast.

I know everyone says “the days are long but the years are short”…but it’s because IT’S SO TRUE!

In honor of her 18th birthday, here’s a little look back at all of the special years we’ve spent with our Kensington Kate…

Eighteen years old?!

Oh my goodness, we love her so much.

We laugh all the time because Kensington is the entirety of both her parents’ big personalities shoved into one person.

She’s super quick and witty.

She’s crazy loyal.

She loves her dogs big.

She’s fiercely independent.

She’s tough.

She’s smart.

She is no nonsense.

She’s silly.

She’s sentimental.

She’s oh so funny.

Kensington loves anything seasonal.  She loves a cozy, tidy bedroom.  She likes to binge watch her favorite shows and movies on repeat (but only in the correct ‘season’…right now, she’s re-watching Gilmore Girls for the millionth time).  She loves Taco Bell, shopping, the beach, four solid seasons, anything sweet, and a good nap.

Kensington loves teaching the littles each week in Sunday school.  She absolutely loves to travel and always prefers experiences to gifts.

She is our chattiest of children and every single day, the first thing she does when she gets home from school is come into my office to sit down in my big chair and share all about her day.  I am fully confident that she is going to THRIVE next year in college.  This girl has big plans, and I have all the faith that she will see them through.

It has been a joy, a privilege, and the MOST FUN raising this firecracker.  We are going to miss her BIG BIG BIG when she heads to college, but are also so very excited to see this next chapter of her life unfold.

We love you so very much, Kensington Kate!  Happy 18th birthday to the girl that made us parents. xx

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Comments

  2. Debbie Hibbert says

    Happy Birthday, Kensington!💕🎂🗼🎉 Thank you for letting your mom share bits/pieces of your life with all of us (I’ve been following since just before you started kindergarten). I know the future is bright for you, beautiful girl!

    Reply

  5. Dawn Timmons says

    Wow! What a beautiful post and what beautiful pictures! As your blog readers, we have “watched” her grow up through your posts and pictures over the years. What an amazing young lady she has grown up to be. Happy Birthday to Kensington! We look forward to hearing what new chapters unfold. Enjoy your day of celebrating.

    Reply

  6. Beth Knecht says

    Aw! Happy Birthday, Kensington!
    I remember you posting when she was just going to kindergarten and now she is 18!!
    It’s so sweet and maybe out of the ordinary to watch her grow up on this blog. I said a prayer this morning for her as I was walking to my classroom. I hope she has the best day turning 18! I’d give you some tissues if I were in Texas. Give her a big squeeze and enjoy every moment!

    Reply

  9. Katie Compton says

    Oh! Happy birthday, to your beautiful girl!! She sounds exactly like my one and only who turned 19 this summer. We just spent the weekend visiting her and her roomies in their new house at college and I was just in awe of this new little world she’s created.

    I agree… Kensington will THRIVE in her next chapter of life!! Be prepared for your love and pride for her to grow even more than you could imagine! ❤️ Tell her all her internet aunties wish her a wonderful birthday!!

    Reply

  11. Carol Woodrow says

    Happy Birthday Kensington!! May you fall more in love with the Lord and see His faithfulness more each year ❤️🙏🏼 🎉

    Reply

  13. SS says

    Happy Birthday to the oldest of the Shull crew…what a great person to have lead the way for all.your siblings! Have a great day, fantastic senior year and big things in your future!

    Reply

  14. Katie Hahn says

    How?! I feel like it was just yesterday we watched her on LIVE television to see her walk down the aisle for her Uncle Sean and Aunt Catherine’s big day.. I have followed you since! Happy birthday Kensington! What a beautiful young woman!

    Reply

  18. Kim Miller says

    Happy 18th birthday to Kensington & happy birthing day! She is loved by so many and I know she means the world to my sweet girl!

    Enjoy the day!

    Reply

  21. Elizabeth L says

    Happy birthday to your sweet Kensington! 18 is a huge milestone! I cant believe I have been following here since she was like 5. Now its making me feel old haha. I cant wait to see where the next year takes her. I hope she has the best day!

    Reply

  23. Lee Ann Vicary says

    One of my best friends mother-in-laws told her daughter how beautiful she was ALL THE TIME. My friend finally told her daughter that she thought she was very pretty too but… Pretty opens the doors but what is in your brain and heart is what keeps you in the room. As we all can see Kensington is going to have all the doors open to her and thanks to God and her momma and daddy she will have the brains and the heart to stay as long as she wants as she find the right room for her. It’s my 67th today so Happy Birthday to a fellow Birthday Girl.

    Reply

  24. Heather Green says

    I feel like we watched her grow alongside all of you (long-term blog reader!). Happiest of Birthdays Kensington. May this next year be blessings upon blessings!

    Reply

  26. Ali Patterson says

    Happy Birthday to your girl! In that one pic with the pumpkins, she looks the way I picture your face when the pumpkins come out each Fall!

    Reply

  28. K.K. says

    Happy birthday, Kensington!! It has been so fun to see snippets into your life all these years!!! Wishing her a most wonderful 18!!!!

    Reply

  31. Faith says

    Happy birthday! Thanks for sharing her through the years. I know you are so proud and sounds like you and Andrew have done a wonderful job raising her.

    Reply

  32. Kristen says

    Wow! That went way to quick! I still remember her first day of Kindergarten !
    I have a jr now and love a post on college tours, senior year, etc!!! (of course w/out the personal info included)

    Reply

  34. Stacey Mahon says

    Happy birthday to Kensington! Thank you for sharing your family with us, it’s fun to see what all your kiddos are up to! Wishing her all the best in the rest of her senior year and her transition to college next year! ( it’s rough on mamas, even when you’re so excited for them! )

    Reply

  36. Paula Hobbs says

    Happy 18th Birthday, Kensington! You are a beautiful young lady. I hope you have the BEST Senior year. I’m sure God has big things in store for you!!

    Reply

  44. Jumi A says

    Happy 18th Birthday Kensington. Wishing you an amazing year ahead..I have been following this blog since you were itty bitty and it’s so awesome to have watched you grow into the beautiful young woman you are.

    Reply

  47. Kim DePalma says

    Happy Birthday!!! You are beautiful inside and out!!! The best is yet to come!!! Enjoy it all!! I love your gorgeous brown hair!!! Brunettes have fun too!!

    Reply

  48. Sarah Flores says

    Happy 18th Birthday to Kensington! What a beautiful personality she seems to have. Wishing her all the happiness today and always.

    Reply

  50. Tracy Robinson says

    Happy birthday to Kensington! I noticed a trend in her pictures over the years – lots of pumpkins! Guess the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree 🙂

    Reply

  51. Sarah Shaneyfelt says

    Happy 18th Birthday, Kensington!! This is such an exciting time in your life! Praying for the Lord’s guidance over your life!

    Reply

  52. Carol says

    HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! Kensington. Have the BEST day! Guess what taco place is across the street and within less than 5 minutes to get to? I can actually see it from my house. Yes, I go there way more than I probably should. But, hey as my Aunt has always told me—A girl has to do what a girl has to do. Obviously, that is good advice because she just tuned 81 and and you would never guess it. Enjoy Your Day!!

    Reply

  53. Paula says

    Such sweet pictures and precious memories of Kensington!
    Today is MY birthday too!
    It’s a great day and I pray that Kensington’s day is wonderful, as well!

    Reply

  54. Jess W says

    Happiest of birthdays to Kensington! I always remember her birthday because my youngest niece, Kacyn, was born the same day. She also turned 18 today…the years went incredibly fast!

    Reply

  56. Leslie S says

    Happy 18th birthday Kensington! I’ve followed since Ks kindergarten year, and wow does time fly. May God bless you and guide your footsteps as you chase your dreams!

    Reply

  58. Karen in VA says

    What an absolutely gorgeous child and beautiful young lady. Happy birthday sweet Kensington! Follow your dreams….

    Reply

  62. Lisa says

    Happy Birthday to Kensington!! I’ve enjoyed watching her grow through the years. From a cutie pie little one to a gorgeous 18 year old! I’ve always loved your name and now I have an 8 year old granddaughter named Kensington!! 💝🎂🎈🎉🥳🎁

    Reply

  63. Erica says

    Happy 18th Birthday, Kensington (from Illinois)! Been following along since Sean’s bachelor days. Loved “watching” you grow up-my daughter turns 18 next week too. It’s bittersweet isn’t it Shay?! You’ve raised a beautiful girl. Many blessings in the future!

    Reply

  64. Angela says

    Happy Birthday Kensington!!!!! We have loved watching you grow up into an incredibly beautiful and talented young lady!! Keep loving the Lord and shining so bright!! 🌟🥳🎂💝

    Reply

  65. Debra says

    Happy birthday to Kensington! She really radiates joy in all of her pictures throughout the year – such a beautiful, joyful young lady.

    Reply

  67. Laura Fuller says

    How is it possible that ‘our’ baby is 18?! Watching her grow up has been so fun. Thank you for sharing her with us.

    Reply

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