Memorial Day Fun!

We had such a fun Memorial Day weekend...and I forgot to take a lot of pictures!  I just hate when that happens.  It usually happens because we're having so much fun that I'm not thinking about documenting it.  Here's a recap...

1. On Friday, the 4 Shulls headed out for Mexican food (because that just makes sense on a Friday night), and then we went and bought the kids their first tennis rackets (because they're going to start tennis lessons this summer...we'll see how that goes...).  It was a fun and relaxing Friday night.

2. On Saturday, my parents came over and we furniture shopped for the new house.  Then we had breakfast for dinner...which is my favorite thing to do!

3. On Sunday after church, we headed to my parents' annual Memorial Day party.  I should have taken a gazillion photos (because it was so much fun!) but I totally forgot until I saw this at dinner...

...Smith sound asleep at the table.  I grabbed my camera and took a few photos.

A few years ago, we started a tradition where the Slaughter family joins us each year.  We always have so much fun!  Kensington and Ebby Lee swam their little hearts out!

Nixon was a jumping and swimming fool too!

Sweet Bowen and Erika!

 Paisley and me (she's not technically my niece...her dad is my cousin, but I call her one.  I love this girl!)

Smith woke up from the table...ate a few chips and then fell asleep again... but this time, on Papa Jay.  He swam hard and was exhausted!

On Monday, we tried swimming again but it was really overcast and kind of cool.  The kids napped during the day and we grilled steaks for dinner.  This week, we have swim lessons every day and are soaking up our first official week of summer.

If you missed Fifty Two Shades of Shay yesterday...it was on wedges!!  Woohoo!  Click here to get the scoop on my favorite footwear.

And this month, our Pin-spired Linky Party will be this Friday, May 31st!!  Get ready to link up!

And today in my kitchen...one of my very favorite lunch ideas!  Click here to check it out.

Happy Summer!

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Happy Birthday Papa Jay!

Happy Birthday Papa Jay!!

We love you!!!

As a side note: I went back three years worth of pictures to find my dad NOT wearing something Red Sox just so I wouldn't have to hear from my mom about "your dad always has to wear something Red Sox".  Other than the first two pictures from Kensington's birthday where he wore a striped shirt and a beret (not pictured but it was fabulous) and the one of he and Kensington in Hawaii, I couldn't find one.  My dad is nothing if not a die-hard Sox fan.

And yes, in case you were wondering...I did buy him something Red Sox for his birthday...my mom is just going to have to get over it. :)

Happy Birthday Dad!

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Brooke and a Book...

Well, well, well...I had a busy Saturday, how about you?  

First, we had our Saturday morning tradition of whole-wheat chocolate chip pancakes, then, Sheaffer and I had the privilege of meeting these awesome ladies...

 ...and then, I picked out light fixtures for the new house and ended the night with a double birthday party for my cousin Brooke and her hubby Austin.  It was such a great weekend!  (Especially, since the last 3 weekends consisted of us just boxing, packing and moving!)

 Brooke and Austin (and their niece Paisley)...Brooke's birthday was Saturday and Austin's is tomorrow.

 Brandon and Casey

 This is her look of disbelief when I told her she could not have jawbreakers...

Papa Jay and my boy

So...you probably figured out the Brooke part...but what about the book part???  Hmmm...it has to do with Big Mama's new book (the fabulous lady in the middle of the top picture!)...stay tuned and later this week, I'll let you know how you can win your own autographed copy.  It's the perfect book for a mom.

Have a great Monday!

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Smith's Surf Shop: Part 2

Part 2 of Smith's Surf Shop is the post about the actual guests :).  If you want to see the decor, check out Part 1.

Happy Birthday Smith!

Good thing he's not excited!

Sweet girl

Waiting on their guests (Smith was super excited to wear his swimsuit to his party :).

Papa Jay and Lovie saying hang loose!

Grandmother and Papaw

Me and my boy

Paisley and Brandon

What in the world?!  This is my 88 year old retired Marine, Southern Baptist preacher grandfather.  He decided to really come dressed for the occasion.  We are NOT a boring family!

Papa and my dad...Papa is ready for a swim.  He has the sunscreen down his nose and everything!

Smith and Uncle Seanie

Dad and me

I'm pretty sure he stayed this happy the entire day!

Kensington loves her Aunt Brooke!

Sean and our Mimi

Sean and the kiddos eating lunch...these three stick together!

About to open presents

He's so excited!

Eeeks!  It's over!  What a fun party!!

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Smith's Surf Shop: Part 1

On Saturday, we had Smith's Surf Shop at our house.  It was the perfect 3rd birthday party for our little man.  This post has all of the decor, tomorrow's post will have pictures of our guests.  Happy Birthday Smith!

As you know, I do a birthday sign each year for my kiddos, once the party ends, we take the sign off the stick and hang it in their rooms.

Our goody table

The ladies got to leave with Coconut Passion lotion.

And the guys left with colorful popcorn.

Andrea found this sign for me.  It was perfect!  

Everyone got a lei to wear when they walked in the door.

Flip Flop lights

Andrea also made the invites, the banner, and the food labels.  Andrea is genius!

Of course we had Hawaiian music!

Delicious cupcakes!  (No, I did not make these!  The mama knows to leave some stuff to the professionals!)

Everyone also left with either swim trunk or surf board cookies.

This is just the decor...actual pictures of people tomorrow :).  If you're wondering if I made the cookies, I did not.  Remember my rules for entertaining?  You should only make 3 things.  Entertaining is about enjoying your guests and relaxing at your own party...not slaving away and missing all the fun to make  everything perfect.   This mama wanted to have a good time at the Surf Shop...and I did :)! 

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