Hello, Tuesday!
Well…my kiddos are all back in school today after a nice winter break, which means I’m back in the real world of life. How many days until summer break? I’m already counting down…
If you missed my post yesterday, I recapped our first two days in Colorado and today, two more.
We woke up early on day three to head back to Snowmass Mountain for more snowboarding lessons. On the way there, Kensington said all she wanted to do was play in the snow, so Andrew pulled over and let them jump in (the little two were not dressed since they were dropping us off). The big two thought it was so much fun!
Day two of snowboarding lessons! On this day, the three of us all took a private lesson. I thought the kids learned so much more in a private lesson than the group class.
We had a quick hot chocolate break before heading back out. This was mine and K’s last day to snowboard, and I thought we ended on a high. We were having fun…and that’s really all that matters, right?! 🙂
A late lunch at the bottom of the mountain with my peeps…
…one of them is faking. 🙂
Andrew and Smith snowboarded a few more hours, and I took the girls home to rest…I mean, play in the snow 🙂 .
Meanwhile, this one fell asleep on my shoulder while I read a book. #ididntmindonebit
Later that night, we had dinner at Jimmy’s. We always use opentable.com (or their app) to make our dinner reservations in advance. This was probably one of our favorites…I had steak and it was so good! We ate well in Aspen!!
This girl is always all smiles 🙂 .
The two Shull boys were wiped after a day of snowboarding.
I’ve decided that this is my favorite thing ever to wear 🙂 . Thanks to a washer and dryer in the Airbnb, I wore it twice that week. Black jeans, striped tee and cozy pullover for the win. (Psssst: the pullover comes in 7 different colors!)
And I’m wearing these Kate Spade studs in almost every single pic. They’re so light and easy to wear!
So, this day was New Year’s Eve and we decided to spend it in town and not on the mountain. By the end of the day, Andrew and I declared it the BEST NYE EVER!! We kicked off our day with brunch at Justice Snow’s.
We love a good brunch spot!
My happy people 🙂 .
This girl.
And this boy too.
Um, yes. Give me all the eggs with avocado and cheese on top. Amen.
I laughed so hard when I took this pic because she immediately popped her knee. Hahahahaha!
Two sassy sisters!
So, Ashby asked to get her ears pieced on vacation…and we wanted to make that happen. She’s such a sweet girl!! She got this idea in her head about two days before Christmas, and so, we looked online and found a place in Aspen that pierces ears. She was nervous but excited at the same time. Ashby selected little red earrings because red is her favorite color. Doesn’t she look so pretty?! She kept telling me that she felt like a mom now 😉 .
After ear piercing, we visited a pet shop to get a toy for Poppy and Frenchie.
Photo cred: Kensington Shull 🙂
PS: this is my third winter with the Kara-style Ugg boots and they’re still my all-time favorite. Bonus, they’re on major sale right now.
A girl and a big fake dog.
The weather was gorgeous in Aspen that day. Not too cold or windy at all. We could walk to town from our condo, so it was perfect!
The kiddos played at the park…
…and we sat on a bench.
Then, the kiddos decided to build a snowman.
They were so proud 🙂 .
Side note, as soon as we walked off, a big dog ran up, backed right up on the snowman and pooped on it. We COULD NOT stop laughing! Oh my goodness! My kids are still talking about the dog who pooped on their snowman 20 seconds after they walked off.
We saw this cart in town and had to stop…
…because hot donuts are a must…
…we tried two different kinds. The first batch had cinnamon and sugar and the second, Nutella.
Another shot of our big girl with her earrings 🙂 .
Madeley decided it was nap time…
…and the big kids decided it was time to ice skate. There is a rink right there in town. We walked over and let them enjoy some skating outdoors…
…I love that sweet girl of mine back there 🙂 . Ashby skated right before Christmas and decided that was enough for her. Ha! I agree! Skating is a lot of work!
After skating, we walked back to our condo for a bit before…
…our carriage ride!
Earlier that day, I called the local carriage company and they had a spot for us at 5:30, so we boarded in town and set off for an hour long carriage ride through Aspen.
Beautiful!
After we got off, I snapped a pic of our carriage. We loved it!
Right after our carriage, we had our New Year’s Eve dinner at the Red Onion which was super casual and perfect for our fam!
Then, right after dinner, we walked over to watch the fireworks!
The Shull six on NYE!
Oh Aspen, you are beautiful!
The fireworks started at 8:00…
…and we enjoyed every minute of it!
That wraps up days 3 and 4. Tomorrow, don’t forget that it’s our very first…
…How we…Wednesday! If you’re linking up, then tomorrow is the day! Tomorrow’s topic is “How we do goals/resolutions/etc.” .
I hope you have the best day! See you tomorrow, friends!
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog says
The snowman picture is so cute! Every kid needs a picture with their first snowman, haha 🙂 The park looks so lovely to run around in – the place is super photogenic.
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Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
Erika Slaughter says
Of course it was the best New Year’s Rve…a carriage ride and fireworks?? Yes ma’am!!
Kristine says
When you travel do you rent a suburban? Sometimes I find it hard to find a vehicle to fit our entire family and luggage…
Mix and Match Mama says
Yup! That’s exactly what we rented to fit everyone and all of our stuff.
Elspeth Mizner says
How fun, good idea to trade off days so you both get a chance to snowboard
Narci Dreffs says
What a special NYE!! The carriage ride and ice skating and town are all just so picturesque!!! So fun reading about your trip!
Dawn says
Would love to do the Airbnb sometime but not sure how it works. Is it easy? Your place looks fabulous. So cool your kids get to experience so many fun opportunities!!
Claudia says
I have the short version of those Ugg boots, the Amie. Love mine! I was wondering how you cleaned yours. Mine are also black and looking a bit dull.
Mix and Match Mama says
I have the official Ugg cleaner, but honestly, a baby wipe is my typical go-to for cleaning them up.
Rachel M says
There is a picture of your husband and son that had me laughing so hard because something, I don’t know what, is going on with the lady’s hair behind them. ???
Rachel M says
I just realized your daughter Madeley is in that one also 🙂
Paula Hawthorne says
????The dog pooping.
???? Sweet Ashby! Looks so pretty.
Kathy says
Love your travel posts! Random question – we too recently got a puppy and my family loves to travel as well. What is your best advice about leaving your pups behind? Do you find leaving them with someone is better or is it better to board them? Thanks so much!
Mix and Match Mama says
We’ve done it both ways. I think with puppies, we prefer to leave them with someone (like we did this trip). Poppy loves it when we board her (at this big farm north of town), but she’s older. This trip, we left both of them with an individual.
Jamie says
Was going to ask the same question! We have a 1.5yr old Shitzu and I’ve wondered what you guys do with your dogs.
Mix and Match Mama says
A sweet couple watched both of them!
Sheaffer Sims says
I have so much to say, but the most important is this: I LOVE A GOOD KNEE POP.
Diana says
Thanks for sharing! Looks like you had a fabulous fun time!!! What a great way to end 2017! Such a cute family you have! Quick question- love your crossbody bag you are wearing. What style is it? Thanks tons!
Mix and Match Mama says
Oh goodness, i don’t know the name, but it’s current!
KimW says
Wow – beautiful pictures!! Would you mind sharing your nail polish color – it is pretty!
Mix and Match Mama says
I think it’s Essie’s Anniversary?? 🙂
Laci says
Looks like so much fun!
Alexis deZayas says
Fireworks in the mountains?! Yes please! I have that Patagonia in the full zip style and love it! I need to check out the quarter zip!
Amanda @ That Inspired Chick says
I cannot stop laughing at the dog pooping on the snowman!! Aspen looks so beautiful!! That Inspired Chick
Mix and Match Mama says
Us either! Hahahahaha!
Andrea says
It looks like a great trip! I’m still dying over that dog pooping on the snowman story?
Nikki says
Any tips to keep kids happy/behaving in a restaurant? It seems you guys have good luck!
Mix and Match Mama says
I always say that practice makes perfect! They color and such (sometimes, they’ll look at our phones), but I think a little practice helps.
Angie says
This looked like the perfect family vacation! So fun! I know it’s always nice to get back into a regular routine though.
Shay, random question: do you use the Dr. Gross Alpha Beta Glow pads for your face in the winter? 🙂
Mix and Match Mama says
Yes…I love those darn things!
Katelyn says
I don’t know why but the part about Ashby getting her ears pierced made me very emotional. The part when she said she felt like a mom now. Something so full circle about that.
Leah says
I live in Boulder now, but I used to live and work at the music festival in Aspen during the summers. It’s a magical place and fun to see that you hit all of the “favorites”! If you ever have a chance, you should visit in the summer. It’s so beautiful!
sydnee says
Looked like Aspen during NYE was a great idea, so much fun!
Design by Sydnee | A Lifestyle Blog ?
Jess says
Is the color of the patagonia pullover you have still available? Yours looks like a darker gray, I see a lighter one but like the darker better! Thanks
Mix and Match Mama says
Mine is the gray one online right now!
Audrey Wiederholt says
We also love going to Aspen! It’s where my folks met and fell in love. We try to go up every year. Your family is beautiful! Happy New Year!!
Whitney Pegram says
What a magical NYE!!
Kelly says
This, to me, is the perfect way to spend NYE! Love it all, thanks for sharing:).
Julie Magdic says
what type of nail polish top coat/base coat do you use?? I’m having a hard time finding one that lasts and your nails always look gorgeous!! I also LOVE that color!
Mix and Match Mama says
I use OPI’s base coat and Essie’s gel top coat :). And thank you!
Erin Port says
What a fun couple of days. Our kids always learn so much in a half day private lesson too! xoxo ERIN
Amy says
Curious what size do you wear in the Patagonia sweater? I heard it runs small so I ordered a small, but it still seems kind of bulky on me. And side note – Andrew always looks happy, but he looks especially happy throughout all the pictures you have posted of this trip! 🙂
Mix and Match Mama says
I did order up! I bought the small. And yes, he was in his happy place 🙂 .
stephanie says
Hi Shay – do you mind sharing what size Patagonia pullover fit you? Thank you!
Mix and Match Mama says
I bought a small!
Ashlee says
What type/brand of boots does your husband wear? Looks like he has some on in the picture walking back to house before the carriage ride. Thanks!
Mix and Match Mama says
They’re Sorel!
Amanda @ Cupcake N Dreams says
How sweet is Ashby with her ears pierced?! Love it! Aspen looked like a great place to be on New Years Eve. Can’t wait to hear about the rest of the trip.
xo
Amanda @ Cupcake N Dreams
Kate Oman says
This looks wonderful! Sign me up for Aspen!!!! Glad you and your family had a wonderful getaway!
Meredith says
Okay. Must know. Vail or aspen? And why!
Mix and Match Mama says
We tried Aspen this year because we hadn’t been there before and wanted something different. We like Vail, but it seems much smaller (the town, ski area, etc.).
rpgarrett says
I LOVE LOVE LOVE your blog….makes my day and I am so glad you are back and had a great vacation. I have a random question: I am wanting to switch from coffee over to hot tea and so far not having luck. I think you once wrote that you were trying it….how is it going? What brand and flavors do you suggest? So far I am just not a fan of the ones I have tried. Thanks so much for your help.
Mix and Match Mama says
My favorite is Harney & Sons!! I am drinking their Paris tea right now!! I love that and Cinnamon Spice the best!
Kate says
Looks like a great time was had by all! Love getting new ideas for Aspen! We are up there every year in October, for my daughters’ gymnastics competition. We usually get a condo at the Gant and have eaten at the Red Onion often! Will tag this post as a reminder for next year!
Shelby says
So you pulled over with all four kids and the younger two watched as the older two got to play….?
Mix and Match Mama says
Yup 🙂 . The younger two played all morning in the snow while the older two did snowboarding lessons. They were in their pjs…they got it. I think they were thrilled not to be “dressed” at 7:45 in the morning 😉 .
Kathy says
Is that a dog on the carriage? Super cute!!
Mix and Match Mama says
Yes! His name was Marley 🙂 .
Angela says
In your previous blog you wrote about how something will happen and Ashby will eventually break her arm (and not if) – that absolutely broke my heart and I’ve been thinking about it non stop. She’s such a precious happy gift to you and your family.
I know you have your hands full with 4 kids and 2 pups, but maybe when Ashby gets older you should look into getting her a service animal, that way her service animal will be fully trained to help her with those daily tasks when that happens that way its not such a dramatic change for her. I certainly don’t hope that it happens but maybe its something to look into?
I wish all the best for you and your family. You have such an incredible and loving bond. I’ve always thought I’d adopt but seeing your family really cements that for me in the future.
Stephanie says
So so cute. I love your blog. Do you mind sharing where your jacket is from? Or what brand? I have been looking for a black puffy jacket like that for a while now. Thank you!!!
Mix and Match Mama says
The short one is The North Face and the longer one is Burberry.
Arianne says
Hi Shay
Love the blog! Could you please share where your snowboarding white jacket and your ‘everyday’ black jacket are from? I struggle to find ‘cute’ looking ski gear!
Thanks 🙂
Mix and Match Mama says
My “every day” jacket is North Face. I bought my snowboarding jacket at a ski shop here in town. I believe it’s Spyder…but I could be wrong.
Meredith says
Which Kate spade studs? They’re all so cute! I love a few different colors. Just wondering which ones you have 🙂 love your blog.
Mix and Match Mama says
I got the clear/silver ones 🙂 .