Happy happy Tuesday, friends!
I would be remiss if I didn’t start today’s post off by saying THANK YOU!!
I was a little apprehensive publishing yesterday’s post because you know…it’s just easier not to grow and change on the internet, but you guys have seen me go from 25 to 42, so needless to say, you’ve seen growth and change.
I am energized and excited about this year connecting with you online, so your feedback and love really meant more than I can say. Thank you, thank you, thank YOU all for being here each day.
Okay…now for today’s post 🙂 .
Per usual, we headed to our favorite ski town right after Christmas for a little getaway, and today, I have all the pics.
First though, a few *things* about this post:
1: I typically take one little vacation and turn it into 45 blog posts. For this trip though, I have all the pics in one post because I DIDN’T TAKE VERY MANY 🙂 . Y’all (I hate that word but sometimes, it just fits), we relaxed, hung out, played cards, slept in, read books, got out in the snow (okay, that’s a lie, there wasn’t snow this year), and I really and truly put my phone down, so there aren’t a lot of pics and thus, one blog post.
2: Why do we keep going back to the same place? We love it. We have taken our kids to Aspen, Telluride and Breckenridge too. Andrew (and Smith as well!) has been everywhere from Montana to Tahoe to Whistler (and a lot in between), and we just really love the people, the town, the skiing and the convenience of Park City, so we keep going back. This also makes things easy because we get there and are a bit on autopilot…which is nice that week between Christmas and New Year.
3: Don’t forget, I also have great ski related resources for you should you be taking your family this season too! You can check out both my TOP 10 TIPS FROM A SKI MOM BLOG POST and my SKI VACATION GROCERY LIST as well today. Plus…
4: I legit am opening up my saved “ski vacation packing list” (because you know my Type-A self has one!) and sharing that on our bonus second blog post today. You can see that HERE.
Now, let’s actually take a look at our trip (or at least the handful of pics I took)…
On December 27th, we loaded up (geez, we bring a lot of gear on this vacation!), flew from DFW to SLC, and took the drive (it’s about 45 minutes) to one of our very favorite towns…
We checked in to our VRBO and headed out and about. We love, love, love you, Park City!
Later that night, we freshened a bit and headed to one of our favorite restaurants…
…Grappa 🙂 .
Last year, we couldn’t dine here because they were recovering from a fire, so this year, we made reservations and enjoyed dinner at this restaurant twice (first night and last). They do an excellent job accommodating gluten-free patrons.
I love this girl!
The next morning, Andrew, Smith and Ashby hit the slopes while Madeley, Kensington and I…
…hit town for a little shopping. Our day was super relaxing. I love MY BEANIE!
After the three Yankee fans finished the afternoon on the mountain, the two of us…
…headed to apres ski. This is the only part of a ski vacation I do correctly.
Random photo…but I really like my VELVET BODYSUIT! The price is nice too!
We headed off to dinner…
…one pro to not having snow while you’re there (and warmer temps) is that we didn’t have to worry about a lot of ice. This made our “out and about” time much easier.
The next morning, it was…
…family ski day! And by family, I mean the five people who actually enjoy skiing and don’t hate their lives the entire time they’re on the mountain. I dropped everyone off (not going to lie…I was GIDDY not to be getting out of the car), and Andrew took the three bigs skiing/boarding (the boys both board) while Mades went to ski school.
Meanwhile, I had purchased myself new snowshoes for my new favorite winter sport except…
…there really wasn’t any snow on the ground, so I put on my boots and hiked instead. I was bummed not to snowshoe one time on this trip…but hiking proved to be just as beautiful, warmer and let’s be real, easier. I thoroughly enjoyed my morning to myself out in nature.
Meanwhile…
…Andrew Shull was truly living his very best life.
Around 3:30, I met up with everyone after they got off the mountain, and we headed to the skating rink for a bit. Just so we’re clear, I don’t ice skate either. I’m clearly on the wrong vacation here. 😉
All three of my girls out there skating. K is a very patient teacher/helper when it comes to ice skating.
The gang is all together! Being with these guys is my happy place!
The next day…
…we let the boys hit the mountain, and we enjoyed a very relaxing day.
Our day included lunch at 501 On Main which has an extensive g-free menu!
They also have a very good spicy bloody mary!
This side of the table happiness 🙂 .
And just a snap that night of Teens 1 and 2 because at this point, I’ll take whatever photos I can get…even “walking up the street” pics. I love those kids!
I sat next to Teen 2 at dinner. Geez, he’s a mess.
On New Year’s Eve, these peeps…
…spent another day on the mountain.
Seriously, Andrew was living his BEST life with Kensington…
…Ashby…
…Smith…
…and Mades 🙂 .
After a day on the mountain (well, a day on the mountain for the five of them), we all…
…headed into town for some fun!
First stop…
…we had sushi as an appetizer at Yuki Yama followed by dinner…
…at Tekila’s. It was a very culturally diverse dining experience to end the year.
Walking back to our place to watch the ball drop on Eastern time 😉 . I love the lights on Main Street!
We woke up the next morning and it was…
…2024!
This was the first day that Ashby didn’t ski at all (she LOVES to ski!), so we let the boys ski while the girls…
…stopped for chocolate and bought books to read 🙂 .
Meanwhile, these two…
…”shredded it up”.
This sums us up…
…hanging out, playing cards and enjoying our downtime.
You guys, that’s it! I’m telling you, we had the best time but have few pics to show of it. We ate, we slept, we read, we relaxed, I was outside SO MUCH. It was the perfect way to come out of the busy holiday season.
Now, don’t forget! I’m also sharing my SKI VACATION PACKING LIST today too!
I hope you all have a wonderful, wonderful day! I’ll see you back here tomorrow! xx
Nicole says
Love that! I saw on your day in the life video you were on a tread, what did your work out routine look like while on vacation? And will you be posting one soon of what you’re currently doing? Thanks!
Mix and Match Mama says
I will be posting more workout content soon! Yes, yes! We did go to a gym in town every day, and I ended my workout “getting my steps in” as my kids make fun of me for saying 😉 .
Nicole says
I’m back to working out post injury, but always love hearing what you do!! How many days do you run right now? Thanks!
Mix and Match Mama says
Right now, I am not running much at all. I’m actually only running a few days a month (whenever the weather is nice). I’m so glad you’re back after your injury!
Elspeth says
What a fun trip! Did you still sock ski supplies for yourself for the trip in case you changed your mind? Looks like some great family time!
http://www.elspethsdaybyday.com
Mix and Match Mama says
NOPE, NOPE, NOPE. I’m looking for any excuse not to ski. 😉
Jamie says
Looks like such a fun trip! That pic of the three sisters lined up like stairsteps is just darling!
Brandi says
Awe we love a good ski trip! What gloves do you wear around town when it so cold to keep your hands warm?
Mix and Match Mama says
I have a pair of The North Face gloves that are a few years old. They’re perfect for “about town” things.
Kristin says
So many shots of Smith! Looks as if photos are more acceptable if he’s doing one of his favorite things. What a fun vacation. I would hang out with you all day Shay. My doctor says I can’t ski or jump out of an airplane because of osteoporosis but, to be honest, I still would’ve stuck with you even without her orders!
Kay says
This is exactly my version of family ski trips! Last year, our family rented a ski house for the winter and I ended up being the one (of 5) who wasn’t skiing. I can! ski? but it just doesn’t make me as happy as…not skiing? But I took hikes along the river, shuttled people right to the mountain so they didn’t have to deal with parking!, watched over coats and hats at the ski lodge and checked out the cute little town’s bookstore/coffee shop. It was great! And at night we would do dinner out together or watch movies at the house, etc. Normalize not skiing on ski trips lol!
Elizabeth says
Could you tell me where you go to snow shoe in Park City? We are going as a family during spring break – and I (like you) do not ski but I do snowshoe and cross country ski. I have never been to Park City though, so not sure where to go to snowshoe while my peeps are on the slopes!
Mix and Match Mama says
For the life of me, I cannot think of the name, but it’s on the way to Deer Valley (maybe the road is even called Deer Valley Road). If you’re going from PC to DV, it’s on the right hand side. There is a parking lot which is great and then trails for snowshoeing.
Meghan says
So shocking to not see much snow this winter!!
Do you(or your family) have a preference between the Canyons side versus Park City slopes? I know they are all connected now but we are trying to decide if we want to try staying on the canyons side for a change as we always stay at the Mountainside Resort. We spent a day last season at Sundance Resort just down the mountain in Provo canyon and LOVED IT! Such a small and quaint resort with a delicious restaurant. The kids ski school meets in a yurt, it all felt so magical!
Park City is in a league of it’s own in my opinion. They have the cutest summer activities as well, I just know you would love it. We have skied all over the country and always keep going back to Park City.
Mix and Match Mama says
We prefer the Park City side but my peeps did go over to the Canyons at least two days (maybe a third??) just because of the lack of snow, they could get over there and it was less crowded.
Jessica says
Your ski vacation posts always crack me up because I am exactly the same. I love the “winter atmosphere” but I’m defiantly not participating in 90% of the outdoor activities- skiing, ice skating, snow board? Nothankyouverymuch
Hanging out with my people, absolutely!
Keisha Dawson says
It looks like y’all had another beautiful trip to the mountains!
Jennifer says
I love reading about your trips. How do you budget and plan all of your trips each year? Would love to know!
Mix and Match Mama says
Andrew and I always sit down early fall and plan out the trips for the next year as well as budget for them. All of the vacations we plan here at our travel agency can be made with installment payments (unless you’re departing very soon, then you might need to pay in full upfront). We plan, we book, we save and we pay as we go.
Erika Slaughter says
EEEEKKKK!!! Vacation recaps just might be my FAVORITE! Looks like another successful trip to Park City for your crew!
Jess says
So fun! What do you do about storage of all the skis/snowboards and gear? Do you bring it back to the vrbo each night and store it in a locker there, store in the car, or rent a spot at the village? We were just in Steamboat, and there’s a music festival there that attracts tons of Texans!
Mix and Match Mama says
Texans love to visit Colorado!! This answer depends on where we are skiing. In PC, my family can take the “town lift” up and down, so we can easily keep it at our place. In other towns though, we often use a locker there on the mountain.
Anneka says
Looks like a fun trip! This is super random, but I was looking at your ski grocery list and saw laundry detergent. Have you tried laundry detergent sheets? I swear by them. There’s a gazillion brands out there now. I use earth breeze unscented and like them. What I love is that I can get a year’s supply (or close to with a big family) and it comes in a small box. It’s smaller than a bottle of laundry detergent. It’s not getting accidentally spilled and for vacations, it’s a tiny, flat package to throw in a suitcase. So easy!
Mix and Match Mama says
I haven’t! I am pretty obsessed with the brand Laundry Sauce!
Bev says
Shay,
I am so glad you are continuing your blog. I hardly ever respond, but thoroughly enjoy reading it every day! I am 72 and inspired by your life! God bless you!
Mix and Match Mama says
I am inspired by YOU! I am so thankful to have you a part of this community! xx
josie says
how does andrew do managing all the kids by himself on the mountain? I assume he has to stay w the littles or can they go on their own? Do they all stay on the same trails?
Mix and Match Mama says
The only one he has to stay with is Madeley as the big three are all advanced skiers. Even Ashby can handle a black run. So, Mades gets four people watching out for her 🙂 .
Margaret says
Hi! We are going to Park City in March. I don’t ski either and would love to know where you went hiking. I love your gluten free restaurant recommendations also bc we are all gluten intolerant. Thank you!! 🙂
Mix and Match Mama says
Well we didn’t have snow, so it made it REALLY easy! I hiked the trails along the Town Lift. If they had been snow covered full of skiers, I don’t think I could have done it, but because there wasn’t snow, it was easy (and a lot of others were able to do it too). You guys will have so much fun!!!
Carla says
Hi Shay, do you have link for tiny cross necklace you were wearing today during stories? ❤️
Mix and Match Mama says
Of course! I love it because it’s adjustable. Here you go: https://shopstyle.it/l/b6Hks
Camille says
You have probably talked about it before, but do you do grocery delivery or pickup for the condo? Are you doing any meals there outside of breakfast? Or just taking a vacation from cooking and enjoy the local restaurants?
Mix and Match Mama says
We do grocery delivery! We have used the same company in Park City for YEARS! We use The Grocery Girls and they’re fantastic!! We do breakfast and loads of snacks.
Meg Lyman says
Hi Shay! I am currently planning our family’s trip to Park City and am a bit overwhelmed! Was wondering if you would be able to share a link to the VRBO you all used or a specific location of it, as it seems to be in a really close and convenient location to everything. Did you rent a car? Thanks so much!!
Mix and Match Mama says
I don’t share the specific ones where we stay (for safety as we like to stay at the same ones as often as we can), but we always try to get one on or right off of Main Street for the convenience of the Town Lift, restaurants and shopping.