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What My Dad Got for Christmas

How to Give a Trip as a Gift kevinandamanda.com

I always agonize over what to get my parents for Christmas, but this year I was able to surprise my dad (and mom :)) with a fun gift. I had Kevin help me, since he did such an amazing and creative job surprising me a few years ago… :)

How to Give a Trip as a Gift kevinandamanda.com

Skiing is like, my dad’s favorite thing ever. My parents were skiing long before I came along, and they taught me how to ski at a young age. We don’t see much snow in Alabama, so my parents saved so we could go on a family ski trip almost every year.  We’ve always loved giving and receiving a special trip as a gift. The year before I started high school, my dad took me on a special daddy-daughter ski trip. Just us. My first time on a plane. The first day on the slopes, I promptly skied straight into the woods and broke a rib. We had to go home early.

How to Give a Trip as a Gift kevinandamanda.com

My dad’s birthday is on Valentine’s Day, and I am so excited that I am able to celebrate with him and spend this special week doing one of his favorite things!

How to Give a Trip as a Gift kevinandamanda.com

We’re going to Deer Valley, Utah! And we’re meeting up with some of our favorite friends, Josh and Maria from Two Peas and Their Pod!! This trip would not be possible without the help of these two awesome friends. In addition to everything else, they are picking us up at the airport and welcoming us into their home. Then we are all headed to Deer Valley for three fabulous days! :)

How to Give a Trip as a Gift kevinandamanda.com

I printed out a few maps for my dad’s spiral-bound travel brochure because he loves maps :) This shows where we’ll be staying on the mountain.

How to Give a Trip as a Gift kevinandamanda.com

Look how close our condo is to the slopes! The ski lift is like, right there!

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A preview of the room :)

How to Give a Trip as a Gift kevinandamanda.com

We’re even taking a horse-drawn sleigh ride to a special birthday and Valentine’s Day dinner.

How to Give a Trip as a Gift kevinandamanda.com

The big day!

How to Give a Trip as a Gift kevinandamanda.com

I think Kevin is more excited for this Seafood Buffet than for skiing, lol! I am excited too, especially for the desserts. :) Just listen to this description:

“Be sure to save room for visits to the dessert bar, where house-made confections will satisfy even the strongest sweet tooth.”

They know who they’re talking to! ;) And did you notice they said visits… Plural. As in multiple trips. Oh yes. That would be me.

How to Give a Trip as a Gift kevinandamanda.com

And of course since we’re so close, we have to check out Josh’s favorite ski resort in Salt Lake City, the Snowbird / Alta ski area!

How to Give a Trip as a Gift kevinandamanda.com

OMG! Look at all those double black diamonds!! I am skeeeered!!

How to Give a Trip as a Gift kevinandamanda.com

Those 47 days FLEW by and we are leaving TODAY for Salt Lake City! :) I will be doing lots of Instagramming so be sure to check in this week for some fun photos and updates. :) I may even try to post a new Vine as well. Wish me luck! :)

Thanks so much for reading, guys. I’ll be back later this week with a tutorial I think you guys are going to love. :) See you soon!! :)

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37 Responses
  1. Kristy @ Sweet Treats & More

    Hope you had a wonderful time here in Utah! It was so nice to meet you at the BYB13 Conference. I loved everything you had to say at the food panel, you’re just so real and genuine!

  2. Arty guy

    My parents love skiing too so it was lovely to read this post with that (sentimentally, sure) in mind. in fact, my father proposed to my mother on the side of a mountain in Austria!

  3. Ashley

    You are coming to my neck of the woods ! :) that’s awesome, I love Utah! I love how you’re giving memories as a gift to your dad. The best gift ever! :) enjoy your vacation!

  4. Joy

    What a great idea! I wish I knew how to ski! I do love Utah and going to the ski resorts is fun even when you don’t ski! Look forward to seeing your amazing pics! Be Safe!

  5. Brandy

    You will love the Snowbird/Alta area. We ski Alta just about every Sunday and it is heaven! In the future if you have any interest check out The Rustler Lodge at Alta. The food the bar and the spa are all to die for! We live 20 minutes away from Alta but a weekend at The Rustler Lodge is still one of our favorite things in the world! Have a wonderful trip!!

  6. Belinda

    My Dad’s birthday is Valentine’s Day too!!! Have fun!!! Happy Birthday Amanda’s Dad and many more!!! Can’t wait to hear about your trip! Love, love, love your blog…stories…recipes…etc!

  7. Debi

    Welcome to Utah! I’ve been living here for about 2 years now and absolutely love it. Too bad I won’t get to see you while you’re here! Have fun skiing, and I can’t wait to see all the fabulous pictures I know you’ll be taking! :)

  8. Cheryl Ann

    You totally rock, Amanda! I didn’t go skiing for the first time until I was in my 30’s….I thought I would HATE it, but I absolutely LOVED it. My best friend talked my into taking our daughters, about 6 years old. I thought it would be fun for her, but I wasn’t getting on any skis! How could that be any fun, I always thought. Turns out I was wrong, it is fun, I get why people are crazy about it. My girl friend was an avid skier, she tutored me while the girls had a private (well, the two of them) class and they were fearless! She taught me by not letting me use the poles for a couple of hours, and voila, I could do it. It is fun, I do get why, and this was such a lovely gift in every way. Our parents have worked so hard for us most of their adult lives and this was a precious way to reward them and let them know you love and appreciate them all wrapped up in bragging rights (how great a daughter and son-in-law) they have. Kudos, my dear, KUDOS!!

  9. Flavia Andrews

    What a wonderful gift! and idea to present it of course! I am definitely doing something like this for my mom next Christmas! Thanks for sharing Amanda! Have a wonderful time, looking forward to see the Instagrams!

  10. Karie

    Have fun! I am an Ohio transplant from Salt Lake City and if there is one thing I miss it is the MOUNTAINS! My mom and dad live right at the mouth of both little and big cottonwood canyon….They have had a ton of snow this year so I can imagine the skiing it going to be fantastic! Can not wait to see pictures and hear all about it….

  11. Kristen

    Oh my gosh! I skied there 18 years ago at snowbird and deer valley, got pregnant with my son on that trip!! I would love to go back there again, have fun!!

  12. LinhC

    Can’t wait to see your photos from the trip! We loved the Seafood Buffet at Deer Valley. That was where my daughters discovered creme brulee and ate just desserts.

  13. Debi

    OH HOW AWESOME a gift is that!!!!!!!! Have a wonderful time (that’s a silly statement…of course you will have a wonderful time….dahhhhhh )
    Can’t wait for more pictures…..

  14. Anele @ Success Along the Weigh

    What a thoughtful gift and I love the way it’s all presented, I’m a sucker for presentation! Have a wonderful time!

  15. aussiebeachgirl

    Wow! What an awesome daughter you are! I’m sure the surprise blew your dad right out of his chair when he received his prezzie!!! Have yourselves a very merry skiing bonanza….and don’t forget the gluwein….lots of it! ;-) Hx

  16. Meagan

    You will love snowbird/Alta! It is super close to where i live and it is the best! You should check out sweet tooth fairy if you get a chance. Yummy cupcakes and sweets! And the owner was on cupcake wars . If you are in the Orem/provo area you should check out “cocoa bean cafe” or “the chocolate”!

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Meet Kevin & Amanda

Kevin and Amanda

We love to travel and to eat! Here we share our favorite quick and easy recipes, plus travel tips and guides for our favorite places around the world. If you have any questions about what camera I use or how I edit my photos, check out my photography tutorials.

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