The long awaited day finally arrived on a cool February morning. Yes, Ladies ski day. We couldn’t have asked for a more beautiful day at Snowbasin. All of my great friends, snow, sun and of course a delicious lunch, what more could you possibly ask for. We had such a great day even when Mandy took us so high up we almost needed oxygen masks to breath.
Purchasing the tickets. It’s a big job. Liz, Rachel and Amberlee
Me and Mandy Rachel, Liz, Me Mandy and Amberlee
My darling little girls Elle and Kenna love dressing up. In fact they wear princess dresses more that they wear regular clothes. On this particular day they decided it was cold and they needed to wear hats. They love to turn on turn on music and dance. By the end of the day the hat was such a hit Elle felt as though she must sleep in it. It was a novelty for about a week….thank goodness.
My little boy (OK so he is not that little anymore) has left cub scouts and has earned his Arrow Of Light. Our Fox Hollow ward did such a great job and made it a really memorable night for Bronson and Con who’s birthdays are within days of each other. We had to borrow a shirt from a friend so that is the reason his shirt looks a bit small and he is missing his neckerchief. I am sure it is in one of our moving boxes. Con had to trust us and fall into our arms for one of the games.
What am I wearing? I honestly can’t remember but I am sure it was important.
We left for Disneyland December 23, 2010. We drove to Prim the first night. Yes, I said Prim. Where is Prim you ask……..well it is in the middle of nowhere after you hit Vegas. Apparently, we are not the only ones that have ever ventured there because they have outlet malls, a roller coaster going in and out of the buildings and a log ride in the hotel. It is such a great time and really, really cheap. We made it to Anaheim on the 24th and headed straight to Disneyland. It as really not busy at all. Christmas Eve dinner was turkey legs and fries. The kids thought they were in heaven. As you see in the picture Kenna was not feeling super photogenic in front of the “ice laden” castle. We had so much fun in Disneyland and it really helped us take our minds off of the move.
Christmas morning we woke up to the kids socks stuffed with toys and treats. Santa did find us!!! We had presents stacked on a table near the heater in our hotel. We were so excited that Santa got our letter in time for Christmas. Elle got an American Girl doll, Kinzer got Moxie girl dolls and a remote car, Con got a Halo lego set and Kenna got some barbies. It was so much fun to see their faces and then continue the fun throughout the day in such a fun place.
March 6, 2011 was the first day of our amazing vacation.
We went on a Royal Caribbean cruise with about 30 of our friends on my 30 something birthday. What a great way to spend your birthday. My friend Mandy gave me a crown that I wore at dinner and then onto the hot tub. Our table was so much fun. We sat in the same seat every night and laughed about the days events as well as started a contest within our group.
We spent the first full day on the ship playing dodge ball, rock climbing and surfing. Ken entered a dodge ball competition and won first place. Go Ken!
Rock Climbing......yep I rang the bell!!
These were not my socks. I had to borrow Ken’s. Wow this stirrup thing is hot!
Formal night is one of my favorites. Playing dress up, eating great food and taking loads of pictures. The ladies all looked so beautiful.
On December 22nd 2010 we moved into our new home. Wow, that is so fun to do when it is 25 degrees outside. We had an amazing amount of help. So Christmas……..really? Our home was filled with boxes upon boxes. We had no idea where anything was including the Christmas tree, so Ken and I decided to surprise the kids with a trip to Disneyland. We sat them down on the couch and had them read a letter that we were mailing Santa. It read like this…..
Dear Santa,
We just wanted you to know that we will be in Disneyland for Christmas this year. Also we just moved and wanted you to know our new address for next year. We have been really good. Be safe.
Love,
The Buss Kids
They were completely shocked. Connor couldn’t say a word. We already had the car packed with everything we would need. Everyone hopped in the car and we were off to Disneyland.
Our year started out with a move and a surprise vacation. Let me first tell you about our move……….
Once upon a time we moved into our “Dream” home in August of 2008 in Mountain Green, Utah. (our 13th move) It was awesome, we had “finally arrived” at our destination of this dream that we had in our minds since we were dating. In December of 2010 we were packing up our home to move yet once again. (our 14th move) Due to a change in the economy we sold Windshield Express and Ken started a “real” job that paid……well, let’s just say….less. This time not such a happy time. We had sold our home and had four weeks to pack up find a place to live & oh……..don’t forget about Christmas. We had no idea where we were going to live, that was a little crazy but for some reason I wasn’t really that nervous. After months of anger, sadness, bitterness, defeat & heartbreak we saw a light lifting as we were helped by so many people, and things felt as though they were going to be ok. We did find a house with the help of our great friend Mandy Wallace and we were able to close in record time. Now that we have been through this my views of the “dream” home or “finally arriving” have completely changed. I love our new home. For me, now, a home is how it feels not the grandure of what it is. It was not our favorite trial that is for sure but It has changed us for the better.
