A Princess Bed

Testing out the best matress the store had to offer. . .

This Saturday was Tyler's birthday. We spent the day relaxing and enjoying our day together. Tyler's birthday wish was to have an early dinner at Outback Steakhouse. We headed out at 1:00 only to find that Outback didn't open until 3:30. We decided to do some grocery shopping to take up some time until dinner. Before long it was 6:30 and we were getting ready to head out. We were not headed to dinner though. Earlier that day Tyler had agreed to go to an investigator's home with the missionaries. I was reluctant to go, Bella started teething and isn't handling it with much grace, but minutes after we arrived I was grateful. This was my first encounter with the missionary discussion process. I was amazed at how young these missionaries are. I tried to picture "young" Tyler on his mission, and wondered what kind of trials he faced. As we left the home I was overcome with the spirit. It's amazing how much my testimony on missionary work grew within that short time frame. I love the young men in this church that dedicate two years to the Lord. Thank you for all your hard work Elders!

Anyway. . .we ended the night with good food in our bellies, and a comforting feeling from the spirit.

On Sunday we continued our spiritual high at Church. When we returned home Tyler and I began the long process of assembling a crib. It took over two hours! But now Bella isn't trapped in her tiny bassinet. (she was continuing to wake herself up by bumping into the sides) And now, thanks to her dad, she is sleeping on a very comfortable bed. While we were shopping for a crib mattress, on Saturday, I reached for the cheapest $40 mattress. Tyler quickly returned my item to the shelf and convinced me she needed the mattress that was twice as much. Even though I wanted the cheapest one, I didn't win. Tyler insisted she have "a princess bed." I couldn't contain my laughter. He was completely serious. I can't believe the way she affects Tyler. She is his little princess. I love my husband and daughter with all my heart, but it is even more rewarding to see Tyler love his little girl.

More Pictures of Mindy and Nate's Wedding

The photographer from Mindy's wedding has posted her pictures online. If you're interested in seeing professional shots here is the sight: http://www.swensenphotography.com Once you are on the main page go to proofing. There will be a list of weddings. Select Mindy Stark wedding and go to town!

HANGIN' OUT AT NANA'S HOUSE

BELLA AND DREW

COMING OUT OF THE TEMPLE

WHAT A BEAUTIFUL BRIDE!

Salt Lake and Back

TY AND MINDY

YA! IT'S UNCLE JOSH

PARENTS OF THE BRIDE AND GROOM

BEAUTIFUL BELLA

CUTTING THE CAKE

What an amazing week! Tuesday morning Bella and I got into Salt Lake. We spent all day Tuesday with my family. Wednesday we were able to go to lunch with Grandma Sheryl, Aunt Sierra and Aunt Melanie. After running a few errands we headed down town for Mindy and Nate's dinner. The dinner was held at Joseph Smith Memorial Building; the room was beautiful! The food was great and I was able to catch up with the Dahles. Late that night, 11:00 pm, Tyler got into town. We crashed at the Towner's for a few nights (thanks guys!) and we were able to watch Drew and Bella play together. The morning after Tyler got into town was the wedding. The sealer did a fantastic job; it was great to see Tyler's little sister married in the temple. The spirit is so strong any time I enter the temple. But when you are entering to do ordinances for your family, the feeling is amazing! After the sealing we took pictures at the temple. Mindy looked gorgeous! It was so cold and windy, luckily I had a sweater for Bella. After pictures were done the family went to lunch at Olive Garden. Well almost the whole family, Sheryl and Mindy were still at the temple taking pictures. Between lunch and the reception we only had enough time to run home, get ready, and head towards Thanksgiving Point. The reception was beautiful. Mindy had all of her sisters and Nate's sisters in dresses. There were a lot of us! Bella was super cute in her little dress. The day of the wedding was long, but fun. For the remaining time in Salt Lake we met up with friends and family. My family had a birthday party for Tyler on Saturday night, even though his birthday isn't until this Saturday. This week went too fast. I apologize if we did not get to see some of you. We are looking at coming back in September. Tyler has a week in September off. We love you all! - Dannielle

Seeing The Sights

Izzy loves being outside in her stroller. She loves to look around and see everything that makes this world beautiful.

This is a shot from a street bridge looking down to a small section of walkway and footbridge.

The Alamo!


We finally got down to the famous Riverwalk this last Saturday. We went at a great time too. Got there at 12:15 and left at about 3:30. The temperature was above 95 all three hours and only two of us were hospitalized for heat stroke! Good heavens, who's idea was that?! Oh, we walked over to the Alamo too. It was so crowded inside we didn't even try to look around. You can see from the outside the building is pretty small and two hundred people turn it into a sardine can real quick.

Since Dannielle's little sister has been here we've been going out and trying new places. We went over to a Southern style restaurant a few nights ago. It had a real deep south feeling to it with a screened in porch and all. To go along with the decor I decided to try a plate that would fit the ambiance. It was titled The Fisherman's Plate and had fried oysters, fried crawfish, fried catfish, french fries, coleslaw, beans with bacon, and considering it came with an AED the price of $16 was pretty reasonable! Holy plate of nasty crap Batman! Apparently I'm not as smart as I think I am. I should have made the observation that no menu outside of the southern states lists any of these fine items as menu choices. The reason for not listing these foods is not due to the inability to access them rather it is due to the inability to get anyone with a normal palate to swallow the swamp raised, sordid stuff! So to those that live in an area with an abundance of any distasteful items that may be considered food, just because it's plentiful doesn't mean it should be considered an entree.

I have to put in a quick plug for fried chicken. Fried chicken should be a staple in everyone's diet. I don't understand why the rest of America hasn't caught on like those down here in the south. There is a drive thru on every corner selling fried chicken and across from that corner is a stand selling tacos. Tacos, and fried chicken. That's good food! Jalepeno juice on your fried chicken. Jalepeno juice mixed with butter and spread over popcorn. There are some good eats down here!

Having Fun With Meag

Meaghan flew in on Tuesday afternoon. We have had a blast with her! So far we have been to the La Cantera mall, we went to take pictures of the temple, we checked out the college that Meaghan might go to, today we went to the Zoo, we learned how to make fresh tortillas, and listened to a live Mariachi band. All in all, we have had a fun two and half days. The four of us are going to the Riverwalk on Saturday; we are all excited to experience that!

This week has been very hot. It has been un-seasonably warm. Usually June is a rainy month. So far we haven't seen much moisture. Bella has been doing great with the heat. It was a little warm at the Zoo today. We went into any exhibit we could find that was air conditioned. The Zoo was amazing! We were there for two hours and only saw half of the animals. Bella was fascinated by the birds. I don't know if it was their movement, or their loud noises, but she loved watching them. We bought a year pass to the Zoo. I am excited to see her love for animals grow.

I can't believe we are heading back to SLC in five days! See you all VERY soon! - Dannielle