A little synopsis of our Anniversary.

Here's a little overview of our anniversary weekend.

We left early Friday morning with the intention to visit the Art Institute in downtown Chigago. But we totally forgot that Lalapallooza was going on during that weekend as well. All the streets going anywhere near Lala was blocked off. We had to change our plans a little bit and spent the day at the Navy Pier. That was awesome. We did pretty much everything you could do there.

When we first arrived, there was a big even going on for HPs new headphones-Beats. There was a DJ and a dance floor, a booth to to recieve free t-shirts, and a booth to get your photo taken. So Curt and I hit up the photo booth and then got on the dance floor. It was awesome and the DJ was throwing some good stuff out there. It was like they were waiting for us, celebrating our anniversary!

After that we ate some delicious Chicago Dogs,

You can't go to Chicago without getting a Chicago Dog.

After that we went for to the Chinese Circus. That was so crazy! They could do some crazy things with their bodies.

We then went on a boat tour of Chicago and saw all of the buildings. That was pretty sweet. (Pictures below)

We then went on the super tall Ferris Wheel, which lasted six minutes. We went right when the sun was setting, it was gorgeous.

After our day at Navy Pier,

we headed to Bravo Italiano Restuarant, where we ate after our wedding. That was delicious! Curt had this creamy red sauce with sausage and noodles. I had Tilapia with crab and veggies.

At about 10:00 pm , we headed back to the hotel that we stayed at on the night of our Wedding.

On Saturday we spent the day at the temple,

and that was probably the most special part.

We were able to remeber the day we were married and renew our covenants with our Heavenly Father.

That is what is most important.

And we couldn't have gone on a more beauitful day.

It was a great start to year #2.

What's a story without magical unicorns and plump gnomes?

The Beginning

Once upon a time, in a far, far away land there was a princess. This princess was young and restless. She hated being trapped in a land where she knew no one. “How could the king do this to her?” she would ask, “Why would he punish her so?” Oh, how little this princess understood. The King had a plan for her. He could see the bigger picture.

Over time this princess met other princes and princesses in the kingdom, mostly through religious activities. There was one particular prince who she fancied above the others. His name was Prince Isenbarger. It seemed as though every princess was chasing Prince Isenbarger. Who wouldn’t? He was tall and strong. He had dark hair and blue, blue eyes. And when he smiled, the princess felt as though she would melt inside. But it would never work, she thought. The King was to ship her off to become an educated and learned princess in a few days time. Again she asked herself, “how could the King do this?” She finally met an honorable and worthy prince, and not to mention, a very attractive one. It was puzzling, to say the least. Nonetheless, the King had the final say.

Leaving the handsome and well groomed Prince Isenbarger behind, the young princess went off to the learned kingdom of Sir Brigham Young. She studied diligently and achieved high grades. She learned many great things and met many wonderful people. Yet that young and handsome prince never left her mind. No one in all of Sir Brigham’s kingdom stirred her heart the way Prince Isenbarger did. Thankfully, the princess had a magical contraption. It was a little box with magical buttons that allowed the princess to talk to the prince every night. They talked into the wee hours of the night, every night, growing more and more in love with each passing day. Prince Isenbarger was her prince charming.

They had many hardships to face. They were separated by high mountains, firey dragons, raging rivers, and empty deserts. It seemed as though there was little hope for these young lovers. They questioned the King, “why must we face so many challenges?” They were on the brink of desperation. But on one blizzardy day, Prince Isenbarger could take no more. He jumped onto his flying horse, and braved the empty deserts, raging rivers, dangerous dragons and lofty baggage fees. He soared past mountain peaks and icy tundra. Anything to return to his beautiful princess.

When he saw her, waiting for him, he knew that he would never leave her side again. He picked her up in his arms and asked her, “Will you make me the happiest man alive and be my queen for all eternity?” The princess’ skin sparkled with joy. Happiness bubbled inside of her, and just then, she had a glimpse of what the King had planned for her the entire time. She shouted with ecstasy, “Yes! Yes! Yes!” Prince Isenbarger strapped her to his flying horse, and together they flew into the horizon.

Upon their return, the King praised them for their ability to overcome all trials. He gave him His kingdom for being obedient to His words. The two were married in His holy temple, with His holy consent. They were sealed together, as Queen and King Isenbarger for all eternity -- one of the greatest gifts of all.

* * * * *

I say ‘The Beginning’ because in reality, this prince and princess have just begun their life together. They have begun a new chapter in their fairytale story; a chapter that will be filled with much happiness and joy emphasized by trials and tribulations that will surely come their way. It is the beginning of us -- Curt and I.

I tell this story to show that we are all princes and princesses in our Father’s eyes. We are living our lives, day by day, to return to our beloved King. And if we follow his commandments and have faith in His plan, He will bless us with all of the joys in the world. I have come to learn to trust my Heavenly Father more than ever this past year. I now understand that I cannot understand what He has in store for me; but I can follow His words and commandments. By doing so, Heavenly Father promises us everything He has.

-Curt & Vanessa

2010

It's been a long long time since I've memorized your face

I know you have all been DYING to know about the wonderful Sufjan Stevens. It is no mystery to me, which is why I have prolonged this blog post for quite some time. It had nothing to do with the lack of time on my hands at all. Well, maybe.

Let's begin. The venue was a lot smaller than I expected. I was more like a local amphitheater and fit about 500 people there. So we were nice and cozy. I liked it. It felt like a bunch of people coming together around a campfire to sing songs- in a way.

This concert was very different from his past concerts. This is mainly because of his most recent album (The Age of Adz). This album is a completely different genre. Instead of being a folk, acoustic artist, he transitioned into the more electronic genre. I, personally, thought it was amazing. I think a true artist is one who is continually experimenting, expounding, and  developing a personal style. I also think that an artist is someone who has the ability to go excel in other aspects or genres. Sufjan does exactly that. Curt quoted his swim coach which better expresses what I am trying to say.

"You aren't a good swimmer unless you perfect every single stroke."

I feel that The Age of Adz is a progressive step for this artist. He is pushing his musical talent farther than he ever has before. I am in love with his powerful and captivating voice and his ability to express his emotions with such vigor. I experienced the anger, frustration, longing, and selfishness he expressed in his compositions. Not many artists can evoke such passion within the audience.

I had to put this one up. it is hilarious. Check our the texting/ facebooking mom and her not very happy son.

Notion of Well Being.

I know what most people are thinking. Once you are married, it is inevitable that one's life will instantaneously transform into a monochromatic scheme of early nights paired with roman noodles. I would like to inform the world that that theory is utterly and completely irrelevant to married life. Marriage is the exact that that fufills every need and desire of an individual. It is the funnest thing ever, to be living with and married to the man/woman who is the reason you smile. Married life is a new chapter. Nay, a new book to be told. Our new story begins here,

Beauitful Cramer Family <3

Crazy Isenbarger Family <3

at the Chicago Temple. Not only were we sealed for time and all eternity, but we were blessed with the presence of many friends and family, all supporting us. On top of that, it was an absolutely gorgeous, not too hot, day in the middle of August. I cannot describe how happy we were. But, wait -- it got even better. The following day we had even more friends and family come to support and celebrate our marriage at our reception.

Wonderful picture #1

 Oh, you better believe there was dancing going on the entire night. And you better believe Cole, Pooma, Ashley and Curt were on the dance floor nonstop.

Wonderful picture #2

And if Curt and I were not on the dance floor, we were talking to all the wonderful people there. It could not have been a better night. Seriously, we are so blessed.