Finally getting around to making this second and final post about our visit to Utah. So remember how I said I was going to tell you about going to two of the sweetest places I've ever been to in my life? Well, I actually meant three. Before I tell you about them, let me tell you about our trip to Temple Square in Salt Lake City.
In previous visits to Utah, I'd never actually been sightseeing. So this time around, and after much cajoling, Malu actually took me to Salt Lake City to play tourist for a little bit (this was our last full day in Utah). I'd always wanted to see the Mormon Temple at Temple Square. As soon as you walk through the gates, not only do you see the temple in all its splendor, you hear the angelic singing of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir.
We toured the visitor center.
And visited a Joseph Smith memorial.
And took more pictures of the beautiful temple.
There were 30 weddings scheduled the day that we went (according to a tour guide). We actually saw about five different wedding parties gathering in the front of the temple (pictured right) in complete chaos. But there were beautiful gowns that I wish I'd taken pictures of. I'm so glad that we went, although it would also have been nice to go at night when the entire temple is lit.
Knowing my love of all things confectionary, Malu (with some help from his Uncle Mike) found two bakeries to take me to. OMG...what a treat it was. The first place he took me to was called La Bonne Vie, which is located inside the Grand America Hotel. You would have thought that I was a 5 year-old seeing Disneyland for the first time. I was so excited. The place was so beautifully clad in pastels, little trinkets and the most delectable of treats.
hmmm....what to buy?
yummy gelato!
decisions, decisions!
It was my first time trying macarons (or French Macaroons). For these, I'd fly back to Utah in an instant. The customer favorite are the beige ones to the far left. They are a salted caramel flavor. Sooooo delicious. I also tried the passionfruit, raspberry, and chocolate ones.
Chocolate covered strawberries.
I walked out of there with a bag full of goodies. Even the packaging was amazing. I had to take a few pics.
I think Malu got a kick out of how crazy I went at this place. And then we went to another place called Gourmandise...Salt Lake City's most award-winning bakery and cafe.
Malu in front of the Gourmandise. Thanks for taking me baby!
There cases stockpiled with pastries, cookies, and cakes. So many too choose from.
Too many, in fact, that I got so overwhelmed and just settled for a whole cake--a white chocolate strawberry chantilly cake that cost over $40, but was well worth it. We even had it for breakfast the next day.
We spent the rest of our last day in Utah with our little cousins and with Uncle Mike while Grandma and Grandpa watched Sina. After eating dinner at Mimi's Cafe, Uncle Mike took us to Nielsen's for some frozen custard.
I had a caramel sundae and I'd never seen so much caramel in so small a serving--not that I complained!
Enjoying time with Uncle Mike and the kids.
After that, we took the kids to see the movie, Tangled, which I've seen another time with my sister since then because it was just so darn good.
Unfortunately, we departed the very next day. I couldn't help feeling like we should have stayed in Utah a little bit longer. A huge thanks goes out to Grandpa Jim, Grandma Lema, Uncle Mike, Auntie Jewel, Uncle Bill and the kids for welcoming us and making another stay so memorable. We miss you all so much!
Since then, we've been enjoying our time here in Colorado Springs with more family. Malu's brothers are here and his sister stopped by for a little visit as well. It's been great, and I do promise to post about our Christmas very soon.
If you ever find yourself in Utah anytime soon or in the near future, you now know where to go!
