Porch Party

Some friends of ours had a party on their back porch and their band played- it was so cool!  

Jammin on the patio

Family friends Heather and Gemma

 They are a fun family!  Thankful for them and how they've made us feel so welcome in SLC.

We've found a church that we really like and have joined a small group Bible study that meets each Monday night.  This morning we were singing one of my favorite worship songs in church- 10,000 Reasons by Matt Redman- and I though of how different the surroundings were from the last time I sang that song in church.  The last time was in a wall-less, open-air church by the beach with the ocean in view, and this morning was in a beautifully decorated, darkened church sanctuary.  Completely opposite surroundings, but the very same God.  I love how God is firm and unchanging, and we can worship Him fully wherever we are.  God is taking care of us here in Salt Lake just like he took care of us in Saipan, Taiwan, and everywhere we've been before.

Big Move

Brian and I made a big move to Salt Lake City, Utah!  We've been here for a few weeks now and things are starting to settle down.  It's starting to feel like home here, as we've getting our little apartment fixed up, working, taking a CNA class (me), trying out a couple of new churches, and all that's involved with exploring a new city.  I love the mountains that surround SLC, and I really love the downtown area.  Right now we are southwest of the city, in an apartment with a 3 month lease.  When that's up, we're hoping to move up closer to downtown.

I'm really thankful for the family friends that we have here, who have welcomed us and made us feel comfortable in a new city.  It really helps to know some friends when you move to a completely new place- just like how our friends Laura and Josiah made us feel so welcome when we first moved to Saipan!  (We miss you guys!)

We've been taking advantage of the gorgeous fall weather and have taken a couple of hikes up into the mountains.  Here's a few pics:

Here's the view from a drive over to Park City.  We could only spend a few hours there the day we went because Brian had to work, but we plan on going back soon.  Park City has such a cool feeling, with lots of great restaurants and shopping.  

 Sam's been cooped up in here kennel a lot since we got here, so we try to take her out with us when we can.  She likes sticking her head out the window.

 One of the ski resorts here.

 A Saturday morning hike up Big Cottonwood Canyon.  Saipan had no fall weather, so I'm loving the fall colors and cooler temperatures.  We've been sleeping with our window open every night and it feels freezing when you wake up in the morning.

Still getting used to the higher altitude here.  I felt so out of breath while we were hiking and had to take lots of breaks, even though we didn't go that far!

Dog Park

 We went to the Independence dog park a few times while we were with family, and one Friday they all came too.

 

 This summer was so hot and the best time to go was right as the sun was going down and the shade was filling up the dog park.

 My parents brought their dog, Gemma, to play with Samantha and the other dogs.

 Me and my bro. 

 Very best dog in the world!

My mom and dad at the park.  Gemma hops around like a little bunny while she plays with the other pets.

We usually never let Sammie on the couch or the bed, but she was so tired after the dog park she got to snuggle on the couch while I watched Mad Men.  Ha!  Spoiled dog.