Justin's Birthday Weekend!

What a joy it was to celebrate Justin's birthday in California this year! It isn't the same as being with family and all our friends but Justin still had a great day! In the morning we had a great breakfast and then went hiking at Eaton Canyon near our home. Unfortunately we couldn't make it to the waterfalls at the top because of the fires but we hiked up as far as they would let us. The streams were a bit dry too. It wasn't as beautiful as Bryce or Zion National Parks but hiking is still one of our favorite things to do lately.




We also went to see a movie in the afternoon and went out to dinner for Justin's favorite, Mexican food! It was delicious. One thing Pasadena does well is make good, authentic food.

Friday we went running in the morning, went to the park in the afternoon to play frisbee and catch with the softball. At night we went to the Dodgers game with some friends and had a great time. There is nothing like a baseball game, even if it isn't the Tigers.



Saturday we relaxed with Ben & Betsy Dykhouse and their little Jack. It was fun meeting Jack for the first time and to see him growing up so quickly. It was great catching up and spending time with another great couple. At night we made a fabulous dinner at home. The weekend has been fun. Again, it is different not being around everyone we love to celebrate birthdays but our friends her helped make this year's birthday fun. Thanks to everyone for your birthday cards, presents, and wishes!

Flea Market

Yesterday we went to a HUGE flea market at the Rose Bowl. It takes place the 2nd Sunday of every month and we highly recommend you come out to visit us over one of these days. We walked down there and spent half the day looking through antiques, clothing, jewelry, furniture, and more. It was fun to be surrounded by everyone's junk and yet see why other people treasure it. It was also very hazy, which made us feel like we were in Michigan during Fall. The morning was beautiful. We look forward to going there next month when Erin is in town. She can help us decorate our apartment!




We also bought a grill and have been eating very well here. The produce is so fresh. We visit a market and cannot believe the bursts of flavor that we are eating. Check out some of our fun meals so far. We had chicken fijitas with Caleb and some shrimp Ceasar salad all made from scratch. Amazing. Wish you were all here to enjoy it with us.

We continue to enjoy exploring the city and hunt for jobs. The weather has also been a bit cooler, which has been so wonderful. Nights are better for sleeping and mornings are perfect for a run around the Rose Bowl.

Our New Home in Pasadena

Here is our view from our front porch at our new home in Pasadena. We have a beautiful view and are glad that the fires have subsided.



The virtual tour of our apartment with commentary by Dawn. We love our new place and are becoming more comfortable with calling this place home. We still have some pictures to hang and other odds and ends to do, but most boxes are empty and everything has found a home some place in our apartment. We cannot wait to have visitors to show them around our new community.

Running in Pasadena

Over the past two days, I (Justin) have had a couple crazy experiences in Pasadena as I have been running. I thought it would be fun to take different routes to explore the area around our home. One night I decided to head south towards Fuller Seminary and I get no more than a mile down the road when a family of raccoons darts out in front of me. It looked like five baby raccoons and their mother. I stopped dead in my tracks as I locked eyes with the mother raccoon and at that moment I decided it would be in my best interest to turn around and run back home.

The second experience occurred as I was running down to the rose bowl. By the way it is really nice to only be a mile and a half away from the rose bowl. I was heading back from the rose bowl and I was in a residential area when all of the sudden I hear some rumbling coming from the bushes in front of the house that I am passing by. At that moment I turn my head to the left to see what all the commotion was about and here comes a rooster charing from the bushes right at me. I dart across the street without even looking. Lucky for me there were no cars coming. I look back and see the rooster standing at the edge of the yard, chest puffed out, as to say "don't come near my yard." After my heart slowed down a little, I stopped and reflected on my experience, where am I? I asked myself. I thought we were in Pasadena California, really close to Los Angeles, but I feel like I am back running in Hudsonville. Two days in a row and I see animals living in the city that don't belong in the city. It was a couple pretty crazy experiences.

Labor Day Weekend

What a great weekend! We spent all three days with our friend, Caleb. Friday night we met some people affiliated with a new church we are thinking about joining. We also celebrated Nick's birthday with a great steak dinner!

Saturday we went to Caleb's house and grilled out. Then we watched U of M play the best we have seen in awhile and then the Tigers come from behind. It was a nice, relaxing day. It was just what we needed.

Sunday we went for a run and hung out by the pool with Caleb for most of the day before heading to Old Pasadena for a nice dinner and to walk around. The weather is cooler and much more beautiful.



Today we ran some errands and explored the area a bit more. Tonight we are using our new grill and cooking up some chicken fajitas with Caleb. The weekend has been relaxing, fun, and full of life. We are really starting to feel like home here. Thanks for all your thoughts, calls, and prayers.

Travels out to Pasadena

We stopped in Utah for many days and hiked many miles at some beautiful National Parks. Here are just a few of our favorite pictures so far. We haven't gotten through all our pictures yet so I am sure we will post more as we go forward. This rainbow was a wonderful reminder that we are in God's will.




Just an FYI. We made it to Pasadena (1401 N. Los Robles Ave # 20 in Pasadena, 91104) on Sunday evening and moved into our new place that day. Our truck came today and thankfully, everything we put on the truck came off. We felt blessed to only have a few broken items and look forward to the next few days of putting items away in their place until our home truly feels like home.

For those of you who are wondering, we can see the fires outside on our front porch but have been told that we have nothing to worry about at this time. We are not in danger of being evacuated at this time. We will update more once we have internet in our place. Thanks again for your prayers.