AZ + Happy Birthday to Meee!

We are getting settled here in our new ABQ home! It is nice and sunny and dry. We are living in a neighborhood called "Old Town" close to the Zoo and minutes from busy Central Avenue, which you might know better as Route 66.

Did you know that Albuquerque sits at about a mile above sea level? No wonder I find my feeling short of breath at times. I see you, Denver!

We drove in Wednesday night after spending a fun 4 days in Flagstaff Arizona, about an hour and a half south of the Grand Canyon.

Arizona was so fun to explore. We spent our first day hiking, shopping and eating in beautiful Sedona, AZ. The sunset on the red rocks was not to be missed.

                                

                                

The Grand Canyon the next day continued to provide non-stop breathtaking views.

It was a little more chilly than California, especially at sunset!

The next day we stayed local in Flagstaff. I was pleasantly surprised by this college town. It was so trendy yet down-to-earth and had so many fun shops, good eats and coffee. We even caught an open mic night before dinner.

                               

We had to say goodbye to our host David the next morning. We so appreciated his hospitality, late night talks, yummy breakfast and the opportunity to feed his red tail hawk in the garage. I think Austin's face says it all:

 

Being in Albuquerque has made it easy to come down from our vacation high. Maybe this is easy to say since I don't have to start work until the 22nd. We have so enjoyed making this cute cottage feel like home, eating at new tasty restaurants, finding the nearest groceries, dog park, post office (you get the picture). People here have been warm and welcoming.

Over dinner on Thursday night, Austin challenged both of us to a task here in our new home: we want to be intentional about our conversations and time here. We want to be authentic as we meet new people and tell them our story and listen to theirs. I believe that will be the best way to share the Gospel with those we don't know well and won't be with for long.

This doesn't mean presenting ourselves in an intimidating or insensitive way. It just means we want to have less "fluff" in our conversations and more words of humility, love and encouragement. We are only here for a short time.

I get nervous that we will not be able to enjoy all the places and things that fly by the windshield as we drive downtown. I know God is faithful and He has brought us to this place and He will help us make the most of our time here by guiding us in new experiences, and maybe even breaking us in hard times that bring us back to Him.

And that's really how we want to spend our lives.

Love to you all,

Ellen

Tucker feeling right at home:) 

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2000+ miles later.....

And Tucker's breath is still awful. It's really horrible, folks. Especially when he breathes right into the air vent in the car. But he remains the most loved (and most well-traveled) dog. 

It's been a week and a day since we left our Alabama home and headed west. After 3 days in the car, we arrived in beautiful Altadena, CA. And the digs were sweeeeeet. We loved our cozy and adorable Prarie Schrooner located in a gracious resdients' backyard. 

Our hosts, Ellen and Ken, we're super gracious and gave us some helpful hints to navigate to the Rosebowl. 

Time for some tailgating! 

We met up with sweet friends Sarah and Chris for some tailgating, cheering, and haggling for tickets. We made it in just in time! (Fun fact: my grandpa attended the 1962 Rosebowl for a mere $20 a ticket. We paid 5 times that to get in Monday night. You do the math. Inflation, geez) 

Even though we lost, we have unforgettable memories of an exciting game in a picturesque location. War Eagle, friends. 

We spent the next couple of days in LA stuck in traffic. We also did some touristy things. 

I was dumb and bought on of those souvenir "maps to the stars homes." Sadly, no star sightings. 

My favorite sights by far were the Getty Center and our tour of the Warner Brothers studio where we saw the Central Perk "Friends" set. 

I can't believe this is the last "Friends" set remaining- the others have been destroyed. No more Thanksgivings at Monica's. 😩😢

We spent the last two days in the desert. Yucca Valley and Joshua Tree National Park, CA to be exact. We arrived at our eclectic desert apartment and one terrifying culture-shock induced grocery trip later, we had ourselves a home cooked meal. It had been a while. 

This place was great. Located behind a vintage clothing shop owned by a local artist, this place was hippie-cozy. Wish we could have stayed longer than our two nights. 

Joshua Tree was incredible. The weather was cool and comfortable, perfect for our rock climbing day. Austin was in heaven and I just tried to keep up. And I am so sore because of it. 

Picnic lunch brought to you by the Joshua Tree farmers market. 

The cactus garden! 

Well, we are now in mountain time zone and here to stay. Our next destination in Flagstaff, AZ! We'll keep ya posted. 

Love to everyone, especially our moms, who might be the only people reading. 

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