Autumn

We took the opportunity to drive up American Fork Canyon yesterday. I so desperately wanted to see the Autumn leaves before the season ended. We were up there at such a beautiful time. The light was golden and it truly looked celestial. Trees just aren't like this in Australia, so I'm always excited when I see Autumn in another part of the world where the colours of the leaves are so vibrant. I also can't get enough of these snow-capped mountains. I can even see them from our bedroom window.

It's colder now and although I'm looking forward to a snowy winter, I'd be lying if I said I don't miss the sunshine. I hope we plan a trip to Southern Utah soon!

- Alice

A Family Weekend

Last weekend was full of family activities. Tim came to visit from Colorado and we took the opportunity to go camping. Now, most of you are probably aware that I'm not really the camping type - but I did actually have a pretty good time. We roasted hot dogs and made s'mores (marshmellow with graham crackers and chocolate). The views were really pretty too. Sunday Maeve had her baby blessing. She looked so beautiful and fluffy in her white attire. Shad gave a really beautiful blessing and it was a wonderful day for everyone!

- Alice

That Time of Year

Once again, General Conference came and went. This year I was lucky enough to go to 2 sessions! The pictures above show 20,000 women swarming into the conference centre. Getting out was a struggle, but it was well worth it. For those of you who don't know what General Conference is, it's where the leaders of my church (the church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints) give motivating talks about Christ that inspire the members of the church. To learn more, or to watch General Conference, go here. Other than that, the weather has been changing. This year Utah has had some very early snow. The mountains have nice little caps on top, that I can even see from my bedroom window. They look so beautiful! Also, the colours of the Autumn leaves are stunning. What a scenic new place to live! We had the opportunity last week to go to Park City, where we visited Deb and Garry. They drove us around and showed us some ski resorts, including some things that were used here in the winter Olympics. I loved Park City. It even snowed for us!

Other than all of that, work has been keeping us busy, and we're always happy when our schedules meet (which isn't too often). We've been decorating our apartment and spoiling our dogs.

- Alice

Common Ground

Nearly immediately after we arrived, Jordan's old friend Ty asked him to play guitar in his band. Ty's been writing music for a long time now and the band was performing at a small event in Provo, 'Chalk the Block'.

After saying yes and completely committing to rehearsals twice a week, practicing day and night, listening to the same Cd over and over and over and learning 13 new songs in 2 weeks, this is what Jordan eventually looked like...

The 2 nights of performances were fantastic! Melissa and I (Melissa is Ty's wife and my friend over here) walked around to look at the various chalk art displays while the band set up... There were some really beautiful ones (they'd especially done well as it had started to rain during the day)!

Emry (my little friend who is Melissa and Ty's daughter) joined us and listed all the colours!

Almost all of Jordan's family came to watch, which was really nice! Maeve was sporting some of the things that I've crocheted for her, so that made me really happy :)

Overall, it was a great time and a wonderful performance! Check out Common Ground's music here

Now the guitar practice has slowed down, I finish training for my job next week and life is slowly starting to catch up...

I just hope the next post is just as interesting!

- Alice

It's a Small World After All

Quite a few weeks ago now, I had the chance to catch up with my dear friend, Cat. Cat and I were best pals when I lived in Hawaii for a short time and I hadn't seen her since! We were lucky enough to cross paths for the first time in almost 8 years! 

Also, Søren made it out to Salt Lake for business, which happened to coincide with my birthday... It's hard to believe that he often flies all the way out here. Although I'm far away from my family back home, it's comforting to know that not only do I have great family here, but my family in Denmark aren't so far away :) 

I also can't believe that Jordan and I were in Sydney together not so long ago...

And now here we are in Utah. We also got our own apartment a couple of weeks back, which we've been busy setting up. The real world is setting in and I've got a desk job, while Jordan goes to school and works at the grocery store (we are trying to get him a better job)!

- Alice

Into The Woods

Our chihuahua, Keeva came back to live with us last week. Because she's been confined to our bedroom, we decided to take her out.

We also thought that this would be an ideal excuse to go for a little camping trip in the mountains before the weather got too cold. It is still summer, but those mountains are high! It was actually pretty cold.

Jordan was worried that I wouldn't be too keen on the idea of camping, but I took to it very well! We cooked dinner on the campfire (tinned soup on the coals) and slept without pillows or sleep mats. I may have only complained once. It even rained.

I think Americans must think it strange how exotic I find their flora & fauna. Not to mention their gun laws - but that's for another time.


- Alice

This American Life

 on the last couple of weeks, I have been trying to soak in every American cultural experience that I can. I've been trying to notice the small differences and to celebrate them, to appreciate this funny place in the middle of the desert and to get to know the place where my dear Jordan grew up.

America: The Only Place Where....

1. You ask for a 'cone' and receive a cup full of ice-cream with a cone stuck on top

2. People decorate their homes according to most seasons, featured is one of the fall home deco sections of our local Walmart

3. At sporting events, it's not unusual for someone dressed up as a hot dog to chase someone dressed up as a slice of pizza, the crowd to stand up, sing songs and then wait for the fireworks at the end of the game.

Utah: The Place Where...

1. The mountains greet you whichever direction you turn.

2. There's an LDS chapel or temple on every block

3. Instead of 3 cheese aisles, a deli and 4 yoghurt aisles (as in the supermarket in France), Utahn supermarkets will have 3 greeting card aisles, a craft section and 2 party supply aisles.

4. The best pizza ever (possibly world wide) can be found in a quaint diner on the outskirts of town

5. We can spend time with our lovely baby niece, Maeve

6. I can land a French-speaking job with a company who sells juice in wine bottles

and yes, I am geeking out over my company ID tag.

- Alice