Changing our Blog Title

I feel like our blog title is a little misleading at the moment due to the fact that Nick and I are miles apart. I though I would put a quick update on here for those of you that have not heard of our current situation.

A couple of months ago we found a mistake with my visa and I was recommended to go home to New Zealand to figure it all out, so tickets were booked and off I flew, home to NZ for a month. However when I arrived here and tried to re-apply for a visa I was denied and so started the saga of Nick and I living on different continents.

Currently we are both trying to get answers from immigration experts on both sides of the pacific. However it is looking like we will be apart for several months and I will not be able to return to the States for at least 9 months.

So I am sitting next to a fire attempting to endure another winter (3 in a row, we have got to start planning these trips better) and figuring out God's plan in this mess. It is hard to imagine what he has in store for us during this time apart but I am constantly reminded that he knows best. Thank-you all for your support during this time. It has been wonderful to get all your messages and hear that my man is being well looked after.

I will try and keep everyone updated on any progress we have.

Thanks again,
Hannah

Happy Birthday Sarah!!!

Today (NZ time) is my cousin Sarah Bichan 21st Birthday so I have posted a little birthday tribute for her. Sarah and I are only 3 weeks apart in age and she is as close as I have to a sister. We have had many fun times together over the years and Sarah is always up for a laugh which had resulted in many fun photos that I can now share.

Sarah, I was very disappointed that I could not celebrate with/embarrass you in person at your party so to make up for that here are a few photos describing the many reason we love you. Happy Birthday Fancy Pants I hope you have a great day and I can't wait to celebrate with you when I visit.

Lots of Love,
Nick and Hannah

Going to meet Mr. President Obama & Tim Gunn

Here is a quick look at our trip to New York and DC. Flew into DC on Saturday Night and proceeded to embark on a whirlwind tour of the capital. And although we did not see Obama we did manage to take in quite a few of the sites. DC was covered in cherry blossoms as it was the week of the Cherry Blossom Festival. We had the best time walking all over the town visiting the white house, capitol building, supreme court, president monuments, etc. On Tuesday we took a 5 hour Greyhound bus up to New York to meet our friends Aaron and Megan Gibbs who had generously given us some of their buddy pass tickets which allowed us to see this beautiful side of the East coast. We just had a short time in NYC, but like DC we managed to get around and see most of the important sites. There is so much more to tell about our trip but I will let the following pictures do the talking.

We were lucky enough to be in DC during the Nation Cherry Blossom Festival

F.D.R. memorial was amazing!

Nick's favorite

:)

When used a voucher at

McCormick & Schmick's Seafood Restaurant

There was a special on Lobster Dinner!

Nick and the Hippo at the Natural History Museum having a
"Who's mouth is the biggest" Competition.

The public transport in Newark, New Jersey was a little confusing.

Times Square.


Best store in all the world (It's the fabric store from Project Runway).

Nick at the coolest Mac store ever.

You know when your in America when...


Enjoying a walk in the rain at Central Park.

We have lots more photos and fun stories from our trip but I will save those for another time.

Why Did The Chicken Chase The Key? - Video 5 & 6

These are the next two videos in "The Nick and Phil Chronicles" for the Dare to Share Promo.

Enjoy these. I've got 2 more coming in a few weeks.

See more below in previous post (Why did the Chicken Chase the Key - Video 2-4).


Why did the Chicken Chase the Key - Video 5




Why did the Chicken Chase the Key - Video 6

Twin Falls Hike

Last Thursday Anna Simmons and I took off for a girls day out. We went for a Hike to Twin Falls in Monroe. It was the best day we could have asked for, sunshine, blue skies and very few people on the trail. It was even warm enough to dip our feet in the river at the end. I both took a lot of photo's mainly so that I could stop often and cover the fact that I am so out of shape but it did mean I have a lot to post for you here.
We finished off the day with dinner back at our place and Anna made the most amazing rhubarb and raspberry cobbler which finished the day perfectly.

8th Grade Retreat

Last weekend we boarded a bus with 35 8th graders (12 and 13 year olds) and headed over to Tall timbers Ranch.

The manly men talked about becoming a warrior, king, mentor, and friend. They spent the whole weekend running dressed as samurais with plastic swords and identifying their role as a man. Phil and Nick tag teamed the teaching and I'm pretty sure they enjoyed the samurai role play just a little too much (isn't that right Kitty?).

The girls talked about the lies that the world feeds us about the "perfect women" we are meant to be and discovering the women God desires us to be.

We were knee deep in snow and the kids had a great time trying snow shoeing and cross country skiing and heading down the best tubing hill I have ever seen. Here are a few photos of the fun times and great scenery.

Why Did The Chicken Chase The Key? - Video 2-4

Ok, so I'm so excited about these videos and I'm having a lot of fun with them so I need to keep on sharing them.

"Remember to click on the HQ for the "High Quality" on the bottom right of the video for best viewing."

Why did the Chicken Chase the Key - Video 2





Why did the Chicken Chase the Key - Video 3
(This on is my Favorite so far)





Why did the Chicken Chase the Key - Video 4
(Have you seen the "Office"





4 more to come... Stay tuned!