One Year In New Zealand

A year ago yesterday, I walked off the plane into New Zealand. I held Phil's hand and held my breath as they looked over my visa and stamped my passport. It was the second time I'd been to New Zealand, but it would be the first time I could call New Zealand home.

After lots of traveling it was incredible to put away the suitcases and begin to settle down! I discovered meat pies, new friends, and pukekos.

I fell in love with the New Zealand countryside and scenery. I'm still madly in love with it. I hope one day to move out to the countryside and I hope I never take this beautiful scenery for granted.





The Mister shaved off the moustache.
He regrew the moustache.
He grew a beard.
I think he's super handsome with or without facial hair. But he DOES grow an incredible moustache and beard. He has moustache and beard growing super powers.




We bought a house. We made a home.




We made an announcement. We watched my belly grow.



Phil quit work on the orchard and started a new job.




Our friends threw us a baby shower and we got ready for the arrival of Baby vdW.






We waited. I knitted this and that. We waited some more.


Then finally the day came. She changed our lives forever.




We watched Audrey grow so much in the last 6 weeks.


A lot has happened in a year. We have been blessed so richly. We have so much to be thankful for. We have so much to look forward to.

I love you, Phil. Thanks for being my husband. Thanks for introducing New Zealand to me. I love our life together.

This Texas girl has settled in quite nicely.

xo
Talia Christine

Though I do miss Texas BBQ. And cheap Mexican food.