Why We’re Moving to Colorado: A New Chapter Begins
The question I’ve been asked most recently is simple: “Why are you moving to Colorado?” The answer isn’t short, but it’s a story of adventure, family, and big life changes.
Colorado and Baby Plans
Last year, Troy and I visited Colorado four times. Yes, four times. One summer trip led to another, and by the time winter rolled around, we were back for an epic snowy adventure in Winter Park. Each visit made us fall more in love with the state—the mountains, the trails, the crisp air, and the lifestyle. By last fall, we had made the decision: Colorado was calling, and we were going to answer.
At the same time, expanding our family was on the horizon. I had been tracking ovulation since December, hoping for a pregnancy early this year during a trip to Maui. Both plans—moving and growing our family—were in motion. And then the world changed. COVID-19 hit.
We learned about the virus while packing up in Hawaii. It wasn’t widespread in the U.S. yet, and suddenly, uncertainty loomed over everything. And yet, I was already pregnant. Naturally, a part of us considered waiting, but we trusted that God would protect this baby. The question quickly became: Do we still move?
Selling Our House in Six Days
Pre-COVID, we planned to list our house in April, aiming to take advantage of the busy summer market. Once the pandemic hit, everything felt unpredictable. Would buyers still be out there? What about the economy? Family health?
Once things settled slightly, we contacted a realtor friend to weigh our options. She suggested a quiet, off-market listing on Sotheby’s website, giving us time to prep without pressure. Then, just two days later, she called: someone wanted a showing.
Our house wasn’t staged, landscaped, or ready at all. But we went ahead and let the buyers see it as it was. And they fell in love. Six days after hiring the realtor, we had an offer—the very first couple to view the house. While multiple other requests came in afterward, we had already made a deal. Selling our home so quickly felt surreal, but it set the pace for the whirlwind move ahead.
Finding a Home in Colorado
With the sale finalized, we had roughly a month to find a new home in Colorado. We flew out ready to explore, only to hit a snag: at the time, in-person showings were limited due to COVID. Weekend showings didn’t exist, and many listings were only available via virtual tours.
After two frustrating days, we returned to Texas, realizing we’d need to act fast when the right house appeared online. Within days, it did—a home that ticked nearly all our boxes. Four bedrooms, a finished basement for the kids to play in, and a great location near the mountains. After a series of interviews and a family photo sent to the owners, we got the house.
Why Lakewood?
Choosing Lakewood came down to location and lifestyle. We explored areas around Denver—Highlands Ranch, Lone Tree, Castle Rock, Parker, Boulder, Golden—but nothing fit what we envisioned. We wanted space for the kids, a finished basement for visitors, and four bedrooms within our budget. Many options were older homes or didn’t have the layout we wanted.
Then we found a house in Rooney Valley. Situated at the base of Red Rocks Park, surrounded by trails, and just off I-70, the location felt perfect. Bonus: my brother-in-law’s best friend had lived nearby and vouched for how safe and family-friendly the neighborhood was.
The house isn’t perfect—no fireplace, no backyard, no bathtub in the master, and no formal dining area—but it offers what matters most: room for the kids, play areas, and a fresh start. It’s a rental for now, giving us flexibility while we settle in.
Saying Goodbye to Family
Moving isn’t without its challenges. Troy’s family is in Nebraska, so we’re actually closer to them now, which is a huge plus. For me, though, leaving family behind is harder. My older sister lives just down the street, my parents two hours away, and my nieces and nephews are practically part of our daily life. Miller has a special bond with her grandparents, and it’s tough knowing that daily interactions will become less frequent.
But distance doesn’t break relationships—it strengthens them. We plan FaceTime playdates, frequent visits, and intentional family time. Saying “see you later” will be hard, but it’s not goodbye forever.
Why Move?
People have asked: “How could you move? Isn’t family everything?” And yes, family is everything—to me, that includes Troy, Miller, and the baby on the way. This move isn’t about leaving family behind; it’s about carving out space for our little family to grow, explore, and thrive.
Living right next door to my parents and sister has been a comfort, but it’s also meant we’ve leaned on them more than on each other. Moving to Colorado gives us the chance to fully lean on each other, make our own memories, and embrace the lifestyle we’ve always dreamed of.
We love hiking, snowboarding, Christmas festivities, and the idea of Miller having an active, outdoor childhood. Troy wants the mountains for snowboarding, and I can’t wait to explore new trails, learn to fly fish, and experience all the beauty Colorado offers.
The Adventure Ahead
We’re moving in early June, and though the goodbye will be emotional, we are excited. This is a new chapter filled with challenges, discoveries, and endless possibilities. Family remains at the heart of everything, but it’s time for our own adventure.
We’ll keep sharing updates from Colorado, from trails and hikes to family life in our new mountain-adjacent home. The future feels bright, and we’re ready for everything that comes with it.
