Ch-Ch-Changes

We have lived in Utah for 5 1/2 years. That's half of our married life, most of the kids' lives, more than we have ever lived any place for one time in our adult lives. For the last year or so though, we have been feeling a bit restless, feeling like it's time for a change. It has gotten progressively harder to live so far from our families. Sometimes it feels like we are on an island 2000 miles away. We were initially hopeful that someone would move closer to us, but that never happened. We are alone out here and that would likely never change. The visits from family are fewer and farther between.

So we decided to do something about it. We are going to move back. Well, not necessarily all the way back to where we grew up but significantly closer. A few hours drive instead of a few hours flight. An opportunity for a transfer with my job is going to make this happen. For the first time, we will move somewhere for my job not James'. He has tendered his resignation to the U and what will be next for him is unknown. We will leave in May after the kids finish the school year. We will be moving to Virginia, right outside of D.C. This will not be the first time we have lived in Virginia and it's a bit like going back home. We know the area, I went to college in DC and James visited me often. We grew up there in a certain sense.

The kids are mixed about leaving Utah. We all are. We have everything here...great friends, a great school, a great house. It will be sad to leave. Keely is most excited. She has only known Utah as home (since we left AZ when she was less than 2, she doesn't remember it). She is excited for a change, ready for a new adventure. That's my girl. I would expect no less. Quinn on the other hand has been slow to come around. He does remember living other places, but truly he only knows Utah as home. He has his friends, loves his school and classmates, and plays on a great soccer team with all of his friends. He is a little more reserved than Keely, and tends to get a little more nervous about change. He's gone from not wanting to leave, to resigning himself to leaving, to moments of excitement about the move. I think we are getting there with him. He just needs time to process and the fact that we have given him several months notice is helping.

I am excited, and nervous too. A lot of things still have to be done and while May seems far away I know it will be here before we know it. We have a house to sell. We have a family to pack and move. We have to find a place to live. Sometimes I am wistful for 2003, when we moved to Tucson with one week notice and two weeks later were living in our new home. There was no time to think, no time to plan. Perfect for an over-thinker and over-planner like me!

The start of 2011 marks the beginning of the end for our time in Utah. We are excited about the possibilities and the changes on the horizon.