END OF AN ERA
After 3+ years of our West Side Best Side, West Coast Best Coast movement living in the lovely state of Arizona, it’s time to wrap up one of our favorite chapters of our lives (OK, probably our most favorite to date). It’s no secret AZ is my happy place and my husband and I are equally downright obsessed with The Valley of the Sun — but the time has come.
It’s taken tons of thought, consideration, and communication between Drew and I, and it’s just the right decision. It’s been exhausting constantly flying back and forth between AZ and ATL. We’re not talking a state away… it’s been a serious bi-coastal, cross-country relationship. Nothing technically is holding us out there anymore. Obviously we moved out there 3 years and 2 months ago (but who’s counting) for the Cardinals and we were lucky enough to play 3 seasons there, which for us is a long time — seeing as we’ve played a year or less jumping around other teams in the past.
We are SO THANKFUL for the experience we had out there… there are seriously no words. We have both grown so much individually and as a couple. We’ve learned SO MUCH and nothing will take that away. We’ve now owned our very first home together and it was a fabulous one if I say so myself.
Arizona is the most tranquil and peaceful state. Its beauty is bar none. Lots of phenomenal desert road trips were had — lots of breathtaking sunsets were witnessed in awe — lots of knowledge was gained (including learning what true purple mountain majesties are). It’s been the most conducive place for healthy living, from the hiking to healthy eating atmosphere. Our friends out there mean nothing short of the world to us, and no distance will break that bond. And nothing will take away our countless, priceless memories from the unbelievable experience we got out there.
“I wholeheartedly believe everything happens for a reason and I KNOW with the utmost certainty, we are on the right path in life.”
WHAT NOW
The house is sold. It sold in 4 days and has been quite the whirlwind ever since. Everyone loved it and it was off the market before we knew it. We are currently in escrow and will be out at the end of the month.
We are moving back to our homebase, Atlanta. Drew and I both grew up here, it’s always been our constant home, and will be our forever home when everything in the NFL is all said and done one day. Whether we are off to a new NFL city before we know it or if we are here full time for a bit, that is still TBD — but we know Atlanta is it for us.
We are currently quickly looking for a new place to live here and then will be off to the desert to pack up, close on the house, ship our cars, and officially close the door on that special chapter. We are total moving pros and got this, but that doesn’t make it fun…
“There is something invigorating about letting go of something you need to, and that is what’s happening..”
LESSON LEARNED
I still remember getting the call that we were moving to Arizona. I had absolutely no clue what living out West, or in the desert for that matter, would be like. I still remember flying out there with one suitcase and Kodi. I remember living in a tiny hotel room for a month while we became familiar with the area and learned which neighborhood we wanted to live in. I remember Drew and I sharing a rental car before we shipped ours out there and bought me a new one in Scottsdale. If I was too tired that early in the morning to drop Drew off at practice and meetings for the day, he would take the car and I would walk forever, making myself take in our new city, eating at restaurants by myself, scoping everything out. I couldn’t imagine anything ahead of that current day we were living in. We took everything one day at a time, were 2,000 miles from home, and only had each other to lean on.
I NEVER could have imagined the love I have had for the past 3+ years. It’s been our most favorite place we’ve ever lived and the best experience we’ve had to date. That never would have happened if we didn’t have an open mind, say yes to everything, put ourselves out there, jump on opportunities, move far away from home, learn lessons ourselves, take risks, laugh til we cried, or cried til we laughed.
“I can say with conviction, something greater than we ever could have imagined is coming.”
WHEN ONE DOOR CLOSES ANOTHER ONE OPENS
With all of that said, we are SO EXCITED for this next chapter coming up in our lives! We know this will be the best one yet and we are welcoming it with open arms!
Our families are so happy we are coming home and we are so happy to have them near.
I wholeheartedly believe everything happens for a reason and I KNOW with the utmost certainty, we are on the right path in life. There is something invigorating about letting go of something you need to, and that is what’s happening.
I can say with conviction, something greater than we ever could have imagined is coming 🙂
xoxo


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Wow! We’re gonna miss you two. It was great to have met you both and we enjoyed your visits to the Ronald McDonald House and hospital. Thank you for being a strong supporter of Chase and giving him the strength to keep fighting. Wishing you two an awesome and beautiful future in your new adventures.
Much love from,
Chase, Alvina and Charles
Good luck, you guys! Happy for you that you’re going back home; this will be a great next chapter in your story!
Xo Donna
Beautifully written, Jacqui! We loved AZ too and it will always hold a special place in our heart. Best of luck on the move and well wishes to your new adventure! Xoxo, Jennel
I am selfishly so sad to see you go, but I know the future for you two has so many great things in store. A few thousand miles has nothing on our friendship. This isn’t a goodbye, it’s a see you later my dear friend.
Ashley