Saying see you later, Cedar Falls

Big Announcement: We are moving to Des Moines

Our little family will be making the move to Des Moines at the end of April. Ryan was promoted, and the new job is located at the Corteva/Pioneer headquarters in Johnston. As expected, this major change comes with mixed feelings. We have sadness over all that we are leaving here, yet have excitement for what’s ahead for us.

I thought I’d blog about what we love most and will miss about Cedar Falls as we prepare to depart.

10 - Going into the office

I have been fortunate enough to be offered the opportunity to continue to work for UNI from home. Originally, I thought I would have to resign. And, technically I did. Then COVID-19 happened and we all relocated to home. And, the work and collaboration continued … and we (my boss, coworkers and myself) realized I could swing my role remotely. So, very excited. But, I will miss physically seeing everyone every day. Quick chats, food days and walks across campus will be no longer but those are only small perks. I am simply happy to be able to continue working in a position I really enjoy!

9 - Small City Living

I have always affectionately referred to Cedar Falls as a suburb without the city. When I first moved here from Des Moines I was disappointed in the size of the city. But, after time went on, I realized how nice it was to live in a smaller city. All the stores we frequent are a short drive away. And my “commute” all these years has been nonexistent.

8 - Anna’s daycare, pediatrician

The people who care for your baby are important people. We will miss the daycare center and Anna’s Lead Teacher, Sam, and Anna’s pediatrician, Ann. Knowing she has been in good hands has made Mom and Dad rest easy.

7 - My photography clients

I have met some awesome people with my side hustle. They have trusted me to capture their sweet babies and families while learning my craft, and I’m forever grateful.

6 - Good eats!

We have gathered a long list of favorite foods since moving to Cedar Falls. Some of my personal favorites include … Brown Bottle’s Seafood Lasagna, OP Pizza, Mulligan’s onion bites, Pepper’s chicken strips, Montage’s goat cheese risotto, Whiskey Road’s tater-tots, Starbeck’s corn bread, Scratch Cupcakes, Four Queens ice cream … I think you get the hint!

5 - SingleSpeed Brewing

I can’t talk about eating without mentioning beer. And, Cedar Falls and SingleSpeed are synonymous for us. I can remember visiting the ”new” brewery on Main Street years ago. We feel in love almost instantly … and haven’t ever looked back. We have drank lots and lots of SingleSpeed beers and have made the Waterloo taproom a biking destination of ours in the summer. Luckily, we can still buy SingleSpeed beers in Des Moines, but it definitely won’t be the same!

4 - Main Street Shopping

I have spent many Saturday mornings on Cedar Falls’ Main Street. I love many of the shops there, including Basket of Daisies, Peekaboo, Fig and Frolic, Vintage Iron, Little Prairie Girl, Miss Wonderful Vintage, Hatchlings & Hens and more. I have found much of my home’s decor within these little shops. And, whenever company has come to visit (my mom, in particular!), a stop to Main Street has been a must!

3 - The trails

Ahh, these trails. I have a special relationship with these 8-feet wide slabs of pavement. I have logged hundreds and hundreds of miles on these trails … whether on foot or bicycle. I trained for a sprint triathlon, 5K’s, 10K’s, half marathons, and a full marathon on these trails. And, now I’m finding myself pushing my daughter in a stroller on these trails. I know them like the back of my hand, and although it seems silly to miss something so basic, they have been a big part of my life. I never would have found my love for long-distance running and biking without these trails.

2 - Our house

When we bought our house exactly eight years ago, we never thought we’d live in it as long as we have. Not because we didn’t love it, but because we thought Ryan’s job would have moved us sooner than later. We’re grateful for the time we have had in this house. It has gone from a house to our home. We leave it with little touches of us … our kitchen updates, our french doors, our backyard landscaping and our painted walls. We built a room for our baby and brought Anna home to this special house of ours. Such wonderful memories! We have been lucky to live here and we hope the next residents love it as much as we have.

1 - Our friends who have become like family

Things and places are just that … things and places. People are who really matter. Our time in Cedar Falls wouldn’t have been as amazing as it has been if it weren’t for the friends we’ve made while here. We have enjoyed some really fun times with these friends. We have counted on each when we really needed each other as well. Our friends have scooped each other’s snow, grabbed mail and packages from our stoops, watered plants, watched each other’s children, helped with repairs, shared meals and so much more. We are so, so grateful for our friendships and truly hope they will live on beyond this zip code.

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We have always known we have had a very good life here in Cedar Falls. Next to Remsen, Cedar Falls is the place we’ve called home for the longest. And that’s for a reason. If we hadn’t loved it here, we would have left much sooner. We are so grateful. But, we’re also excited for this new adventure. A new house to make ours, exciting job opportunities, and family and friends ready to greet us there. We’re saying see you later, Cedar Falls, because we will be back to visit, many times. Cedar Falls and our friends here are far too special for us to not come back time and time again. We promise.