Twenty years ago, Kim and Chris Thomsen made the bold career decision to leave Nebraska behind and seek out new opportunities in communities that offered top-tier schools, and neighbors from different parts of the country but places that still felt like “home.” Over the years, their journey took them through various locations, including the scenic Lake Norman area of North Carolina and the vibrant Hoover/Birmingham region of Alabama. Today, they’ve settled in Hallsley,  where they’ve found a sense of belonging that has exceeded all expectations.

 

Coming from close-knit families, it was crucial for Kim and Chris to recreate that familial atmosphere for their children, even though the extended family wasn’t nearby. In each of their previous homes, they built strong relationships with neighbors who became like family. But in Hallsley, particularly in their close-knit Rosemary Creek community, those connections flourished in ways they hadn’t imagined.

 

The Thomsens rolled into town three days before their oldest daughter Maddie started her freshman year at Midlothian High School. Maddie is now a graduate of Randolph Macon College and recruits and trains Foster Parents for the Bair Foundation in Richmond. Jack, their middle child went back to his roots and is a Junior at the University of Nebraska studying Business Administration and working as a manager at the Student Recreation Center. Logan, who was in 2nd grade when the family moved to Hallsley is now a sophomore at Midlothian High School and plays for the basketball team.

 

During their eight years in Hallsley, Kim, Chris, and their neighbors have transformed ordinary moments into cherished traditions. Every Halloween, the families come together to celebrate, capturing the growing kids in photos. They host an annual Fourth of July party that lights up the neighborhood, rings in New Year’s Eve with laughter and reflection, and indulge in whimsical white elephant and progressive dinner gatherings. The neighbors get together for big games and cheer each other's teams on unless of course, it’s a big rivalry then of course they have a little good-natured fun. They celebrate life’s milestones—graduations, births, job promotions, weddings, and the transitions of back-to-school seasons—together. They also stand by one another during difficult times, mourning the loss of loved ones and supporting each other through challenges like divorce.

 

What makes Rosemary Creek so special is its inclusivity. Kim and Chris’s gatherings are open to anyone who wants to join, regardless of background. The sense of community here is fluid and welcoming—neighbors from all over the area come together, drawn in by the warmth and camaraderie. Whether it’s Chris Schenck next door showing up with a cooler of local microbrews, Beth Royals wowing everyone with her culinary magic or Kim herself mixing up cocktails “measured with the heart,” there’s always something to celebrate.

 

For Kim and Chris, these gatherings often revolve around raising a glass—a simple yet meaningful gesture to honor the moments they share together. But the drinks are just the backdrop. It’s the stories, the laughter, the hugs, and the bonds formed that truly make their time together so special. Whether it’s a joyous occasion or a moment of reflection, these gatherings offer a space for connection and support that feels as vital as family itself.

 

Kim and Chris’s journey from Nebraska to Hallsley has been filled with twists and turns, but the heart of it lies in the community they’ve built. In Rosemary Creek, they’ve found more than just neighbors—they’ve found family. Through every season of life, they’ve built a sanctuary where their children have thrived, where friends become family, and where the shared joy of connection is always worth celebrating.