Adventures in Arizona: Warm Hearts, Cool Experiences
đź“Ť Written from: Scottsdale, AZ - USA
Adventure Awaits
Our journey began with a delightful stop at Petrified Forest National Park, a hidden gem we almost overlooked. Along the way, we made some unexpected friends at the dog park—Nancy, Don, and their adorable pup Gigi. They had an inspiring story: after selling everything like us, including their home in Florida, they embraced life on the road in an RV. We learned that Nancy runs a die-cutting business remotely, collaborating with suppliers in Germany—a great reminder of how technology enables unique lifestyles even abroad too. It was heartwarming to connect with them and swap stories. Boomer and Gigi hit it off immediately, sprinting around the enclosed dog park at this national park which is the first time we’d seen it so friendly to dogs.
After our visit to the dog park, we spent time exploring the breathtaking landscapes of the Petrified Forest. We soaked in the history, odd shapes of the rocks, all the brown toned colors while learning about the petrification process through exhibits and a fascinating educational video at the visitor center. We saw petroglyphs and joked that they were the first to create emojis. Lunch at the park was needed so Dirk tried Native American fry bread for the first time and it was delicious. We always try to make the journey itself as enjoyable as the destination, and this stop did not disappoint.
When we finally arrived in Scottsdale, AZ, we settled into our Airbnb, eager to explore the city and soak in the local charm. One of our first adventures led us to a serendipitous surprise: the Day of the Dog Festival, a lively celebration of pups infused with a whimsical Day of the Dead twist. Boomer confidently strutted around in his new hat—the ever-stylish Pup-Lid—turning heads, collecting compliments, and enthusiastically sampling all the treats (and dog butts) he could sniff out. Watching him make new furry friends and dive into the festival’s vibrant energy brought us so much joy. For us as pet parents, we got to meet so many great pet service vendors like dog hotels, daycare, boarding, groomers…you name it, it was there. It worked out great as Boomer needed a haircut since we wanted him to be cool in the western heat so we found a great groomer that gave us a discount since we were first time customers.
Boomer also tried his very first dog backpack, with Dirk sporting it like a proud dad. While it was absolutely adorable, we all agreed that Boomer, being the energetic young pup he is, should stick to using the legs God gave him. He seemed to agree, hopping out of the backpack to dash around with his usual enthusiasm.
After the festival, we couldn’t resist stopping for some refreshing gelato at Gelato Cimmino, savoring the sweet treats while enjoying the warm Arizona sunshine. The cobblestone streets and colorful shops of Old Scottsdale provided a nice backdrop. Wandering through artisan boutiques and local galleries, we felt a delightful blend of history, culture, and modern charm. It was the perfect way to cap off such a fun and spontaneous day.
On Sunday, we attended Mass at St. Theresa’s Parish, a beautiful church that radiated peace and community, leaving us spiritually refreshed and ready for the week ahead as we make Arizona our home for that month. Later, we immersed ourselves in the wonder of the Desert Botanical Garden, an awe-inspiring place filled with towering cacti, intricate succulents, and a magical butterfly exhibit. The butterfly tent was a highlight—stepping inside felt like entering a living game of I Spy, as hundreds of butterflies fluttered freely around us, often blending perfectly into their surroundings. Spotting them perched on leaves, flowers, or even nearby visitors was both challenging and enchanting.
Our premium membership with the Chicago Botanic Gardens has truly been a gift, granting us access to incredible gardens like this across the country. This desert garden was unlike anything we’d ever seen before—the diversity of cacti, with their unique sizes, shapes, and textures, was absolutely mesmerizing. We learned fascinating details about how animals survive in this harsh environment, even drinking water from cacti without harm, thanks to incredible natural adaptations. It was yet another powerful reminder of the intricacies of God’s creation and how nature never ceases to amaze us.
Ash & Will’s Wedding & Hosting My Parents
November was a month filled with family, celebration, and unforgettable memories! It all kicked off with my cousin Will’s wedding—a joyous reunion on my dad’s side of the family. Ash and Will had a beautiful wedding with the Arizona beauty as their backdrop. Welcome to the family, Ash!
My dad’s siblings are spread out across the U.S., so weddings are such a special opportunity to come together, reconnect, and catch up with everyone. It was wonderful seeing all my cousins (even my cousin Tracy who called in via FaceTime!) again and sharing stories, laughs, and hugs. Weddings also mean dancing, and as many of you know, Dirk and I love to hit the dance floor. We’ve been putting our swing dance lessons from our own wedding to good use, and this time, we even got to pass on some moves. Dirk taught my cousin’s son, Lincoln, how to breakdance, and watching the two of them (in matching fancy outfits) spinning on the dance floor was a highlight of the night! Our bright red Dirty Shirley drinks in hand also became conversation starters, as everyone asked what we were drinking and we reminded them it was our signature drink from our wedding too!
The wedding wasn’t the only family highlight of the month. My parents flew up from Florida to stay with us for a bit, which still feels strange to say since they’ve always been rooted in Chicago. It was such a joy being able to host them, even while we’re on the road. One of the things I’ve loved about this chapter of our lives is finding ways to still create a homey, welcoming atmosphere no matter where we are, and it was so special to have my parents join us on this mini adventure.
We made the most of our time together by having various outings planned. We had multiple brunches at a delicious café aptly named Daily Jam, explored the Desert Botanical Garden. Then we spent a day at the impressive Phoenix Zoo marveling at the diverse exhibits. Watching all the animals be so active during the fall season was great timing on our part. We especially loved watching the ground hogs, armadillos, flamingoes and camels on the move since! It was the first time Dirk and I rode a camel. Seeing my parents' delight as they explored these places with us made every outing even more meaningful.
One evening, we had the chance to catch Jen Fulwiler on tour, which had us laughing until our sides hurt. Jen is not only a gifted comedian but also an inspiring personality—a proud mom of six who somehow balances the chaos of motherhood with her career, all while sharing her deep faith and incredible journey. Her comedy is rooted in her life as a devoted Catholic, but what makes her story so compelling is that she actually converted to Catholicism after being an atheist for much of her life. Through her humor, she weaves in stories of the joys and challenges of raising a big family, finding faith, and navigating life with authenticity and grace. She has this amazing ability to make you laugh while also making you think, leaving you inspired by her wit, honesty, and perspective. It was such a privilege to hear her live again and share in her unique blend of humor and heart.
Another day, I dropped my parents off for lunch with their old neighbors, Jim and Sue, from back home. It was so heartwarming to see their faces light up as they reconnected and reminisced over a delicious lunch. It was great briefly chatting and seeing how their new lives are in Arizona.
To top it all off, we shared a memorable farewell dinner at Top of the Rock, a restaurant boasting spectacular views of the Arizona landscape. Having the chance to host my parents, even while living a nomadic lifestyle, reminded me how special it is to carve out those shared moments. This November was the perfect mix of nature, comedy, delicious meals, and most importantly, family. From dancing the night away at the wedding to exploring Arizona’s treasures, every moment was a reminder of how blessed we are to have these connections and experiences to cherish.
Cozy Grand Canyon Getaway
Our adventure to the Grand Canyon was nothing short of breathtaking, starting with the drive up. The twists and turns of the narrow two-lane pass kept us on edge, especially with stretches that lacked guardrails and hugged steep drop-offs. But the journey was worth it as we marveled at the beauty around us, and the excitement grew as we neared our destination. The highlight of our arrival was spotting active wildlife, including a graceful herd of moose. We even saw a mama feeding her baby—a heartwarming scene that set the tone for our stay. And picture this, it also snowed too! It felt like Christmas as we saw all the lights glow with the snow covering them and this was nice little taste of Chicago winter.
After settling into our hotel, we bundled up for a walk, with Boomer stealing the show in his festive Christmas plaid vest and trusty Pup-Lid hat. Every passerby couldn’t help but smile as he trotted proudly along the trails. That evening, Dirk and I attended Mass at El Cristo Rey Roman Catholic Parish nestled in the Kaibab National Forest on the south rim of the Grand Canyon. The strength and warmth of the small parish community were present, and it was a meaningful way to start our evening.
Later, we cozied up by the lodge’s fireplace while waiting for our dinner reservation at El Tovar to be ready. Our meal was delightful as we had a flight of mini sliders paired with sauce, capped off with the perfect dessert—crème brûlée—that made us savor every bite. The evening felt like a beautiful mix of adventure and relaxation.
The next day, we made our way down through Sedona, with its iconic red rocks providing a stunning backdrop. We stopped at a café for lunch, where I savored a comforting bowl of broccoli cheddar soup to warm up from the crisp mountain air. Sedona had one more surprise for us: meeting a local Tai Chi master, Blaine, who shared stories about life’s ups and downs. Our conversation was deep and meaningful, and we discovered he had once run a business with a location in Chicago, which made the encounter feel wonderfully full-circle. We’ve stayed connected, and it’s amazing how travel can bring such inspiring people into our lives.
This weekend was a nice blend of nature, faith, and connection, leaving us with memories we’ll cherish. From the snowy trails of the Grand Canyon to the red rocks of Sedona, every moment felt like a gift.
Chocolate, Cha-Cha, and Charming Tunes & Surprises
Once we arrived back from our long weekend in Sedona, we indulged in some unforgettable local delights. One of the sweetest highlights was making chocolate pizzas at Cerreta Candy Co., a charming family-run factory. Touring the facility, we marveled at a 25-pound chocolate bunny and an impressive 500-pound chocolate Santa (learned it sells for $6K - wow!). It instantly reminded me of Morke’s Chocolates back in Illinois, where I celebrated multiple birthday parties as a kid. Just like at Cerreta’s, I used to have a blast making my own chocolate lollipops, pizzas, and more—it felt like stepping back into those fond childhood memories. Can you guess which pizza is mine and which is Dirk’s chocolate pizza?
Another highlight was a fun-filled date night at The Duce, where we learned bachata dancing for the first time. The house was packed, the instructor was fantastic, and the atmosphere was electric. This retro venue truly had it all - dancing, food, drink, ping pong, photo booth pictures, and complete with a vintage school bus decked out in Christmas lights. It was a cute date night that we’d recommend to anyone visiting the area.
We also had the pleasure of meeting Fr. Gerard Hogan, a wise and inspiring priest from San Jose, CA, thanks to a connection from my dear friend Amanda back in Chicago. Fr. Gerard’s sharp wit and wealth of knowledge made our conversation unforgettable as we sipped on our iced Starbucks beverages we picked up. He shared fascinating stories from his time as a priest in Europe and gave us insights into the rich history of the places we hope to visit in the future. He also reminded us to pray to our Guardian Angels as we tend to often forget about them watching over us. His lessons stayed with us long after, giving us plenty to reflect on as we plan our next adventures.
Oh, and Arizona wouldn’t be complete without its surprises! We couldn’t help but giggle at the sight of a goat and a chihuahua hanging out together on the streets—such an adorable and unexpected duo!
I also got to meet my Chinese adoptee friend, Gemma, in person for the first time as we connected a few years ago when I ran an adoptees of Chicago social group. Over tea, we explored downtown Gilbert, checking out its quaint shops and catching up. It was refreshing to share stories and connect in person after knowing each other online for so long.
Bite-Sized Reviews: Organ Stop Pizza
Another standout experience was our visit to the amazing Organ Stop Pizza, a first-time adventure recommended by our friend Adam. What a treat! The live organ concert was nothing short of incredible. You can request songs, sing along with the crowd, and marvel at how each instrument is in sync with the organ, lights up and comes alive during the performance. It was fascinating to watch and so much fun for all ages.
We will be honest and let you know that people do not come for the food, but more for the entertainment as that is truly what caught our eye. It’s not Chicago style pizza, but we do like our onion rings as a special treat every now and then though! If you haven’t been, add this to your Arizona bucket list!
Celebrating Kristen & Ian’s Engagement
We were thrilled to host our friends, Kristen and Ian, for a whirlwind 48-hour trip from Chicago. We created a packed weekend to celebrate their engagement.
From the moment we picked them up at the airport, late Friday night, we hopped right back into conversation like we just talked on the phone yesterday. Kristen is a dear friend of mine from freshman year of high school as we met from being on the basketball team together. And yes, I know what you’re thinking… how could Laura play basketball as she is so small, but I did!
Saturday kicked off with a hike up Camelback Mountain that whipped our butts into shape since it was steeper than we thought, but we did it. Then that was followed by an incredible 6-stop food tour in Old Town Scottsdale by the Taste It Tours, where we savored delicious bites, drinks, and good company. The day wrapped up with exploring shops, a fun game night, and late-night bites. What made it even better was Kristen and I did not have to cook lunch or dinner for they guys that night!
Sunday started with Mass at St. Mary’s Basilica in the morning and then a waffle breakfast before we headed out for another hike at A Mountain near the Arizona State University campus. After making it to top which was easier than the day before, we then strolled through to the Desert Botanical Garden.
The highlight of the day—and something none of us will forget—was our first ride in a Waymo AI Car. Watching the car navigate entirely on its own, without a human driver, was both fascinating and a little nerve-wracking. Sitting in the back seat and realizing we were literally riding into the future felt surreal, almost like being in a sci-fi movie. But by the time it safely dropped us off at the Canopy by Hilton Scottsdale Old Town rooftop for our farewell dinner, we were laughing about how amazing and slightly scary the experience was. Shoutout to our friend Shirley (met in Santa Fe, NM) for this fabulous recommendation!
Hosting Kristen and Ian was an absolute blast, and we enjoyed celebrating their engagement while making memories that we’ll all treasure.
Aunt Susan Time: Family Trees & Memories
Catching up with family meant a long and wonderful lunch with my Aunt Susan and yes, we had a four hour lunch! We caught up on life, sharing stories and laughs, and reminisced about family memories from my dad’s side back in Pittsburgh, PA. Hearing her talk about our family history, stories about my grandparents, and all the little moments she treasures made me feel even more connected to my roots. It was the kind of conversation that fills your heart and reminds you how special family really is.
Then came my exciting day at Talbots, which was the cherry on top of an already amazing time with my aunt. Spending the day with her at her store was such an incredible experience as I wanted an opportunity to learn about customer experience from a retail perspective.
I got to see and learn about everything—from the administrative work and daily routines to how both the front and back of the house operate. Watching her team work together was fascinating. Everyone brought their personality to the sales floor and checkout experience, creating an environment that was warm, welcoming, and fun especially with Thanksgiving being the next day.
I even got to jump in and help! I packed online orders to be shipped, assisted a few lovely ladies in finding their sizes for gorgeous outfits they selected, and learned how Susan helps other locations excel by staffing the right people in the right stores.
The holiday décor in the store made everything feel extra magical, and it was great to see Susan in her element, leading her team. The way she runs her store and creates an exceptional shopping experience—even when challenging customers come in with highly specific requests—is truly impressive. She knows exactly how to handle each situation with grace and professionalism, ensuring every customer leaves satisfied and happy.
Between our long lunch full of cherished memories and this behind-the-scenes look at her world, my time with Aunt Susan is something I’ll never forget!
Heart of Hospitality: The Society at Saint Vincent De Paul
We volunteered on Thanksgiving morning with The Society of St. Vincent De Paul. We made holiday cards (while singing carols of course!) for the residents who would be enjoying turkey lunches later in the day. It was such a great experience being part of a group full of kind and creative people. There were kids and adults of all ages so it was heartwarming to see everyone working together.
Everyone at our table put so much effort into their cards, and it was amazing to see how much thought and care went into every card. We made friends with some wonderful folks who we’re still in touch with on social media. Sharing laughs, stories, and creative ideas while working on something meaningful made the morning so special especially since this was our first year without being with family on either side.
It was a reminder of how simple acts like making cards can bring people together and spread joy to others.
Thanksgiving & Farewell Arizona
Our Arizona adventure concluded with a Thanksgiving feast of heartwarming experiences with my Aunt Susan, Uncle Rich and Uncle Rich’s sister, Bunny and her husband, Rob. Dinner brought lively conversation and meaningful discussions with family. Topics that are often considered off-limits—politics, religion, and everything in between—inevitably came up, but instead of causing tension, they sparked open and honest dialogue. It was refreshing to hear everyone’s perspectives and know that even when we don’t see eye-to-eye, we can still listen, respect, and share our thoughts with love and understanding. Those moments of honest connection reminded us of the strength we share and how much we value one another, even in our differences. It turned what could have been an ordinary dinner into something meaningful and unforgettable.
This was such a nice way to wrap up our Arizona chapter before our long road trip to Southwest Florida, where 30+ hours later, we will arrive at my parents’ new home. Wherever the road takes us next, we’re ready to embrace it with open arms (and paws)!
