A Whirlwind of Change: From Arizona Sunshine to Rhode Island Charm

Friends, the past few months have been nothing short of a whirlwind! It feels surreal to realize it’s been almost four months since I last shared an update on Logan, but oh, what an eventful four months they’ve been. Our lives have been packed with big decisions, challenging logistics, and ultimately, immense joy as we embarked on one of our biggest adventures yet.

For those of you who’ve been keeping up with our journey on my Instagram, through my stories and posts, you’ll already know the exciting news: we moved! Yes, after nearly 17 wonderful years basking in the “valley of the sun” in Arizona, Kurt and I made the heartfelt decision to return to our roots, our home state of Rhode Island. And honestly, we couldn’t be happier with this significant life change.

The Heart’s Calling: Why We Traded Deserts for the Ocean

Our decision to leave the familiar warmth of Arizona and return to Rhode Island was driven by a profound yearning for family connection. The simple truth is, we deeply missed our children, as well as our extended family and dear friends who call the East Coast home. Back in 2002, we made the bold move to Anthem, Arizona, to raise our three kids amidst abundant sunshine and to experience a different part of our beautiful country. We certainly achieved that, creating countless cherished memories in the desert landscape.

However, as our children grew and eventually flew the nest – our eldest, Alex, now living an exciting life in Berlin, Germany, and our younger two, Emma and Cameron, sharing an apartment in vibrant Philadelphia – this mama bird felt their absence acutely. The quiet of an empty nest, combined with a deep longing to be closer to the water (a constant presence in our childhoods) and a desire to experience the changing seasons once again, solidified our resolve. The thought of crisp autumn leaves, snowy winters, and lush spring blooms became an irresistible draw after years of consistent desert heat.

Adding another exciting layer to our new chapter, Kurt recently retired as a chiropractor. After more than 27 dedicated years in practice, providing unwavering support for our family, I’m absolutely thrilled to announce that he’s now officially assisting me with 365 Days of Baking and More! He’s diving into website optimization and will even be contributing some insightful posts on health and wellness. Keep an eye out for his first article in the coming weeks – we’re both incredibly excited about this new venture together.

Logan’s Last Arizona Hurrah: A Lakeside Adventure

Before packing up our lives, we made sure Logan had one last unforgettable Arizona adventure. The week before our departure, Cameron came to visit, and we seized the opportunity for a family outing to Bartlett Lake. Logan, ever the water dog, was in his absolute element. He loved every moment of the hike, his tail wagging furiously, and enthusiastically retrieving sticks we’d toss into the cool lake water. It was a perfect farewell to the Arizona landscape that had been his home for so long, a day filled with the simple joys of a Golden Retriever doing what he loves best.

You can follow Logan the Golden Dog’s dedicated Instagram account where you’ll find even more captivating pictures and thrilling adventures of our furry friend!

The Great American Road Trip: Paws and Miles Across the Country

With our hearts full of anticipation and a touch of melancholy, Kurt and I carefully packed the essentials (donating most of our belongings to charity) and bid farewell to Arizona. What followed was an epic cross-country road trip, a truly memorable journey spanning over 40 hours of driving across five days, made even more interesting by traffic and unpredictable weather. With Logan, our steadfast Golden, and Winnie, our smaller companion, tucked safely in the car, and a U-Haul trailer in tow, it was an adventure that tested our mental and physical resilience.

Despite the challenges of such a long haul, the trip unfolded remarkably well, without any major hiccups or issues. It was a testament to careful planning and the incredible patience of our furry co-pilots! One of the absolute highlights of our journey was a planned stop at Mary’s beautiful new home in Ohio. Many of you might know Mary from her wonderful blog, Barefeet in the Kitchen.

Mary and I had grown incredibly close during her time living just 20 minutes from me in Arizona. Her family’s move a little over a month before ours had left a significant void, and I missed them terribly (still do!). So, as we planned our route east, I insisted to Kurt that a visit was non-negotiable. It turned out to be one of the most heartwarming and rejuvenating stops of the entire trip, a much-needed dose of friendship and laughter. Mary’s home is simply stunning, and I eagerly look forward to her regular updates from her picturesque front porch on Instagram.

Throughout the extensive car ride, both Logan and Winnie were incredibly well-behaved. We made sure to schedule frequent stops, allowing them ample opportunity for exercise, potty breaks, and a chance to stretch their legs. Winnie, especially, was secured safely in a harness and on a leash during stops, ensuring our smaller adventurer stayed close and sound.

There was one moment, somewhere along the vast Pennsylvania Turnpike, when Logan gave us his classic “are we there yet?” look. His expressive golden eyes, full of a mix of curiosity and weary travel, perfectly captured the sentiment of a long journey. It was a sweet, relatable moment that reminded us of the unique personalities traveling with us.

Heartwarming Reunions: Family Ties That Bind

Another truly special stop on our journey was in Philadelphia, where we had the immense joy of seeing Emma and Cameron. My heart swelled with happiness seeing both of them, and that reunion instantly cemented the feeling that we had made absolutely the right decision to move back east. The warmth of their hugs and the laughter shared were powerful reminders of what we had been missing and what we were returning to. It was a moment of profound fulfillment, reinforcing that family connections are truly the most precious treasures.

You can follow all of Logan’s adorable antics and daily adventures here on my Instagram, too! You’ll get regular glimpses into what our delightful Furry Friend Friday pup is up to each and every day.

Logan’s Rhode Island Debut: Sand, Waves, and Snowflakes

We finally arrived at my in-laws’ home in Charlestown, Rhode Island, on the morning of March 11th. One of the very first things we did, eager to introduce Logan to his new coastal surroundings, was to take him down to the beach. It was his inaugural experience with the vast expanse of the ocean, and it was fascinating to witness. Initially, the rhythm and roar of the waves seemed to intimidate him a little. He approached them with cautious curiosity, perhaps never having encountered anything quite so powerful or dynamic.

But true to his Golden Retriever nature, Logan’s apprehension quickly transformed into pure joy. Over time, with repeated visits, he has absolutely grown to love the beach, embracing the sand between his paws and the thrill of the ocean breeze. Just a week and a half after his first beach encounter, Logan experienced another Rhode Island first: his very first snowfall! He was utterly delighted, performing his signature “zoomies” around the yard, reveling in the fluffy white landscape just as he had on previous, much smaller snowfalls.

Settling In: New Beginnings and Renewed Appreciation

While we search for our permanent home, we’ve settled into a cozy one-bedroom apartment for the next year. Despite the smaller space, we’re still incredibly fortunate to be able to visit the beach frequently and explore the numerous beautiful trail hikes scattered throughout the state. Rhode Island offers a wealth of natural beauty, and we’re enjoying every opportunity to discover its charm with Logan by our side.

Now that we’re mostly settled and finding our rhythm in this new chapter, you can eagerly look forward to our weekly Furry Friend Friday posts once again. This long journey has truly reinforced the timeless wisdom of the saying, “absence makes the heart grow fonder.” We left Rhode Island years ago, thinking we might never return, but our time away has gifted us a profound and deep appreciation for everything this state offers. The familiar coastal air, the changing landscapes, and the embrace of family – it has made “coming home” that much sweeter, richer, and more meaningful than we could have ever imagined. We are so excited to share all of Logan’s adventures and our family’s new life here with you.

Thanks so much for reading and for sticking with us through this grand transition!

Catch Up on Logan’s “Tails”: Explore More Furry Friend Friday Adventures!

Did you enjoy reading this week’s “tails” (haha, pun intended!) about Logan the Golden Dog and our family’s exciting move? If so, we invite you to delve into some of our past posts and continue following Logan’s captivating journey. There’s always a new adventure or heartwarming moment to discover!

Furry Friend Friday – Family

Furry Friend Friday – Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde

Furry Friend Friday – Dog Farts