Wicked in Arizona 2025

When QuiltCon is held in Phoenix, it’s a given—I’ll go with quilting friends and tack on a few extra days to visit family. Arizona has a way of pulling us back like that. But when there’s a great show and a big celebration happening just a couple of weeks later, why only go once?

So I headed back again, this time with Ellie. Together we pulled off a surprise for Sherri’s 65th birthday—tickets to see Wicked at the Gammage. Watching her reaction made the whole trip worth it. It felt special to share that moment with Ellie, passing along both the joy of live theater and the joy of celebrating someone we love.

We also spent a night at the Furnish house in North Phoenix, which gave us the chance to catch up with Auntie Carol, Mike, Ann, and Shelby. In true Arizona fashion, we were even surprised ourselves when my sneakiest cousin, Stephanie, appeared—an unexpected bonus that made the visit even better.

The rest of the trip unfolded just the way Arizona trips tend to—easy and familiar. There was shopping, plenty of swimming, and a meaningful milestone when Ellie and Aunt Sherri got their ears pierced together for the second time. Nothing fancy, just time spent together without rushing from one thing to the next — the kind of days that remind you why returning to the same place over and over can still feel meaningful.

Arizona has been the backdrop for so many different seasons of our lives. This trip added another layer—one marked by birthdays, family reunions, and shared experiences. As always, we’re grateful for the time together, and we know it won’t be our last trip back.

More Wicked Fun