Last weekend I got to go home.
To the good ol' 4054!
To the good ol' 4054!
I LOVE MY HOME!
Arizona really is the greatest state ever, and being there with all of my family {minus Elliot :/ we missed him!} was the best!
My brothers Carter and J.D. and I drove home, all night long on Thursday. Let's just say I was a little paranoid, and did not get much rest that drive. But everything went great, and we made it home at about 5 am Friday morning, and hopped right into bed.
{little side note: I LOVE MY BED}
Friday was a fun, relaxing day. I got up around 9, and my mom and I just mosied around until the boys got up at 11, and we had a great breakfast. {side note: I LOVE HOME MADE FOOD}
That afternoon, I went back to my old stompin' grounds, the good ol' Mesa High to check out the track team. Oh how I miss the days of running competitively. I miss those nerves and the runner's high! I might even miss going to practice at 5 in the morning...okay...that's a lie, I don't.
That night my family went to my sisters house and had a super fun pizza/games/smorez/movie night. First time watching this gem of a movie for me, and I have to say, it's a classic:
Saturday morning, bright and early, my mom and I headed out to the institute building for a song practice. It was great. How I've missed hearing music like that--and that's not meant to be a diss on my ward/stake, but really, no one does it like Kimball East Stake!
Saturday afternoon I did what any respectable 19 year old
would do when they go home: Watch a Hallmark movie. :) I'm a sucker for cheesy love stories for sure!
Then my sister Candice, her husband Chris and their three kids, Kelli, Parker and I went out to the Superstitions and hiked the hieroglyphics trail.
Parks and I took advantage of the beautiful weather and chilled on the mailboxes--the most prime seat in the hood, while waiting for Kel to pick us up.
The trail was SO BEAUTIFUL. Did I mention how much I love Arizona? Because I love Arizona. :)
We ended the hike with the best: In N Out. Doesn't get much better than that!
It's not a real trip without a beautiful sunset! I wish I had a better camera, but man, these sunsets are so divine!
Saturday night was the adult session of stake conference, and boy was it good! The more I learn about the gospel of Jesus Christ the more I love it. The church is true!
Sunday morning, at 7 am, we took off for stake conference.
{mind you, stake conference began at 9. Welcome to the Bradshaws}
Stake conference was amazing. My dad was realeased after serving as the stake president after 9 years of service. It was a bitter sweet moment for sure, but the spirit testified so strongly to me at that conference that our Heavenly Father really does know each of us and our needs, and He will prepare us for anything that we are called to do. President Westergard was called as our new stake president, and I honestly can not think of anyone who would have done a better job than he will at this time! The Lord truly does know!
Last picture of my dad and his presidency with the visiting authorities.
I was asked to accompany the choir on my violin for the musical number, and let me say, that was definitely the MOST NERVE RACKING EXPERIENCE OF MY EXISTENCE. But it went smoothly--thank goodness!
{another random side note: my hands get REALLY clammy right before I play, and it makes me more nervous, because I fear I will drop my violin or bow, but as soon as I start they dry right up, and become FRIGID. They are absolutely ice cold when I finish}
The messages shared in stake conference were awesome, and I got to see lots of people I know and love, including a friend who had just come home from his mission! It's super weird when people you know are starting to get home from missions--it's like you realize how old you really are! ;)
Sunday afternoon we packed up the car and headed back to Utah, making it back here pretty late, but safely. Overall, it was an amazing trip home, and I'm SO grateful that I was able to go, and spend so much time with my family, in the promised land ;), with perfect weather!
Oh, and then this past Thursday when everyone was celebrating Valentines day with their sweethearts, I was here with my friends from back home celebrating AZ's 101st birthday with doughnuts, oreo cheesecake, and a chick flick. What a great day for sure!
Oh Emma! I saw you playing the violin at Conference, but we were clear in the back and watched you on the big screen. Some day, when you are home, with a few minutes to spare, let's get together (ya, ya, ya)If Hanna is home too, that would be even better. I'd love to take you girlies to lunch and let you tell me all about your college adventures and hear about your love life. I miss you and your cuteness and thanks for sharing your testimony! ♥ you girl!!
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