B's Knees

Definitely do not feel like the bees knees.
This is what I've been doing all week:

But, I am determined to get better so that I can hike Mt. Timpanogas on Monday!

Grateful

Today I am especially grateful for Justin.

He leaves for his internship at 7am, commutes to Salt Lake, works, comes home at 5pm... Then, he turns right back around and leaves for his second job at 6, and finally comes home at 10:30.

And, he took classes during Spring Term.

He has been hard at work all summer long (with a few play dates here and there!), and today is the last day of his internship.

I am so grateful to have a hard working husband who is dedicated to our family, our marriage, and our happiness. I know that Justin makes it a priority to make me happy, and he never fails. I have never been happier than when I am with Justin. He is absolutely perfect, and each day I am so grateful that I have him in my life.

Thank you for everything you do for me, babe!

M.I.A

Welp, we are going to be missing in action for the next 2 WEEKS!

That's right people, a whole fortnight.

Justin and I have been workin' our little booties off all summer long, and I am so excited to have a break from working 60 hr weeks!

I can't wait to soak up the sun in lovely Lake Powell and happy Havai Supai.

Sidenote: Here is a little sneak peak of our trip to the Salt Flats...Which will also serve as a reminder for me to blog about that fun trip as soon as we get back. In twooooooo weeeeeeeeks!

Let the good times roll!

And He's Off!

I guess there's a first for everything! Today at 12:30pm, my family dropped off our very first Elder at the Provo MTC.

 We were able to have a family sleepover last night, go to Kneaders for breakfast this morning, and spend some time together this afternoon before Parker had to report. We soaked up every last second we could with Parks, and then - he was gone!

And now for a series of black&whites. Drum roll, please.

I could rave on and on about Parker...so I will! He is my only brother - my baby brother. He is one of my dearest friends. He is a comedian. He is strong. He makes friends quickly. He has a testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ. He can do a mean Ace Ventura impression. He is athletic. He loves the outdoors. He is a cowboy. He is an uncle (the favorite, of course). He loves everyone. He is light-hearted. He is happy.

He is my brother - and now he is Hermano Bradshaw. 

All of these qualities (especially the Ace Ventura one) make up a great missionary  - and I know that Parker will be a wonderful, strong, determined missionary. He has chosen to dedicate the next 2 years of his life serving the people in the Mexico Torreon mission and spreading the gospel.

I know he will touch the lives of so many people, and I can't wait.

I'm rooting for him, and miss him already.

Home

I may or may not be really behind on blogging - so here is another catch-up post...
Introducing... Our trip to Washington: July 13-15th!

After a 13 hour party in the car, we finally arrived in the beautiful land of Winthrop.
Naturally, the first half of the day was spent on the boat.

Then we went home, ate lunch, and hit the trails!
On horseback...

 The Cinco Amigos!

I love that we can saddle up, leave straight from our backyard, and have an absolutely stunning ride.

Look! I can see my house from here!

After our ride, we went down to Pardner's and celebrated it's 30th anniversary!
Pardners Mini Market is a little gas station that my parents started, which is the reason my family moved to Winthrop in the first place. My parents originally visited Winthrop on a snowmobiling trip, 30+ years ago, and my dad thought "There isn't a gas station in this town. I should quit my job, move my family here, and start one!" When I look back and think about the risk this was and the faith my parents had, I am simply overwhelmed.
And grateful.
I love that I am able to call Winthrop my home!

Seriously, my parents are the cutest.

The next day was Sunday, the day of Parker's Farewell.
Parks asked Justin and I to speak in church, and we were honored! I really felt so special that he would ask us - Parker and I are really close since we are right next to each other in age. We have a lot of special memories together - I was there to watch him grow - physically emotionally and spiritually - and I saw his testimony strengthen through his different life experiences.
I know he is prepared to be a wonderful missionary.

After church we came home and had a wonderful gathering with food, family, and friends.

And, I taught Justin how to crack a whip like a real cowboy.

Of course, he totally rocked it.

Monday was our final day in Winthrop - and Justin made sure that we got in one last horseback ride (I love that he loves riding so much! It makes me so happy!) We woke up at 6:30, saddled up, and Parker even joined us!

I am so happy that we were able to go home for Parker's Farewell. It was a quick trip, but oh sooo worth it. And, any excuse is a good excuse to go home :)
Washington = My favorite.