Winterfest Surprise

Ashton and Shyann spent the day with us while Rick brought Tina and Alex home from the hospital and got them settled at home.  We took the kids home just before my mom brought dinner to their family at 5 p.m.  About 4:00 p.m. Kevin asked me if I wanted to try to catch the last show of the Young Ambassadors at Winterfest tonight.  I went online and purchased two tickets on the aisle!

Kevin wanted to surprise Brad and Shae with some candy.  We stopped and bought two packages of Cadbury mini-eggs--one bag for each of them.  I texted Brad at the end of act one to let him know we were there.  He was so excited and surprised!  His solos were amazing and brought tears to my eyes.

After the show we were making our way across the theater to meet up with Brad when we encountered Shae Hunsaker and her family.  She introduced us to her parents, sisters, and some other relatives.  Brad seemed so pleased that we would come to his final local show.  Since this is his final year as a Young Ambassador, each performance is a treasured opportunity.

Winterfest 2012

We bought tickets to see Brad and the Young Ambassadors perform at the LDS Conference Center Theater at Winterfest for my parents, and the girls and their spouses as part of their Christmas.  To go along with the tickets I invited everyone to come to dinner before the show.  Brad called on Wednesday and said he was in need of children to be in the show and asked if Shyann was coming.  He wanted her to be the "princess" in the first act.  I went online and got her a ticket.

With the birth of Alex last night, we lost Tina and Rick for dinner but Rick brought Shyann over for dinner and took Ashton home for the night.  After dinner, Katie and Mark drove Shyann to the theater so she could do a quick run through.  We followed about 30 minutes later with my parents.

Shyann and Uncle Brad backstage before the show.

Shyann was all smiles as she played the "princess" role in the show.  Her eyes sparkled as Brad came on stage as a tree and smiled down at her.  She was glowing as they placed the glittering crown on her head at the end of the number.  It was such a special moment for her.

Shyann with Alexis Flake, her stage mom

A princess and her prince!

After a great show and a fun night with family, Shyann came home with us for a "sleepover" at grandma's.  It was a special evening with family.

Harmony - Green Room Take Two!

While waiting for the 2 p.m. Saturday matinee, Kevin and I were walking from the BYU bookstore to the Museum of Art through the Fine Arts Building.  As we approached the north stairs we noticed that the Young Ambassadors were huddled in a nearby room.  Brinton Dinnell saw us, waved, and nudged Brad who came out and invited us in to "green room" prior to the matinee. 

Alexis Flake's parents were instrumental in getting the Young Ambassadors into Cuba last summer.  They had driven up from Arizona and brought a  promotional DVD the Cuban officials created praising the Young Ambassadors and highlighing their performances there.  Alexis then read an entry from her journal following the show in Cuba.  She said that the number "Stand By Me" in which Brad had the solo was incredible and that the crowd went wild in a way she had never before experienced.  For her it was a life changing moment.  Timing is everything and how lucky we were to get to experience this moment with Brad!

Ron Simpson shares his thoughts.

Ron Simpson, the newly retired band director, was also in attendance and shared his testimony of the impact that the Young Ambassadors have wherever they travel. 

Pre-show Huddle and Cheer!

It's showtime!

Shae Hunsaker is ready to go!

Brad embraces a friend who has come to see the show.

The show was great and full of energy!  The entire cast seemed to be relaxed and having a great time.  I was so glad we had stayed for this performance!

Kevin and Shae talk after the show!

Spencer Parks, Brad's roommate, is the new keyboard player.

Jason Sanders talks with band members.

Jason was Brad's roommate two years ago and the drummer in the YA band for two years.  He and Brad came to dinner every Monday for a winter semester following their Economics class at BYU Salt Lake.  Jason also had shoulder surgery the same year as Kevin did!  We consider him our "other son".  He told me on the QT that he will soon be engaged to be married to Brittany Worley, a YA from last year!  Such exciting news!



Todd Schwartzman and Brad

Todd and his mother attended the matinee and following the show the two "presidents" had a friendly chat!  I love the opportunities I get to just watch Brad and the Young Ambassadors in action.  It is such a blessing in my life to be the mother of such an amazing son!

HARMONY - The Music of Life

Young Ambassadors rehearse prior to "green room".

Last evening we traveled to Provo to watch Brad perform with the Young Ambassadors in the DeJong concert hall at Brigham Young University. I had the opportunity to attend "green room" prior to the show. This was my first "green room" experience and it was amazing!

Randy Boothe and Eric Hansen review final show details.

Living Legends attend "green room"

The Living Legends attended the Thursday night performance and came to "green room" to commend and encourage the group.  They brought a basket of chocolate and  expressed how much they loved the spirit of the show.

Stretching and preparing for the show in "green room".

Brinton Dinnell gives tech notes.

Brad, YA President, addresses the group in "green room".

What a treasured experience to hear my son bear his testimony and acknowledge his love for his Savior, his parents, family, director, and the members of the cast and crew!

Final group cheer and it's showtime!

We purchased tickets for the entire family so Mark and Katie, Tina, Rick and Shyann joined us for the performance. Shyann had the opportunity to be the "princess" in the show--complete with a tiara. Her smile was ear to ear! It was so much fun to have everyone together enjoying these memories as a family!

Brad and Kevin talk after the show.

Rick, Tina, and Shyann are all smiles.

Katie and Mark Bradshaw

Following the performance we went to Los Hermanos for a late dinner. Brad and Shae Hunsaker joined us and Mark and Katie. The food was great and the company lots of fun. We stayed overnight at our home away from home - the Provo Marriott Residence Inn and will attend the Saturday matinee before heading back home later today!