5 Fun Facts About Adoptive Family Elijah & Brady in Southern California

I recently connected with Elijah and Brady, a warm, adventurous, faith-driven, and family-centered couple who are hoping to adopt their first child. Elijah and Brady value connection, laughter, and creating meaningful experiences together.
 
If you’re considering adoption for your baby, you have the opportunity to connect personally with families who hope to adopt. This important part of the adoption process gives you the chance to take the lead and learn more before making any decisions. You can have honest conversations with hopeful adoptive parents and ask anything that matters to you about their values, daily life, and hopes for raising a child. It’s an opportunity to get a genuine sense of who they are—their home life, family traditions, what they enjoy, and the things that are most important to them.
 
I asked Elijah and Brady some fun questions that you won’t find in their adoption profile, and I learned that they deeply value family connection, quality time, and creating meaningful experiences together. Both Elijah and Brady shared with me about their traditions, outdoor adventures, and being fully present with loved ones, showing that they want to build a home centered on warmth, support, and lasting memories. They have a fun, down-to-earth side, balancing strong family values and work ethic with humor, adventure, and a willingness to embrace life’s little joys.
 

1. What is your favorite holiday?

Elijah: My favorite holiday is Christmas. I’ve always loved the true unplugging and spending time with family. All the day-to-day business seems to quiet down during the Christmas season, and I love that uninterrupted time with family and friends.

The traditions that Christmas holds also make it special, whether it’s the Christmas day activities, desserts, or going to a church service, they all make the Christmas season so special.

Brady: Thanksgiving has always been my favorite, though Christmas is a close second! There’s just something about fall that makes everything feel a little cozier, and once Thanksgiving rolls around, it really feels like the holidays have officially begun.

We usually spend the day with either Elijah’s parents or mine, eating a lot of great food and playing silly games together. What I love most is simply being with everyone and slowing down for a moment to reflect on what we’re grateful for, especially in a world that’s always moving so fast.
 

2. What is something from your childhood that you want to make sure your child gets to experience?

 
Elijah: I grew up skiing and snowboarding from a very young age. My parents made a point of getting my sisters and me out on the mountain, whether we were standing on their skis or riding on our own, and I have so many great memories of being out on the snow. It was more than just the skiing that made the memories, though; the rental cabins with a fire in the fireplace and spending quality time with family were equally as impactful. I would love to be able to pass along the ski trips and family time in the mountains.

Brady: My parents played a huge role in shaping who I am today. They instilled a strong work ethic in me from an early age while always encouraging me to try new things, have fun, and step outside my comfort zone.

Some of my favorite memories come from the adventures they planned for our family, like hiking, camping, skiing, trying new foods, and spending time outdoors together. Those experiences taught me the value of hard work, curiosity, and the importance of quality time. I want to share that same sentiment with my future children as well. Encouraging them to step out of their comfort zone to try something new, and letting them know they are safe to do so, because I will always be there to support them.
 

You can get an even better glimpse into
Elijah and Brady’s lives in their video:

 

 

3. If you were a superhero, what powers would you want to have?

Elijah: This is a tough one, because there are so many good options. I have to go with flying, which I know might be a boring choice, but at the end of the day, who could say no to that?

Not only would flying be the ultimate form of freedom, letting you see incredible views and new parts of the world, but in Southern California, I could get around all the traffic! Think of how quickly I could get to work, or to the grocery store. Flying is the only correct answer.

Brady: Teleportation, hands down. Imagine snapping your fingers and instantly appearing anywhere in the world. Sudden craving for a specific lunch? Poof — I’m there. Weekend getaway? Done. And best of all, I’d officially retire from Southern California traffic forever. No freeways, no delays, just snap, arrive, explore, and enjoy!
  

4. What’s your favorite fast food chain? What do you usually order?

Elijah: For favorite fast food, In-N-Out is up there for me, but I don’t want to make people in non-In-N-Out states feel bad, so I’m going to go with Taco Bell.

Every Sunday as a kid, my family would go to Taco Bell, and it instilled in me a lifelong, insatiable craving. When I first met Brady’s extended family in my early 20s, it was Christmas time, and she told them all that I liked Taco Bell. My Christmas gift from everyone in her family that year was Taco Bell gift cards, and it was incredible.

Brady: As a girl raised in Southern California, my answer has to be In-N-Out, and I get the same order every time. Cheeseburger with grilled onions, add pickles and chopped chilies. I also love their Animal Fries, and of course, I must get chopped chilies on there too for added spice!
 

5. What was your first job? Did you like it?

Elijah: My first job was in high school, working in a warehouse. As most 16-year-olds do, I wanted my own car. The natural next step was to take the first job I could get, which was packing boxes and moving pallets.

It was a great job, and I met a lot of really nice people who helped instill a good work ethic in me. After working there for quite a while, I was able to save up for my first car, and I quickly learned that gas and insurance cost a lot, so I kept that job until I went to college and saved as much as I could.

Brady: My first job in high school was as a camp counselor at my local YMCA summer camp, a place that already felt like home to me. I had spent many of my own childhood summers there while my parents worked, so returning as a counselor felt incredibly meaningful.

During the weekdays, we planned activities, games, and field trips, but what made the experience truly special was getting to create the same sense of joy and belonging for other kids that the camp had given me. Being part of those moments—watching friendships form and memories being made—felt full circle. It was such a rewarding experience that I stayed on for five summers, and it played a big role in shaping who I am today.
  

Would you like to learn more about Elijah and Brady?

You can check out their adoptive family profile online. If you’re interested in talking to them as potential adoptive parents to your baby, just text or call Lifetime at 1-800-923-6784, anytime, even right now! We’ll get you connected to talking with Elijah and Brady over the phone or through a video call.