Dodger-mania.

This past weekend marked the 2nd Annual Robins Family trip to Dodgers Spring Training. I think one of my favorite things about my family is how much we all love the Dodgers--even though my mom really needs to step up her fandom. I really love that this is becoming a yearly tradition. Spring Training is so great--super laid back, youre right there with the players. you can hear them talk to each other, youre right up against the back stop, the games are awesome and for us utahans (i guess this year thats only me) you escape the cold! some great highlights of the trip included:

• getting a free stay in Glendale, AZ due to overbooking of our rental house
• wearing shorts
• touching Manny's helmet
• Chase's prayer on Friday night: "Dear Heav'ly Father, Thank you for Granma, Granpa, Wee, the Dodgers and the Lakers" Ya. Laura and Matt are raising him right.
• playing Mexican Train with Matt and Dad on friday night and literally about to fall asleep at 10 at night. which led to me promptly going to bed at 10:30. which then led to being ok about waking up at 7:30 to eat breakfast with the fam.
• A Dodger win on Saturday
• Clayton Kershaw falling in love with me. oh wait. that didnt happen.
• Almost running into Manny at Rumbi Grill
• Getting Joe Torre, George Sherill, and Jonathon Broxton's autograph for Matt

my sister already provided a great recap. but here are some more photos for your viewing pleasure:

i love this picture. she is so cute.
and so is he. mmmm andre ethier
joe torre.

Oh hey Matt Kemp

im kinda obssessed with my adorable dodger loving niece. can you tell?

raising her so right.

and i agree with laura. world series champs 2010. i can feel it. this is our year.

so ive been a little MIA.

i have definitely neglected my blog for some time now. but dont get confused by my MIA status. Its not that living the college grad life gives me nothing to blog about. oh no. i have been so busy that i just have not found the time to blog about all of the things going on in my life! what have i been so busy with? sometimes i just dont know. some days go by and i dont even know what ive done to make them so busy and go by so fast. Here is a little recap of things that have been going on in my life...

For a few days in February I only responded to the name of MOM as I acted as such to Kelly's kids for the weekend. I made them breakfast and lunch and well...bought them dinner. We played games, watched a lot of High School Musical. Took Drewbie to pre-school. Went to the Tree House Museum. Cleaned up the house so that people could come check it out. And took the kiddies to Seth's soccer game. Sounds like a great weekend, but dont you worry, there were some disasters as well. Including preventing the basement bathroom from flooding, getting locked out of the house and Drew peeing and pooping in his pants. ya super fun. But how can you resist things such as these...

the cute note ella wrote to me while at the tree house that i had to answer. i love that she wrote my name l-e-e.

After holding Kate, kissing Drew non-stop, tackling Seth and doing projects one weekend, I flew home the next weekend to hold Mia and go to Chase's highly anticipated Cars birthday party. That boy is so sweet and adorable. Laura threw a fabulous party for a three year old, he better cherish that forever. I have been cursed with every time I go home it rains all weekend. Luckily it was absolutely fabulous on Sunday which allowed us to soak up the Southern California sun during lunch and it was AWESOME. Why do i live in provo!? i just dont know.

the cupcake that was suppose to be matt's but he left it on the counter, which chase got down all by himself. haha.

Last Friday I had the day off from work. Thank you Staff Development Days! As soon as I found this out I marked on my calendar to go skiing. I havent been in like two years and miss it so much. I didnt know who to go with like all of my friends work and have school, so i called up someone who I definitely dont get to see enough--Ms Dixon! Ha i mean Jessica. She slept over so that we could go to Sundance in the morning and it was just like old times. Sleeping in the same room, getting to yell at her for being an adult, sharing a bathroom--luckily i didnt have to lean over her like 100 times to get into the medicine cabinet haha--and getting to hang out all day long. Jess and I were so lucky and had awesome weather. It snowed the night before and was still snowing good in the morning but right as we made the turn to go up to sundance it was blue skies and sunny, making it a perfect day to hit the slopes. We were literally so happy all day long. We even opted out going in for lunch cause we were having such a good time.

Now this week, Ive been waiting for this week since like January. It was our really good friend Tracie's Wedding last night in Salt Lake. And for this occasion two of my favorite friends came into town to visit Allie Barker and Nick Lombardo. Provo just hasnt been the same now that they left. It turned this week into the biggest reunion and party all week long. Oh and of course a picture fest. The wedding last night was so great--she looked beautiful and it was seriously so much fun to have the entire lanai crew there to party and hang out.

Every thing else has been pretty great, job is alright, going to the gym a lot, hanging out with friends, loving my roommates, going out on a good amount of dates and trying not to think about the future that much.

im falling in love

again. with Jason Castro. From like Day 1 of American Idol two years ago I was in love with the awkward guy with dread locks. And so its a good thing that Ive got Taylor--my music guru--to fill me in on the latest happenings in the music biz. When I was informed that "my man" Castro was gonna be in SLC, i just couldnt pass it up--especially with tickets at 10 bucks. I downloaded his new songs and then my new and awesome roommate Aubrey and I hit the road to be serenaded. Little did I know that the venue, Kilby Court, not only was on the most sketch street ive ever been on but was also an intimate venue! I was about to get an up close and personal show! Before the concert started Aubrey and I noticed that outside the venue was two other small shacks, which we quickly determined to be "back stage." Next thing I know, Jason Castro is opening the door and walking literally 10 feet away from me. With all of this excitement I naturally began to jump up and down, hyperventilate and although I cant exactly recall, Im sure weird noises were emanating from me. Jason Castro came out second to play and of course I nudged my way up pretty close so that only like 3 people were standing in between Jason and I. He was so great! So adorable and funny and really good live. He sang probably about 7 songs, the ones off his new EP and two songs that he sang at American Idol. I obviously was super giddy during his whole show. But just wait. It gets better. After I saw him before the show I swore that I had to walk away from this concert with a picture with him. Sure enough after the show he went across the way to where they were selling his album and he waited inside there and took photos with everyone that wanted one and signed autographs. So happy! Seriously, best $10 Ive ever spent.

are you the new SAC lady??

Yes. Yes I am. I am a SAC lady. I get asked this frequently at my new school, much to my dismay but to the pleasure of my roommates once I told them this. Its not the most lovely term, but it is kinda endearing. Its nice that the students already recognize me and hopefully like me. As I pull into Oak Canyon Jr High in the morning and sit in the classes that I sub in, I cant help reflect back on my time at Wilson High and miss it oh so much. As i got a tour of the school the other ladies commented that "these faculty bathrooms arent as nice as the others" Oh you dont even know about the saloon doors that I endured at Wilson. I dont have students named Princess, Kamal, Tavon or Trayonna anymore, instead I have to put up with the freakin Utah names like Ryker, Kilee, Keanna and Tallen. Instead of hearing the F bomb drop like 10 times a day, I over hear conversations about ward activities, comparing house sizes, and spoting CTR rings. Before, during lunch my roommates and i would chat about the ridiculous things that happened in class or how we couldnt understand our students or the outlandish acts of ms oats-the old black PE coach. Now during my day I look at photos of my co-workers grandchildren and overhear them discuss the difficulties of reading restaurant menus without their glasses. Like wait, what? are you for reals? it is definitely a different environment, one in which i am totally not use to. not saying i dont like, so far I love my job and I am so grateful to be employed. But really, its weird. And i dont like all of these white people.

Back in P-Town

Well it officially had to end. I am no longer livin the DC life. As of two weeks "livin the life" has changed again for now the 4th time. I contemplated many different variates including "livin the adult life" and as my family suggested, "livin the unemployed life"--oh wait, that life changed as of yesterday! I interviewed and accepted a job as a Teacher's Assistant at Oak Canyon Jr High in Lindon and couldn't be more excited about it! Even though I wont be teaching I am just excited to be back in a school and working with students. I miss Wilson so much because I miss going to school everyday and working with my kids. So I cant wait to start working and purchasing an Oak Canyon sweatshirt is first on the agenda! Go eagles! So since I will be entering the workforce as of Monday and as of today my degree was FINALLY posted on BYUs website I think its fitting that my blog is "livin the college grad life" So far being a college grad is great! Being back in Provo has been a little bitter sweet. Its been great to have my friends to hang out with, have a car to drive around and be back in my comfort zone, but it sucks when I tell people that Im graduated and their response is: "why are you back in Provo?" I just dont know. But now that I have a job it will makes things a bit more legit. Ive been here now for two weeks, been able to hang out with pretty much all of my friends, eaten at J Dawgs, gone to Ogden and then peaced out of p town for a few days and went to Vegas.

Vegas highlights include:

walking the strip.

dancing out in front of the Bellagio water show.

conquering red rock.

eating the best steak ever at Bon Ami at the Paris hotel.

having my first energy drink and getting really wild.

making inappropriate comments whilst drinking said energy drink.

dancing like WOAH at Zowie Bowie.

watching an 80 year old drunk women attempt to dance at Zowie Bowie.

dancing on stage with Zowie Bowie and falling in love with him.

walking the strip again.

laughing and snapping photos all weekend long.

oh and its my birthday. happy birthday to me! my sister wrote a little tribute post to me, including many great photos of us....

2009 in review.

At church today pretty much everyone bearing their testimonies said that 2009 was a rough year for them. Which made me think, what did I do in 2009? and realized it was GREAT! here is a little recap.

January.

Started out my last semester of college classes at BYU! Had some kinda hard classes at BYU but had a terrible schedule! Went through some major and interesting issues with boys that I was not expecting to happen. In the beginning of the month I made the decision to apply to DC! I got my dream job of working as a TA for History 201, World Civ and loved it! And most importantly, celebrated my GOLDEN birthday!

February.

Went to Vegas with the Lanai Crew over Valentine's Weekend. Im sorry, no valentines date.

March.

The Lanailhilators dominated in BYU intramural soccer! I started my teaching practicum at a middle school. Went to Spring Training with the fam and LOVED escaping the cold, being in the presence of legit fans, watching the dodgers. and oh ya, getting my photo taken with Clayton Kershaw.

April.

Started the month out with snow. Yuck. Endured the last month of school. Went to at 1920's party with Trent Hope during Finals Week. Had my last day of college classes and barely studied for finals. I finished finals in like two days and partied the rest of the week. Went home for a week to attend my best friend Jennalyn's wedding. And ended college with getting the best grades I have ever gotten in school. yayy!

May.

Stayed in Provo and worked as a substitute in the Provo School District and loved it. Got paid to hang out with little kids and watch movies. Lost my two best friends to missions but gained a new best friend by having Allie Barker move in with me at Lanai! Allie and I apprehended a bike at Lanai, lots of bike rides to the park and library ensued. I loved my bike! Became an aunt again, and then nine days later became an aunt again. And loved meeting Kate right at the hospital and being a mom to the other kiddies for a few days. Went to like three concerts.

June.

Sometime this month I discovered that Desperate Housewives was played on Lifetime at 10 and 11 in the morning, and yes, I did jump out of bed every morning at 10 to watch and sadly some days missed the episode at 10. Started to count my pennies to attend the Stadium of Fire with the Jonas Brothers! Literally, counted all of my coins. Once I got free tickets from Taylor, I cashed in my coins for a season pass to 7 Peaks to work on my tan!

July.

Brought out my inner tween and saw the Jonas Brothers! and LOVED it. Had THE best time in Provo celebrating the 4th of July. We strolled Center St, partied at 7-11 and then had a dance party in the rain at like 3 in the morning at Lanai. Spent a week and half in CA for my best friends Whitney's wedding in Newport, then a few days at home. Then joined by the Lanai gang for the best weekend ever!! Dodger game, swimming at the pool and Coldplay!! Oh and continued to go the Peaks like everyday.

August.

Started out be leaving Lanai and Provo and crying the whole drive home to California. But it got better by going to the YSA conference my first weekend back. Spent my first week eating hot dogs at Dodger Stadium. Thats right, 4 games in 5 days. Three of which were dates with different boys. yayyy. Spent a weekend in SD with the fam. And then...off to DC!!

September.

Officially living in DC. Enjoyed the sites and touring before we had to worry about school. Got away without teaching for the whole first month of student teaching. haha. Went on lots of dates! Saw the Dodgers play the Nationals.

October.

Started teaching World History everyday at the beginning of the month. Loved my class but kinda hit a wall towards the end of the month. Went on even more dates, pretty much on a daily basis. Began to teach US History everyday at the end of the month. Mom and Dad came to visit me over Halloween weekend and loved showing them around the amazing city that I got to live in. Did not party for Halloween and was super bummed about it. Got over my teaching difficulties and began to love it again.

November.

Kurt came to visit and we had the BEST time! Such a great weekend. Had a great Thanksgiving break hanging out with Jessica and the Barkers even though my family didnt love me enough to fly me to Utah.

December.

Chanel began to teach with me in my classes. We had so much fun! Had lots of drama with my situation at school. Left DC and was terribly sad to leave everything about it--my roommates, apartment, ward, friends, the sites and especially my students. Came back home and hung out with Laura, Mia and Chase everyday. Christmas!! and of course, partied for New Years with an awesome party that Alyssa and I planned in a day.

Evidence that this was a great year!! I had so much fun and did A TON of amazing things!! This year seriously went by too fast. Last year I had a plan--i knew what was going to happen for me. This year, i have NO idea what is going to happen in my life. This is the first year in my entire life (not counting the first like 3 years of life) that I have not been in school. Weird. I dont know what kind of a job I am going to get or where I will be living. But nonetheless, I guess Im excited.

Sidenote--sorry this is kinda long, but it was kinda fun for me. and Taylor, Im sorry there are no bullet points.

im a hiker. wait, what?

This past week my Dad had a great idea for a family activity--going on a hike to the local Three Trees. I have lived in Granada Hills my whole life and had never done this hike until this summer when I went with the GH kids. Although I am not an outdoorsy person by any means, for some reason I have developed a "like" to hiking on well maintained paths and relatively easy terrains (think back to my biweekly hike of the Y over the summer). So with this, I was all down for hiking Three Trees with Mom and Pops. We went this past Tuesday, December 29. Freaking last week of December and I hiked in shorts and a t-shirt. Why am I leaving California to go to the snow? It was such a beautiful day in Southern California. There was even some beautiful Valley smog out in the air, which allowed for only the outline of downtown LA to be seen in the distance. Nevertheless I LOVE the view from the top of Three Trees. It was a great family hike, although Dad immediately left us in the dust and Mom complained the entire time.

This is my attempt at my picture of the day--although I have already failed as I am posting this days after the fact.