Husky Convention + Conference

Jacob's parents and younger brothers (Josh and Travis) came to visit us in Provo over conference weekend. Their stay proved to be fun, relaxing family time + the Robinsons were able to attend a few sessions of general conference together in Salt Lake. Our only challenge was keeping the teenage boys entertained between sessions. Our house is not that exciting (no Xbox/only basic cable TV), and I could tell they were getting bored fast. I could only think of one decent solution...

We would take them to the HUSKY CONVENTION!!

HUSKIES EVERYWHERE!!!

Yes, you heard me right. There were rumors of a Siberian Husky Convention taking place in downtown Provo. Naturally, I was intrigued. However, there was virtually no information about this event on the internet—the date and location was all I knew.  We went on blind faith that, indeed, we would find a Husky-related event and see at least a few of these beautiful creatures.  Indeed, we found the promised Husky Convention. I was in Husky heaven.

True husky champions being judged in show.

HUSKY MERCH!!!

This shirt almost had me in tears. DOUBLE MEANING!!!

I'm so fascinated with this husky subculture. Learning so much.

Preppin' for the big show.

Josh and Travis probably thought I was a little too obsessed with the Husky Convention, but I know they were secretly loving it too. Next, we took these boys to the Provo Farmers Market.  We showed them the best waffles in town, and they helped us pick out a pumpkin for Halloween.

After J-Dawg's for lunch and playing pool at the Wilk, it was time to head to SLC for the Priesthood session. 

Josh and Trav were so tuckered out that they napped the whole ride. 

precious.

Brothers going to the Priesthood sesh.

While the men attended Priesthood, I met up with Mama Robinson and my friend, Kari. Priesthood session is always the best for some seriously overdue "girl time." We explored the Church History Museum (my fav) and City Creek, and talked talked and talked. After the session, the family regrouped and went for dinner at Ruth's Diner in the canyon—one of my favorite places, and I guess it's sort of become a conference tradition for me and Jacob.

I really enjoyed this day. 

Family + conference + huskies = all things Holli needs.

Our First Gnome

Jacob and I painted this little guy at Color Me Mine and took him home last week.

I named him Jorge. 

Seemed like a good enough name for a gnome.

I told Jacob to kiss him for good luck because he is taking his big GRE today!!
(Jacob, not the gnome)

wind beneath my wings

I was stunned when Jacob told me he didn't know the song "Wind Beneath My Wings."

I mean, how is that possible? EVERYBODY knows Wind Beneath My Wings. 

It's basically the magnum opus of all inspirational 80s ballads.

As soon as I hear those synths and oh's in the intro, I am flooded with emotions and memories 

of big-haired pageant girls with rhinestone tiaras and poofy-sleeved dresses in the early 90s.

Okay, I am sensing a bias here. But my family's pageant past aside, 

EVERYONE KNOWS THIS SONG, RIGHT?

Of course, when I discovered Jacob's innocent ignorance of the song, 

I had a mic plugged into his guitar amp and was doing my best to belt it out to him.

It's not as weird as it sounds. 

Forget that I told you about the pageant stuff...

whateva.

Yes, I did a shameless google search of myself
 

 

and  this is the first image that comes up when you google "holli hale."

awesome.

Baby Orangutan Orphans

I could literally watch videos of baby animal orphans ALL DAY.

Pigeons

 I think throughout my entire life, I have underestimated pigeons. I always thought they were dummies. Turns out they have superpowers that not even science can explain! Now who feels like a dummy?

 This pigeon saved thousands of lives.

Seriously.

we are all one family

These pictures never stop being great.

 

 

Christian the Lion. 

 Someone cue "Don't wanna miss a thing." 

Last week's episode of This American Life told the story of Janis Carter and Lucy the Chimp.

Oh man, you guys. By the end, I was almost in tears. So sad!

Grizzly Adams. Nuff said.

Why don't I have a best friend that is a bear?

I just don't see why not.

get out of my life and shut up

A note I actually drew for my friend in seminary when I was 16 years old. . .

Thank you, Jake Garn, for saving EVERYTHING.

M.J. + E.T.

I love this, obviously. 

Tiger Dog

Nothing brings me more happiness than these pics. . .

Can't stop laughing.

Why did I never do this when I had pets??

Two Unusual Things.

Still Sound Toro y Moi

A bush that smells like rain. A hat that looks like a racoon.

Markers and Masterpieces

The other day I saw a little scribbled envelope at Jacob's house that was addressed to me. Jacob's little niece, Camilla, had mailed me some of her art work!

I was honored to receive this masterpiece from the little Picasso.

Thanks Camilla!!

I Can Relate

Dye It Blonde

Weekend  Smith Westerns

Just listened to this album on  NPR All Songs Considered's exclusive first listen. 

It is a poppy, summery ride to keep me warm during the long, dismal stretch that is winter semester.

Shakin' Up a Leg or Two

Hellhole Ratrace  Girls

come on come on come on come on and dance with me.

Hi Jacob.

Telephone  The Black Angels

The nieces and nephews meet Jacob via Skype.

Noah probably still thinks he is a robot.

23

Today is my Michael Jordan Birthday. . .

WHAM!

BAM!

SLAM!

JAM!

23

That's me.

I really wish I had an old Bulls jersey and some Air Jordans to sport. Space Jam would be nice too. 

Also, I'm obsessed with this video today:

Thanks to all those who brightened my day with birthday wishes.

I love all of you.

Yellowstoned. . . AGAIN!

Chinese Translation  M. Ward

 After Bear World, my comrades and I continued our adventures in grand ol' Yellowstone...

 . . .but first we picked up some more friends.

Heart Telescopes.

Our kicks could make a yin yang.

Me and grandpa sweater.

 Mooses & Co.

 

Geysers, geysers, geysers. . . I think I've said it all.

 We look good.

Jacob's first Old Faithful experience, captured.

An American Buffalo, up-close and personal.

Da gang.

We got pump. We got pizazz. We got Yellowstoned.

BEAR WORLD: Where Dreams Come True.

Crutch And Cane  Peter Wolf Crier

Anyone who knows me, knows that it has been a dream of mine for years to someday make it to Bear World. Ever since I learned of it's existence, visions of bears outside my passenger-side window have danced in my head. Years later, this dream was finally realized. Let's just call it Holli's best weekend EVER.

 In my dreams, all great road trips should start and end with a burrito.

In this pic, Jacob is being introduced to the glory of Ramire's, the hoppin' burrito joint in Rexburg. Believe it or not, after over two years of my absence from Rexburg, the owner still remembered me and shook my hand when I came in. Probably the happiest experience of my life.

What do they got in there, King Kong?

Bears everywhere!

Bear world is basically Jurassic Park for bears. 

Jurassic Parkness + Bears + Petting zoo and Bear merch = all things Holli needs.

Fat Bear just being a fat bear.

Alex and Jacob experiencing the magic of Bear World.

Bear Family!

Bear Merch.

Bear Nativity!

Petting zoo!!

We were all afraid to touch this deer until we saw a five year-old run up and do it without blinking an eye.

The gang.

The second best place ever, after Bear World.

 Nom Nom Nom Nom. . .

Breakfast burrito stands!!

Many dreams came true within what was presented in this blog post, but HOLD ON! That was just the beginning of our day's adventure. More pics to come!