Meet the Cast Monday #44: Baby Hepburn

Today, you all are going to meet Baby Hepburn.  I've known this girl literally since she was born.  I used to babysit her when she was a tiny little thing and last weekend she went to the prom.  Yep.  I'm old.  It's been so much fun to watch her grow into such a brilliant (no, seriously, ask her ACT score!), beautiful, fun, amazing person and friend.  I couldn't be more proud of her!

Meet Baby Hepburn.

Tell us your favorite part of the trip to Notre Dame (seriously, where else would I start this?)

Duh! Where else would we start?! I loved all of the culture and tradition that you can just feel being on campus. Everyone around looked like they were having fun and loving life, on a GORGEOUS campus might I add? We were so lucky to have you and your connections there show us around. But how could I not mention the football game… Of course T’eo’s shoulder pad hitting my forehead was towards the top of the list. Winning in overtime, rushing the field, swaying in the pouring rain, arms locked with you so you wouldn’t lose me, standing on that field… priceless.   {Priceless is really how I'd sum up that whole trip.  There are just not words for how amazing that weekend was!}

What is the best vacation you have ever taken?

My family has been very privileged in taking some spectacular vacations but my favorite would have to be Sanibel Island in Florida. Almost the entire island is a nature preserve and the beaches are some of the top places for shelling in the world. It was great bonding time for my family. We rode bikes around the small island, kayaked through the mangroves, shopped and collected/brought home literally hundreds of beautiful shells.

Where do you want to be in 10 years?

Hopefully babysitting YOUR children!  {Best answer to a MTCM question ever!!} Maybe I’ll be a little old for babysitting by then… As of right now though, I have absolutely no plan as to what to do with my life. College, husband, children is about as specific as I’ve gotten. Whatever God has planned for me!

What do you remember about me babysitting you kids?

One of the memories that stays with me to this day is the fact that, according to you and me, carrots taste like wax. Ha ha! My mom’s still mad at you about that, and I still don’t like carrots!  {What's funny about that is that I now love carrots!  Sorry about ruining them for you kids!} We had a lot of fun times with you and I’m glad that we’ve only gotten closer over the years. 

Me and "the kids" at Christmas

What is the best part about growing up in a small town?

I’ve been so blessed to grow up where I did. I wouldn’t trade it for anything. What I have come to appreciate as I’ve gotten older is how lucky I am to go to school at a place where I can play all of the sports that I love. There are no tryouts or cutting from teams. We may not be as good as bigger schools, but I have the opportunity to play on multiple varsity teams year round.

Who is your favorite Saint?

Although my confirmation saint is St. Catherine of Siena, my favorite saint would have to be St. Maria Goretti. She is the patron saint of teenage girls and chastity. When she was 12 years old she was stabbed to death because she refused to submit herself to a young man that was trying to rape her. It is a very inspiring story. She is one of the youngest saints to be canonized.

Did you ever think your parents would let you roam The Strip until 3 in themorning?

No!  But dang, was that a good time.  They were either completely exhausted, or have a massive amount of trust in you; maybe both.  That night was definitely one to remember though.  Thank you for giving up your fun night with the "big kids" and hanging with us.  I had a blast! :)  {I had the best time with you guys---I'm quite sure we had more fun together than I would have had with the "big kids!"}

What potential colleges are currently on your list (you are allowed to be honest, so long as ND is still #1!)?

ND is of course #1! (pending acceptance) but the rest of the list isn’t very clear. Texas A&M I suppose is up towards the top. It’d be great to be by you.  {I find this to be the only acceptable answer other than Notre Dame!}  This year for spring break we are going to California for a week and visiting colleges there. We are going to see 7 in all, by the end. Maybe after we get back from there, there will be more on the list. UCLA, Stanford, USF, USD, Loyola Marymount, St. Mary’s, and Thomas Aquinas are the ones to be visited. Benedictine in Kansas, University of Dallas and Ave Maria in Naples are also on the list.

What is one (or more) item(s) on your bucket list?

I've been so lucky growing up that I've had the opportunity to do so many things.  The one day I did start a bucket list, I put two things on it:  the first is to go to the Kentucky Derby (with a derby hat) - you and I have decided to do that one together :)  {Heck yes....we're totally doing this.  I am so excited about it!}  The other is pretty stereotypical bucket list, I'd like to go skydiving.