Saturday, November 15, 2008
St. Louis Convention Highlights
We made it to St. Louis in one piece, and we have been thriving (for the most part) ever since. Since we did not go to convention last year, I had forgotten all of the intimate details about why I love coming to these events. I knew I liked it; this weekend has reminded me exactly why.
St. Louis fun:
We arrived on Thursday afternoon and after much ease and frustration at the registration desk, we finally were able to explore the city for fun. We walked down to the Arch. It was getting dark as we walked, which made for a nice atmosphere. While we weren't able to actually go up in the Arch (it was sold out) we were able to fully explore and enjoy the Westward expansion museum underneath the Arch. It had animatronics, awesome full wall photos, and a life-size statue of Thomas Jefferson.
The staff had lots of fun in their rooms (I saw some pics of people jumping on beds that looked like fun to me!) and meeting lots of new people at sessions and the dance.
I had fun connecting with old friends and meeting new ones at meetings, contest judging and luncheons. There are just so many smart people here.
Tonight was the most fun though. We finally made our way to City Museum. There is no way to describe it, so you'll just have to visit it for yourself. My favorite part was the ball pit. No, not the little balls like you find a Chuckie Cheese. These were the full size playground balls in s cement pit. It sounds a little dangerous when I explain it like that, but it was so much fun. We climbed through rebar tubes; we made our way through mazes, we swung from ropes, and we ran through a skate park.
I was not so good at the skate park. I almost face-planted, but I sacrificed my thigh to save my face. Dan was the master of the skate park. I've never seen someone run the half-pipe with such skill.
Sarah is the sad story of the weekend. Yesterday we went to lunch at a local Thai place. The food was good, but it did not sit well with her. She's been sick to her stomach ever since. She's been a real trooper, trying to go to sessions today and smiling when I ask how she is doing. She's spent most of the time in bed though, napping and watching movies.
I'm sure there have been some journalism things going on here too. I'll find out more about that on the ride home though. For now, I'm just enjoying the moments watching my kids enjoy the convention.
St. Louis fun:
We arrived on Thursday afternoon and after much ease and frustration at the registration desk, we finally were able to explore the city for fun. We walked down to the Arch. It was getting dark as we walked, which made for a nice atmosphere. While we weren't able to actually go up in the Arch (it was sold out) we were able to fully explore and enjoy the Westward expansion museum underneath the Arch. It had animatronics, awesome full wall photos, and a life-size statue of Thomas Jefferson.
The staff had lots of fun in their rooms (I saw some pics of people jumping on beds that looked like fun to me!) and meeting lots of new people at sessions and the dance.
I had fun connecting with old friends and meeting new ones at meetings, contest judging and luncheons. There are just so many smart people here.
Tonight was the most fun though. We finally made our way to City Museum. There is no way to describe it, so you'll just have to visit it for yourself. My favorite part was the ball pit. No, not the little balls like you find a Chuckie Cheese. These were the full size playground balls in s cement pit. It sounds a little dangerous when I explain it like that, but it was so much fun. We climbed through rebar tubes; we made our way through mazes, we swung from ropes, and we ran through a skate park.
I was not so good at the skate park. I almost face-planted, but I sacrificed my thigh to save my face. Dan was the master of the skate park. I've never seen someone run the half-pipe with such skill.
Sarah is the sad story of the weekend. Yesterday we went to lunch at a local Thai place. The food was good, but it did not sit well with her. She's been sick to her stomach ever since. She's been a real trooper, trying to go to sessions today and smiling when I ask how she is doing. She's spent most of the time in bed though, napping and watching movies.
I'm sure there have been some journalism things going on here too. I'll find out more about that on the ride home though. For now, I'm just enjoying the moments watching my kids enjoy the convention.
