July 2012 - part II - Work Conferences

Ryan flew home with us from Arizona to hang out and lend a hand during my work conference.  It was such a blessing and, as always with Ryan, a great time!  He, Richard, and Avery really bonded and made some special memories.  Ryan is so cute with Avery and is an amazing uncle!  He taught Avery peek-a-boo, got in lots of cuddles, completely mastered the "EASY" routine and swaddle, and even fit in a viewing of Band of Brothers...making her the patriot she is today :) 

Ryan gets the best pics of this girl

But it wasn't all work!  My conferences were scheduled back to back.  The first was in a resort across the street from Downtown Disney.  Because I was the event planner, I enjoyed a little special treatment (and scored some for my fellow team members).  It was kinda fun!  I was upgrades to a two-room suite and welcomed with a basket full of fruit, cheese, and crackers.  The boys enjoyed that.  The conference went well and I got a lot of positive comments on many things that I put together (particularly the menus and agenda/topics).  I had come up with many of the conference themes and presentations (embellished by my awesome team of course), and I felt like they all came together.

The remnants of the flooded street

Mid-week we switched venues and headed over to the Portofino Hotel and resort at Universal Studios.  I LOVE this hotel!  That night since we were between conferences, the Student Services Management team went out to dinner by ourselves at Bubba Gumps.  It will be one of my most treasured memories with my co-workers.  We had a wonderful time!  Everyone was on a high from the success of our first conference and ready to enjoy the next.  And there was a really great synergy with the core of the team that is the best part of my job at Keiser University.

The next day it was back to work.  We welcomed a new group and shared our meeting space with a Harry Potter convention that was taking place at the same time!!  Hilarious!  Hard to keep focus when Moaning Myrtle is gliding past your door, complete with toilet seat around her neck!  I really did have conference envy...

Sleeps well resting on her own cheeks

But apart from some curve balls thrown in last minute with some trophies, this conference also went smoothly.  I think it was a success and I felt particularly pleased with the outcome.

After that, it was time to play!  I enjoyed the rest of FMLA and Ryan, Richard, Avery and I did play.  We enjoyed a day at Islands of Adventure.  I teased the boys for wearing coordinating outfits and walking around with a baby.  The happy couple got more than a few looks!! ;)  We really had a blast.  We finished off Ryan's visit with a trip to Panama City Beach.  And then, sadly, it was time to say goodbye.

All tuckered out

In Avery news - we got a bit out of routine with all the travel, but Avery adapted well.  She took the formula fine when I couldn't get away from the conferences and the boys took excellent care of her.  She gave us some serious smiles this month, especially upon waking.  And she started to understand games like peek-a-boo.  She continues to be a delight!