The Scrapbook Expo Part II

PICTURES from the WEEKEND away!

I can not tell you how awesome the expo is.... you just have to see for yourself!

A SCRAPBOOKERS DREAM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!



All these booths from manufactures and from stores not just in Illinois. I loved the SEI, Rusty Pickle, Quick Quotes, Wild Blue Yonder (canvas art), and Urban Lilly booth! Scrapbook.com was there also. There wasn't one part of scrapbooking that wasn't covered! ADOBE was even there!!!! I spent ALOT of time on Saturday at that booth!

So - the theory of me going into work and then coming home to scrap some more - didn't pan out. I don't know why but I was exhausted after getting home from work (and the worst part - I got home at 1800 not 1900 - they were slow and sent two people home.) I came home, helped Nat with her Homework (that she concealed all weekend) and then ate dinner. At 1930 the girls and I were curled up on the couch (a very small part of the couch I might add) asleep. I woke up at like 2115 with both legs asleep and Rowan and I sliding off the couch. The girls did go swimming today before we left the hotel. They swam at least 2 hours each day and were zonked by the time night rolled around. One cool thing about summer - when they go swimming - their energy level afterwards is very low.... they are easy to subdue!!!!

Inbetween classes and during downtime the girls went and did make and takes at the many booths.....


Nat really got into her make and takes. She came away with some really cool page layouts and mini albums. They had some catchy make and takes this year.



Rowan had fun with the quick make and takes that require lil time. She had fun doing them and was very proud showing them off. However, she would rather be running around or snapping shots with the camera.




Nat would intently listen to the teachers of the make and takes. This is one way she is UNLIKE me. I am barge right ahead in class following the instructions. I also add my own touch to the mini albums or layouts. Nat - by the book baby. No fudging anything with her. I keep telling her she needs to loosen up or she is going to be as uptight as I am.





During the SEI class Rowan got to help the teacher pass out needed items. She was SOOOOO cute. This is not like her. I was surprised she did it without my company.





Meanwhile - back at my area of the classroom (Always the last table, last chair so the girls (Rowan or Nat - we split the kids alot between us) could play in the back, read, knit, or color. Rowan - taking photos) Natalie was all about helping me and pointing out I was ahead of the teacher and I needed to slow down, pay attention and follow her directions.



And there is Rowan still, passing out (I think this was sand paper.....) and getting compliments from everyone. Sidenote: I have been to many conferences..... Nursing, Christian, scrapbooking, mission conferences, college conferences, etc..... This year and last year the scrapbook expo - all of the ladies were so nice and polite. I am so not use to this. Most Christian conferences I have been at were the worst as far as people not being polite and nice. Nursing conferences - are a unique space and time continuim of their own. I was so delighted at this conference... people sharing tape, adhesive, ink, paper, scissors, tools, techniques, and helping those that were late.... It was so nice!!!!!!




And see - I actually DID scrapbook!!!!!




Proof in advertising. At one point Nat made Rowan TAKE pictures of me scrapbooking because it has been so long since I have sat down and actually SCRAPBOOKED!



During one of the SEI classes Rowan and Natalie set up camp in the back drawing and coloring. They were in their own creative mojo.





The classes were all very professional and definitely nice paced. TONS of stuff given away and during some of the classes the girls got to pick the names. Of course- do you think they could ever pick MY name.... uh no! This teacher from SEI was great. She was an art teacher for 1st graders - and you so could tell this. I bet she was awesome. Now she works for SEI teaching classes. WHAT A JOB!




Last year there were a few projects I was like eh.... I would never have bought that paper or made this on my own.... This year all the paper and projects I took classes on were great. SEI had alot of lime green paper and coordinating patterns. So me, sitting there with my lime green MM tote, lime green crocs, lime green top, lime green watch and lil lime green knitting commuter bag.... was in LIME GREEN HEAVEN!!!!



Here is Nat with her felted bag (I made her), knitting behind her, fishing out her crayons to color with Rowan. Apparently someone else pointed out to her she was at a scrapbooking convention as she was knitting (and no it wasn't the same person).




Rowan had some letter and numbers to color and work on for her home schooling stuff. She told me she was DISTRESSING them. Hmmmmm wonder where she got that from!

















Well that's all from me tonight. I need to go to bed - I am exhausted. This weekend took alot out of me - and Norm.

More pictures tomorrow!