500 Miles!

I would walk 500 miles….Yes, I sang this song all week long in Vegas. I seriously think I walked a gazillion miles, partly because we got lost every day in our hotel. Each hotel is a city in itself.

Oh, what a WEEK!

I left Texas Sunday morning for the big city of Vegas. This was my third year to go and certainly my favorite. This year was a year of many firsts though. I would also add that six days in Vegas is a longgggggg time!

Freebielicious, our collaborative blog, had its own booth set up for the conference.  This was a huge undertaking for us but we were more than excited to do it because we LOVE teachers. Teachers could stop by our booth to take pictures in our photo booth, grab a sweet treat from our candy bar, and register to win a free ipad. We seriously saw a thousand teachers our first day, and probably just as many the second day.  It was so fun to talk to teachers who share the same passion for education.

On Thursday, I presented for I Teach K.  It was my first National Conference to present for. Eek! I seriously thought I was going to puke when I woke up. Luckily, my sister flew in the night before to be my handy side kick. I was so glad I had her to support me and encourage me. Y’all, I had a big girl room. I almost passed out when I walked in the room. Holy guacamole. That’s a whole lot of chairs. Luckily, I started my day with my Writer’s Workshop presentation.  It’s my favorite.  I think that helped me to get in my groove. I was so worried about my Early Finisher session because over 200 people signed up and it was a hands-on session. In true teacher form, everyone was a rock star and totally made it work. It was so much fun.  I just love working with other teachers. If you would have asked me two years ago if I would have any interest in presenting, I would have said Heck NO! Who knew I would love this so much? Craziness I tell you.

When I was at the airport to head home, I did tear up a little. I just love my virtual friends and the relationships I have made through blogging and TPT. If we took a picture this week, I would love you to email it to me.

THANK YOU to everyone who came to my sessions.  I hope you were able to walk away with something exciting to take back to your classroom.  I also hope after meeting my hot mess self in person, you still love me. Haha!

Ok, brace yourself as I inundate you with a million pictures of my week. Start saving NOW for next year. I’m telling you, there is nothing like Teachers Take Vegas week! 

 My room was a revolving door this week too. I was glad to spend time with Tanya from

 http://mssolanoskindergarten.blogspot.com/

Kaci from

http://mrshoffer.blogspot.com/

Katie from 

http://littlekinderwarriors.blogspot.com

Krissy from 

http://www.mrsminersmonkeybusiness.com/

 Because I love my husband so much, I had to go buy him these special cigars that you can only get in Vegas. 

 Meet Scott from Lakeshore Learning..he's one of my favorite people eva.  Lakeshore is an amazing family owned and operated business that provides the best resources for our classrooms. Lakeshore gave away these games to all teachers stopping by their booth and they also donated hundreds of dollars in prizes for our Blogger Meetup and session prizes.  I was able to join him for dinner this week and it was a blast!! Oh, they also call me "little Crystal". Anyone who calls me little has my heart for ever. Bwhahaha!!

After dinner Thursday night with Scott ^^^, we took a group of 19 to see Marc Savard, a hypnotist comedian.  Oh, it's wildly inappropriate but so stinking funny. I laughed so hard I thought I was going to pass out. The show is only $25 and totally worth every penny.  

Friday was the only day I wasn't working our booth or presenting sessions so my sister and I hit the town for some fun. By then, I was ready to get the heck out of that hotel, lol. 

 I had so much fun at the Blogger/Teacher Meet Up. Seriously a thousand teachers crammed into a room taking a gazillion pictures. Can you name these rock stars? 

Meet Paul, the founder of TPT. isn't he a cutie? I can't tell you how much this man has changed my life and the life of my family.  TPT is such a blessing!!

 Our last night Lindsay and I joined some of my favorite friends to go see New Kids On The Block. Talk about blast from the past! I'm not sure it sounds as good as back in the day, haha, but the show was pretty awesome!

 Last, but not least...I LOVE my FREEBIELICIOUS girls! It was great to finally meet them in real life. 

Oh, I also got the meet the girls from Educents. The owners are two of the sweetest women eva. I had to pleasure of having dinner with them Wednesday night and I puffy heart love them!!!!  Oh, oh. And the team from ESGI! I finally got to meet them in person too. I LOVE working with that company. More on that to come! Ahhh..so much to share. 

I cannot wait until next year. THANK YOU to all of my friends for spending the week with me. Blessed beyond measure. Go big or go home. You only go to Vegas once...a year! Bwhahaha!

When I got home yesterday, I totally passed out. It was 6:00 p.m.  I think my daughter thought I was drunk (though she has never seen that lol). She kept asking me if I was okay. I think my tired was tired and I was losing my ability to function. I left fifteen hours and boy did it do my body good. I have four more days before I leave for my next conference so I have to get my A game back. See you at Frog Street Splash on Thursday! It's going to be a blast!!

Love and virtual hugs.