Luisa and I went to The Taco Shack for breakfast to meet up with some gals I know from a Facebook group -- some were Edel attendees, some weren't. We had yummy breakfast tacos and great conversation.
Taco Shack for the win! #edel14 #latertweet pic.twitter.com/zTvvj0rRgS
— Heather (@RealCatholicMom) July 26, 2014
I met Brittany and her adorable baby Matthew! |
Afterwards Luisa and I walked to a convenience store to grab a few items and then headed to the Omni. We were an hour early for registration, so we found a place to charge our phones and relaxed for a bit. During that time, I saw Jen Fulwiler and introduced myself. (Total fangirl moment for me...)
At registration, Cari had each attendee pull a random saint's medal from a box and put it on ribbon, the objective being to find the other two people with your same medal. The first trio to return to the registration desk got a prize (and it took about 15 minutes for that trio to find themselves and win).
My husband is searching for work and the saint I drew at #edel14 is St. Joseph. Coincidence? I think not! Thanks for the shout out, St. Joe!
— JoAnna (@astarofhope) July 26, 2014
We had a bit of time to peruse the vendor tables, and there was so much great stuff!
So many lovely items for sale at #edel14, so little money. I could easily spend $1k at the vendor tables.
— JoAnna (@astarofhope) July 26, 2014
We also got swag bags with some wonderful freebies. Definitely the best swag bag I've ever had at any conference, hands down (for example, each attendee received a FREE prayer pillowcase!).
#edel14 goody bags are terrific! Lots of nice freebies. I love my new Psalm 23 pillowcase.
— JoAnna (@astarofhope) July 26, 2014
There was also a "create your own nametag" station.
My nametag at #edel14 pic.twitter.com/KfmCM5lzOe
— JoAnna (@astarofhope) July 26, 2014
We hadn't even heard the first speaker yet and we were having a blast!
Peter & I are having a ball at #edel14! pic.twitter.com/bNcmFjj7VW
— JoAnna (@astarofhope) July 26, 2014
Peter is loving this chandelier at the Omni. #edel14 pic.twitter.com/5K0i3mUh2v
— JoAnna (@astarofhope) July 26, 2014
The first speaker was Hallie Lord, and oh my goodness she was fantastic.
Fun fact: @HallieLord & @conversiondiary found Edel Quinn by googling "Female saint who likes to party" #edel14
— JoAnna (@astarofhope) July 26, 2014
It was great to hear all the babies cooing during the talk!
Peter is making new friends at #edel14 pic.twitter.com/u21uUpVGOi
— JoAnna (@astarofhope) July 26, 2014
Haley Stewart and Marion Fernandez also gave talks, and I don't have time to recap them but suffice it to say they were all EXCELLENT. All talks were recorded so I will be sure to link them here once they're online.
We had a break midday to visit the vendor tables and have coffee and pastries - it was great! I had time to visit all the vendor tables for a chance -- something that is usually a challenge at a conference.
After the talks and vendor table fun, we went back to our room to rest before preparing for the evening entertainment -- a Tex-Mex buffet with dancing and karaoke afterward.
Luisa & I whooping it up at #edel14 pic.twitter.com/eEXVivHixY
— JoAnna (@astarofhope) July 27, 2014
The food was phenomenal and the karaoke even more so. If you haven't already, take the time to watch Kelly Mantoan rap to Flo Rida - her performance was worth the price of admission alone.
yup, that's me |
And then, right after I got off the karaoke stage, this happened:
This gorgeous pregnant lady (who looked really familiar) walked right up to me and said, "Hi, JoAnna, I recognize you from Facebook. I'm Abby Johnson."
ABBY JOHNSON CRASHED THE EDEL PARTY, Y'ALL. AND SHE KNEW WHO I WAS AND WANTED TO MEET ME.
I am STILL geeking out about it.
Stupid me was too stunned to get a selfie with her, but I did have the presence of mind to get her autograph at least.
Peter and I danced too.
I was told he was unofficially voted the cutest baby at Edel. I have to agree but then I'm biased. :)
Luisa and I left the party about 11pm -- I would have liked to stay longer but little man was all tuckered out.
Little man is all partied out. #peterdavid #edel14 pic.twitter.com/IrnKQ94kkZ
— JoAnna (@astarofhope) July 27, 2014
I was so revved from the party it took me a long time to get to sleep. It had been a fabulous evening.
Stay tuned for part 3!