I LEFT MY HEART AT SCKC2014

What a ride.  WHAT A RIDE!!  I know that I just wrote a short post about this, but I had to follow it up one more time.  If you haven't caught up with me in a while, I was actually down in Southern California for the BIG Kindergarten Conference this weekend.  It was the best whirlwind of a two-day span and I just can't help but shout it from the rooftops.  WARNING - this is a long one :)  

It all began with me having to get myself to Pasadena without my husband (aka Chauffeur).  I am from a itty-bitty town in NorCal and city driving just ain't for me. I can handle it, but I sweat A LOT!  After stressin' for a week on it (and grinding my teeth down to nubs), the AMAZING ladies over at Fluttering in First volunteered to go OUT OF THEIR WAY to pick me up.  Yup.  And, I've never met them in person.  That's just pretty lovely if you ask me.    

On the big day, I managed to get myself into the parking structure at the Sacramento Airport.  I won't lie.  I had to yell at myself as I drove in.  {Let me back up for a minute so you fully understand my hostility toward myself . . . if you are supposed to turn left, I am going to turn right.  And, I actually have to look at my hands to know which way is which.}  So . . . upon driving in, I entered fright/flight mode and hollered, "Get it together.  You're 34!!!!!!"  While there were a few other choice words in there that I omitted, that's still not a pep talk I would use in my classroom. However, the old "crabby coach" thing worked for me and I got into the parking garage with no problems.     

Fast forward a couple of hours and I landed in Burbank.  It was raining and a little chaotic, but Tammy and Christy came to my rescue.  It's funny how you recognize everyone from their blogs.  They even hung out the window with a sign they made just for me.  We started chatting like old friends as soon as we pulled away from the curb.  Not only do they have great ideas (I have been using their habitat stuff LONG before I met them), but they are downright delightful.  Love me some Flutter Girls!!!    

 

We arrived at the convention center and got to meet up with the rest of the crew.  It was like a sorority alumni meet up.  Hugging, squealing, smiling, and oodles of laughs.  Magical moment I tell ya.  

Michelle, Christy, Tammy, Dummy, Hadar, and Fran

Teeny, Michelle, Pickle Head, Traci, Annie, Christy, and Hadar

My favorite photo {Apples & ABCs + Miss Kindergarten} 
It just makes me smile!

That afternoon, a few bloggers presented - Teeny Tiny {Kristin}, Annie Moffat, Fran Kramer.  It was awesome how the rest of the crew quickly offered up endless support when someone was up on stage. 

My view from the cheap seats.  

LEFT: Teeny Tiny rocked out a presentation on Readers' Theatre

RIGHT: Fran {Kindergarten Crayons} absolutely nailed a Common Core sesh!

LEFT: Annie Moffatt {The Moffatt Girls} & Michelle Griffo!
Annie's talk was absolutely delightful.
Secret Revealed . . . I own every single packet Annie has made (shhhhhh!)

RIGHT: Teacher Bits & Bobs hosted an amazing writing talk.  

Love these ladies!!! I am so doing a sticker story with my babes next week.

As soon as the last session ended, we all made our way to the Blogger Bash.  It was such fun to share a meal with a room full of people interested in blogging and meeting people behind the ideas they use.  There were oodles of prizes and raffles.  I won't make you scroll through countless pictures, but here are my two favorites from the evening . . . hands down.  

Traci from Dragonflies in First.
This woman is extraordinary . . . simply, extraordinary.  

Mrs. Jump was in the house.  The delight on all the attendees faces said it all.
I absolutely love this photo.  Such a sweet and genuine gal.  

Are you still with me??  If you are, I applaud you :)  And, here I haven't even talked about Day Two yet.  BLARG!!!  I'll make it quick.  But, as a side note, guess who my roomie was on Friday night??!!  Wait for it.  Wait for it . . . TEENY TINY!!!!  I absolutely adore Kristin. She's my kind of people. 

Alright, Day Two.  My presentation kicked off on Saturday morning.  I wasn't too nervous, I can talk to random people in the grocery store about the prices of broccoli or to large crowds and it doesn't seem to phase me.  However, this simple fact still didn't afford me the luxury of sleeping more than four hours before my big talk.  

  
As soon as I got that first word out and scored a laugh, I was fine.  It went well and I was so grateful for the blogger support in the house!!!!  The Flutter Girls even participated in my silly game :)  Thanks ladies!

Traci {Dragonflies in First} offered up so many "what a great idea" moments!

Katie {Teacher to the Core} helped me find the fun hidden within fluency lessons.
I didn't manage to get a photo of Hadar + Michelle's sesh :(
They were wonderful!

After all was said and done, those who could stick around for a bit cut loose and went out to dinner together.  The laughs were endless.  One of my all time favorites met up with us . . . Christy from Crayons and Whimsy.  I seriously ADORE this girl.  She even crashed with me that night so I wouldn't be alone and drove me to the airport!  Now that's what I call a friend.  

So, that's my awesome weekend in a nutshell.  I met so many mind blowing people.  I had the best time and learned so much.  I'm already plotting as to when I can get back down to SoCal to see this lovely crew of ladies.  

Thanks for letting me share my adventure with you.  I'll be back soon with some classroom goods and a freebie.