Bee 2008

I have to give a quick explanation.

Every year, the Longaberger Company holds "The Bee", their sales convention for 2 weeks in downtown Columbus.

For those of you who have known me a long time, you know that was our annual ritual and a LOT of hard work. One of the years I was there, there were 16,000 sales associates that had descended upon us. While it was incredibly hard work (we planned, bought for, set up, sold and tore down a huge retail store), there was something amazing about being a part of something so big. I ran the jewelry and children's areas the last 5 years I was with the company.

And while the Bee in Columbus was 2 fun-filled weeks of really, really hard and back breaking work, it wasn't until about 2003 I really started to have fun with it.
Seeing people year after year, becoming like family with your friends and doing my favorite passion - merchandising - became highlights of the last 2 weeks of July every year.

This year I got to visit, and have some fun without all the back breaking work!



The crew got together and we headed out for a bite to eat.
Crossing High Street safely...:)

Brandi and Missy work in the warehouse. They had already been up at the convention center for a couple of days.

Jenny D was all full of smiles!

Now we got Brandi laughing!

Just chillin' at the Bee

Shelly (left) worked out things over the phone, while Moxie pondered what we should do next

Moxie has that "well, you know..." look. I have missed her and her laugh!

Heather proudly displays her water in a Coke glass!

Trust me, Shelly had all kinds of not-so-nice words for me after I snapped this one!

So happy we could BEE together...

The crew! How I miss this group of friends!

We crossed the street to safely return to the Hyatt.

Since one had to wait an hour for a free elevator - they were often full! Missy and Brandi weren't going to chance it. You guys go right ahead....Bye!

Jenny and Moxie were CERTAIN this sign didn't exist before I got there!
Hmmm. It was a little strange - this sign wasn't posted on the other floors!

Sunday afternoon baby fix

I knew I had to see Baby Theo soon, or he would be all grown up by the time I could take the next picture.
At the same time, I got to see Millie and have lunch with Melissa and her mom, which was nice.
There were some other extended family members there as well.
What a scene at Bob Evan's!



There was Millie, enjoying her ice cream to the max

The game of pass the baby

Nurturing and teaching moments

My prodigal son...

has returned!!!
Welcome home Ian!!!!!

Megan and I welcomed him home in good fashion with his favorite meal (I had to win him back over to my cooking, you know!)
Spaghetti, garlic bread, and a kiddie cocktail. :)

So glad he is home safe and sound,
and thanks Gramma and TaTa for such a wonderful visit!!!



Ian can't hide his big smile!

The table was prepared, candles lit and all

Time for the famous spaghetti!!!

Just in case you think kids don't grow up fast...

This special post is for Ian.
Ian has been in Chile since July 1st!
While Megan and I have had a lot of fun, we miss him! Come home soon Ian!!!

Here are some pictures of what Ian used to look like, 5 short years ago...



We went to the circus...

Ian and Megan wanted to ride the horses

Ian finally got his turn!

A little Harry Potter action...

A loving shot of brother and sister...

They don't look that little...but trust me, they were!

Transformed into the young gentleman

that we know today as none other than...

IAN!!

We miss you, come home soon!!

And finally, our last day of the holiday weekend!

What better way to spend a Sunday evening than hanging out with good friends, good food, and good weather?
This is the stuff life is made of.
The best stuff, that is!


Jon's son Ian finds comfort in the swing.

While his other son Isaac helps the grill master.

It was a time to relax and hang out!

Megan had a great time socializing!

Everyone was involved...

Mark helped me grill up the fixin's

Pat assisted with the punch

And everyone had a good time relaxing!

Megan found her favorite cookies...

Some had to leave for a long trip home

Jon, Ian, and Isaac enjoy their dinners on the swing

Jon is NOT happy with their dog, Happy...who didn't sleep a wink the last 2 nights (and so Jon didn't either!)

It was time for them to go, long drive home. Ian and Isaac are such sweet and affectionate kids!
It was wonderful seeing all of them and having them over.
Hope to see you guys again really soon!