Mary goes to Minneapolis, Minnesota

The last weekend of July/beginning of August, I went to Minnesota to attend the Norwex National Conference.  It was quite the experience!

Luke dropped me off at the airport and I sat around, looking for people I could recognize from their facebook profile pictures, or from seeing their faces at previous Utah Norwex meetings.  Finally, I found a group of people that looked familiar and introduced myself.  Luckily they WERE the group flying on the same flights as me and quickly realized they would be great friends and traveling companions.

The flight was super bumpy.  By the time we arrived in Minnesota, we were already motion sick.  Our first stop though was at the Mall of America (which is basically an amusement park... with some mall stores around it)  I was so sick from the plane ride that watching roller coasters zoom around all day was NOT that fun.  But it was neat to say I've been to the Mall of America--- and we ate dinner at Bubba Gump's Shrimp company... THAT was cool too.  I hate seafood, but still neat to actually eat there.

 The mall of America--- also home to some really neat lego sculptures.

 Along the route to our hotel from the mall we found some neat architecture.

 Our fancy Hilton hotel lobby:

 The next day was surreal.  It was so cool to be at the Norwex national conference.  It was also weird to see people you have heard so much about (founders, higher ups in the company etc)  I also came away with an even greater love for this company and their mission.

 I spent 3 days in Minnesota and it wasn't until last Saturday night that I realized I had not been out side of the hotel and conference center since checking into my hotel room.  There was a sky bridge that we went from hotel to conference in and had no need to actually leave.  By the time I realized that it had been days since I had breathed fresh air, I got very claustrophobic.  

Friday night we had a team dinner and Debbie Bolton the founder of the company was literally 10 feet away.  She is so neat and it felt like being in the presence of a super star! She kind of is in the Norwex world--but youll also never meet a more humble and generous person either. She is inspiring! And I loved my front row seat! :) 

 Saturday night Gala- Fancy food, fancy clothes... long award ceremony.  It was a great time!

 On the far right is my roommate, upline, and good friend, Brittany Taylor.  Then of course me, and next to me was a new friend and roomie, Ginnie, and Ashley.  The girl between Ashley and the woman on the far left, I cannot remember her name... but Taffy is the woman in purple on the far right.  Everyone I met was so lovely.  I enjoy being surrounded by such great people!

 new friend Becky ward

After a super super super late night and then very very very early flight, I arrived in SLC totally exhausted. My brother James picked me up from the airport and took me to his house where my car was.  I got home just in time to throw on a dress and race to Sacrament meeting where I met up with my family.  It was so great to be home!!!!!!