Relaxing in Mobile

Nick and I recently went to Mobile for the annual AWWA (American Water Works Association) conference. This conference was just for the Alabama/Mississippi group.

I often laugh at these conferences because Nick is usually busy, and there is a special spouse program for me to attend. A spouses program just makes me think of a bunch of old women that don't know each other being scooted around to various boring places. However, this conference was quite fun.

All bad or blurry pictures are from my phone. Sorry, they are not very good.

 We stayed in a nice hotel with a pretty view.

 Two of the elevators looked out over this view. Every time it made me a little dizzy. It dropped too fast.

Nick had a lot of responsibility for this conference. This is his third and my second conference to attend. He was busy. One time I even had to stop him to talk to me for a few minutes. As for this spouse, I had more leisure time than I expected.

Sunday night before the conference started we were able to eat dinner with some college friends and their sweet baby girl. We had a good time catching up with old friends. The only picture I took was of my delicious fish taco.

 

The conference started the next morning. I actually volunteered to help with registration. All it involved was handing out folders and bags to all the men and their wives. I partnered up with one of my friends who lives in the area. Her husband use to work with Nick in Montgomery before moving to the Pensacola office. I was also able to meet a lot of the other wives here. 

I spent the rest of Sunday walking around downtown Mobile, eating Pita Pit (I wish we had one), running on the treadmill, reading by the pool and napping. 

Sunday night was the kickoff dinner. It started with happy hour before parading with an excelsior band to the Mardi Gras Museum. 

We actually missed the parade because we couldn't stop talking, and by we, I mean Nick couldn't stop talking about football. Anyways, we walked there with some nice people from Jackson, MS.  

The gowns and everything in the museum were beautiful. The tour guide said some of these cost more than $80,000. Along with the parties and other things it could be more than $100,000.

I also learned that being queen or king runs in the family. However, you can marry into it. It's too late for me.

 Some of these outfits are from the 1700 and 1800.

This was our dinner scene. The food was delicious with crab claws, fried fish, gumbo, fried turkey, and bread pudding. There were some fruits and vegetables mixed in too.

We were one of the last couples to leave. When we came down from listening to the tour guide everyone was gone. It was a really cool place.

On Monday I left with the ladies to go to Fairhope. We shopped the downtown area before eating at the Fairhope Inn. The food was wonderful! And Fairhope is a charming town. 

Again on Monday afternoon I got on the treadmill, read by the pool, and napped before getting ready for dinner. This dinner was for all the Nick's company's clients. We ate at the Bienville Club with a beautiful view. It is in the top of a tall bank building.

Tuesday morning was Bingo morning. This is an annual event that all the women look forward to. I was more successful this year than the last time I was here. Last time I won a snuggie. This time I got a decorative item that I picked out and an orange canvas picnic basket.

All this time Nick was busy setting up booths and giving presentations. He also had to give out some awards at the luncheon.    

I'm very proud of all Nick's accomplishments during this conference. Being involved in this association is a big deal in the water business.

Again on Tuesday afternoon I enjoyed a book, the treadmill, and a nap. To say I had a really relaxing time is an understatement.

Thanks to Lovie for keeping my Millie here in Montgomery. I know she had a good time. I know I got some much needed rest and relaxation.

Now we are home unpacking and cleaning.

Today is actually my birthday! My mom text me around the time I was born. It is funny to think about being a tiny new baby 27 years ago (especially after having a kid of my own). I've had a good day with Bible study, lunch with a friend, tutoring, Millie took a long nap, a walk, Mexican food, Grey's Anatomy, and a margarita! 27 years! This past year was good one, and I'm looking forward to the next one!