Executive Council - Day 1

While I was attending the morning meetings at the Washington Convention Center, Shanda took the kids to the Science Fiction Museum and Experience Music Project. I was blown away by the shear size of the company. For a career that at times can be so lonely, it is crazy to think that there are thousands of others going through what I go through. I was able to meet up with Umi, Silas, Paul and Erika from the CDC group. I am thoroughly impressed by the new CEO Ted Mathas. He seem to possess many qualities of a good leader, and I feel comfortable that the company will continue to be the leader in the Industry. During the breaks, I loved seeing both Ted Mathas and Sy Sternberg out among the agents visiting with us. It really is a pleasure to be a part of such a wonderful company.

The report from the kids and Shanda was that the monorail was a blast! Their favorite part of their morning was playing in the sound lab. They loved being so close to the Space Needle, and of course riding the monorail.

After the morning meetings and museum time, we were able to get back together and visit Pike Market. Here we met a few of the guys from CDC for lunch, and we were able to see some of the fun things unique to that market.

From Pike Market we went down to the waterfront and got our tickets to the harbor tour. From there we were able to sit in a boat and see the Seattle skyline from the harbor. The boat ride was good, but it was hampered by a little rain. The rain kept us inside the main part of the boat, after a while I found it impossible to stay cooped up, so I ventured out in to the rain to experience the thrill of the cold rain and wonderful ocean smell.

Tonight the kids were able to enjoy the Children's Dinner, while Shanda, Brooklyn and I were able to enjoy the honor dinner. Again, the size of the room that held the agents and spouses could have easily been two football fields, side by side. For whatever reason we were in the VERY back of the room, and therefor had a great perspective of how many people were in the room. I think they said it was just over 4,000 people. Prior to the Honor Dinner Shanda and I got our picture taken with Sy and Ted. I told Sy that I was Steve Richey's son and he said, "Of course, I know Steve Richey. Congratulations and welcome!" One thing, we have noticed for sure, and that is how much people have loved our little Brooklyn. Many have said, "wow you guys make such cute children!" The other is I'm surprised at how many people have congratulate me on making council. Either my tag has some special marking on it, or I have an dumbfounded amazed expression on my face constantly. I try to tell people I grew up coming to these meetings and while this is my first council as an agent, I've been in the business for years! It gets some chuckles :)

Here are some more pictures from our day...
Andrew and Maleah enjoying the Sound Lab

Cool Sailboat

I thought he was taller!

Seattle Skyline in the rain

Kind of blurry, but evidence I made it!

Three Harry Potters

Speaking of "I thought he was taller"