spencerfamilydailyaffirmations: 2008 Intel ISEF -- Atlanta!

Last week the Spencer Family hit the road and traveled with the Iowa science fair student finalists, observers and adult sponsors to the 2008 Intel International Science and Engineering Fair. It was held in Atlanta, Georgia this year so I added a new state to my list of states visited so far in my lifetime (I am now up to 4 -- that we have actually stayed in not just gone through).

The following is a photo blog of our trip:

I had a lot of fun with Heather -- we played lots of games and she let me bang on dad's head. I also enjoyed walking up and down the aisle with dad and visiting others on my way.

The big bus windows were fun to look out and I could stand looking out of them for long periods of time.

Here is the group (well most of them -- some are taking pictures). A group of us all took the CNN tour -- I made it through the whole 1 hour tour. I even fist bumped with one of the 6' 8" guards while the rest of the group was watching where they shoot the severe weather news.

The students had a lot do during the week, set-up their projects, pass safety reviews, go through judging and explain their research to lots of people on the day projects were open to the public. Not to

mention attending science research based workshops, listening to Phillipe Cousteau speak at the big Welcome Ceremony and attending a panel of Nobel Laureates. However, knowing that I would not make it through most of this, dad and I did a lot of exploring on our own and mom joined in when she could get away.

We went to the zoo one day and watched elephants and pandas and all kinds of other animals.

Me after visiting the zoo! It took a lot out of
me!

On Tuesday evening the Host City for the Intel ISEF sponsored their Welcome festivities. We visited the Coca Cola Museum and the Georgia Aquarium. There were desserts throughout the Coke Museum and dinner was catered at the aquarium.

Here are some pictures of me and the Coca Cola Polar Bear. They don't do justice to just how cute I actually was. People from all over were taking pictures of us. Plus, we went back on a different day to do some more exploring and some of the

staff recognized me!

Did I forget to mention that all of the food was catered by Wolfgang Puck?
It was oh so yummy!!

The aquarium was amazing! I cried when mom and dad would move me to a new window but then get all excited again to view new things. Walking through the big tunnel was so much fun with fish everywhere.

Dad, Kyle (from Donnellson) and I

went to Turner Field to take a tour. We even ended up with a personal tour -- it was the three of us and the tour guide. Since they weren't in town we also were able to see the locker room and some other areas that would be off limits if they were in town.

Speaking of Turner, later in the week I actually met Ted Turner at his restaurant Ted's Montana Grill. He came in for lunch at the same time mom, dad and I were waiting for a table. He asked about my birthmark, made small talk and told mom and dad that I was cute. How about that -- not even 1 yet and I have met someone famous. By the way the food at the restaurant was excellent -- mom and dad say the best that they ate while in Atlanta.

On Friday, the group chipped in and bought me a birthday cookie! They sang Happy Birthday and everything. The chocolate was so yummy! I ended up with it all over my face.

Well, not much more to tell. We left Atlanta on Friday afternoon. This is me on the way home in my PJ's and fast asleep. It was a long week. Mom and I some how came down with nasty colds but we are getting over that now.