NQC - updated with pictures

We're at the National Quartet Convention (aka Mecca to all Southern Gospel Fans) this week. Wikipedia has a little interesting background info, if you're interested, that is. I rarely get to travel with Davey, especially for big stuff like this, so despite the long days and crazy schedules, it's been pretty fun. They performed 3 times, and the picture above is of them on the big stage. Lailey has been a trooper and has endured staying in her stroller for long periods of time, even to nap.

We have taken turns chasing her around the ginormous exhibition hall just so she can stretch her legs and have a little fun. The other day, while I was taking my turn following her around, she spotted a dog. While I could only see his legs through the crowd of people, I instinctively knew he was a working dog and therefore not to be petted. This makes no sense in the world of a toddler, and within moments she was excitedly proclaiming "Doggie! Doggie! Daaaaaaaaaaawgie!" and beelining straight for him. I grabbed her in time, crouched down, and quietly explained that he was a working dog and we couldn't pet him. I knew in my mind this effort to explain would be futile, and her protesting confirmed that. The dog's owner was in fact visually impaired, but she clearly heard Lailey's cries for the the "DAAAAAAWGIE!!!" She sweetly said, "He's my eyes." And I continued to try to explain to my struggling toddler, in Lailey terms, that we couldn't touch the doggie. Poor kid, I literally had to restrain her and head the other way as the dog led it's owner away into the crowd. After a minute or so when I knew the dog was far enough away, I put her down again. Instantly, she started saying, "Le Doggie?? Le Doggie??" with her hands palms up, which means "Where'd the doggie go?" She walked all over the convention hall calling for him, but he was gone. Thankfully, her short memory won out and she moved on to exploring other things.

Family waiting backstage before performing

So what do we actually DO all week at the NQC? Except for the times when The Akins perform, it's basically a lot of hobnobbing. (Talking with the record company president, Chris White)

We hang out in the exhibition hall at our booth ...

...and talk with fans, other artists, and sometimes make important connections. Okay, I just hang out, not meet and greet so much. And entertain Lailey, which is a pretty important job.

So far, we've heard Davey play two times, once on the big stage and once on a smaller stage. Saturday they will play a third and final time on the main stage again.

Today I got to hear Sarah Palin speak, which was awesome! [never got these pictures] She actually shared her story of coming to know Christ personally, as well as her experience as a mom with a child of special needs and what a blessing he is. Julie and I ALMOST got close enough to meet her, but she had to get whisked away for security reasons I'm sure. At least we got pictures. (well, Julie did!)

Here's Lailey relaxing on my giant hotel bed

My sweet Lailey is now sleeping soundly in her pack 'n' play, and I'm about to crash too. Sometime after we get back I'll put up the pictures. Good night!