[Amanda Morrison]

Phew, another long post...

• Pit Admin was helpful as always - on shipping, on silly questions, on any feedback or suggestions we had, everything. The volunteers and staff at Pit Admin made this event a breeze for our team.
  
  
• The City of Atlanta was a terrific venue, even with their downtown ripped apart by tornadoes a month prior to the event. I was shocked and saddened to see the damage the city sustained but was incredibly impressed by the helpfulness of the Dome, GWCC, and Omni Staff in making our stay a pleasant one. The fact that a natural disaster (so soon after their State of Emergency water crisis, can't forget that) only slightly, if at all, inconvenienced teams is a testiment to the immense commitment of this city to the FIRST organization.
  
  
• Our team did not purchase the FIRST hotel and party package but did take advantage of the AMAZING offer of $13 tickets to the Georgia Aquarium. Our kids loved it, our mentors ooohed and aaaaahed, and we had more fun doing that together than we had in a long time. Although the food lines were long, we ate afterward instead - it was a small inconvenience totally dwarfed by the fact that we had so much fun for an unbelievable price. Thank you for offering this!
  
  
• I'd like to request Blair Hundertmark and Andy Grady on my field every regional, every event, every year. The two of them are full of excitement and energy and keep you motivated throughout the day. Their enthusiasm is contagious, and even after we had a disappointing Thursday and Friday, Andy made our matches an edge-of-seat event every time. They helped to shape this great experience.
  
  
• MOE's video was amazing. They emphasized the students involved and sent every team in the audience a positive and inspiring message through their involvement. We aspire to be like MOE. I feel their Chairman's video was the best I've seen yet.
  
  
• FIRST has a unique talent for really putting on the big show and making the opening and closing ceremonies exciting. This year was no exception.
  
  
• It was a somber and respectful moment when Mike Wade was posthumously awarded the Volunteer of the Year Award (or whatever they are calling it now). In the face of his passing, it was very appropriate. I know many also caught up with the folks of Rosie to support them after the passing of John Burns, and to see our little community pull together in such sad times is a sign of the strength of our partnership.
  
  
• Every morning I walked to the Dome/GWCC. Every morning myself and my team were greeted by the staff and volunteers. That was a good feeling.

The weather was beautiful, the teams were in good spirits, and everyone was excited for the event - it was a good time to attend Championship. I know there's more, but my brain has shut off from lack of sleep.