Atlanta

Every year at the beginning of August (almost guaranteed during Susan's birthday), the Reese crew would pile into mini vans and make the 6 hour trek to Atlanta, Ga. for the annual SNA convention. The reason for the trip was for the family business, Greenbriar Nurseries, to attend the trade show that was always held at the Atlanta convention center.  It was so much more than just a business trip though. It was filled with school clothes shopping, MARTA riding, CNN building touring, Coca-Cola tasting, Olympic grounds visiting (1996), Six Flags riding, parties attending, staring at that mural of faces and seeing what look-a-likes we could find, and so much more. Even the 'business' part of if was fun. The nursery industry was so family oriented and many of the people in the SNA were like family to the Reese's (Uncle Walter being one). 

Plus, we got to stay in the coolest hotel ever. I always thought that part of this place belonged to me since we faithfully stayed summer after summer. It was so familiar, and so special to us growing up. Funny how something like a hotel can mean so much to a kid. Take a look at it. See how neat it is shaped?

The second most fun thing about this hotel was to look straight up when you were in the lobby. We always heard that it was made to look like you were Jonah inside of the whale. I choose to believe that is true. Isn't it grand?

Of course even better than standing in the lobby looking up was riding the glass elevators from the basement level to the penthouse floor. 47 thrilling floors. I don't know how fast these elevators go, but I assure you they are fast. 

My favorite elevator story and possibly my favorite Atlanta story happened the summer of 1999. It was the year that Dad was the president of SNA, so we stayed on the 47th floor. Carlton came up that year and asked CJ and me to go to Six Flags with him. When you stay on the 47th floor, the elevator can get quite full as it stops at the lower floors. For the first few floors everyone graciously shuffled further back and closer together to accommodate new riders. A few floors later, everyone hesitantly shifted slightly to let someone squeeze on if they dare, although most people would do the sensible thing and wait for the next elevator that was not so filled to capacity. 

Then there was the mom with 3 kids.

Think mom. Think 3 small kids, one in an umbrella stroller. 

Picture that little family eager as the doors opened. We all stood there, thinking "There is not enough room for these people." No one in the elevator moved. The mom was determined to get on. She sent the older two in first and then tried to shove the stroller in. 

And then it happened. 

The doors started to close. Most people would reach for the button that holds the doors open. Not this group. We all just stood there. She started to shove the stroller back and forth, trying to confuse the doors and force her way in. It wasn't working. After a couple shoves she gave up, and told her kids to step out. We all just stood there. All the other people were not making eye contact. Except for CJ, Carlton, and me. The stroller was the last thing to exit. As the doors closed, we saw that toddler reach both arms out to us in the elevator as if to say, "help me! grab my hands and give me a ride." 

When the elevator started to descend again, there was a joint sigh among all the riders. Everyone knew they could have should have helped, but it was too late. CJ and I looked up to Carlton, and he just burst out laughing and started to mimic the sad little stroller kid, outstretching his arms. (can't you just picture Carlton doing this?)We saw the humor in Carlton doing this. Unfortunately no one else did. It made for a very ackward 30 seconds until we arrived at the lobby.

Okay family- that is one of my stories- Let's hear some of your Atlanta favorites!