UFDC Convention 2016 - Washington, D.C.: Part 3

Thursday morning it was really hard to get out of bed. Licca flat out refused until I reminded her that this was the day where she would get to play with her kitty cat.

So at 9am I attended Fr. Francois St. Marie's program on When Dolls Enter the Convent. It was really fun and educational. And then I visited the Special Exhibits.

I had another luncheon this day, Kindred Spirits - Kitty and Me. 

The centerpiece dolls were somewhere in transit, so a picture of the doll was substituted.

Licca wore her pretty kitty outfit and brought her cat to the luncheon. She was wondering why there was a dog on the table, when the program was supposed to be about cats.

Sylvia Natterer gave a talk on her career and dolls.

And then we received our souvenir dolls. 

In the afternoon, the Regional meetings were held, and the Competitive exhibits opened up.

I won a blue ribbon (1st), a white ribbon (3rd), and a "Thanks for Playing but No One Else Wanted to Play" ribbon.

My My Friend Mandy as Amy Carter did not win a ribbon in the dress a period appropriate doll as a child in the White House category. I was sad, but not surprised. 

More Children of the White House.

Effenbee Historical Series.

Kindred Spirits.

The orange haired doll with the pink teddy was my entry.

Now, my Boy's Day doll did win a ribbon, a blue one. He is the large and elaborate warrior in the background.

Ichimatsu dolls.

Girl's Day dolls. The large Empress, mine, one a white ribbon.

Poor Hatsune Miku is all alone in the Manga/Anime category. Still, at least I entered.

The BJD category was lovely.

And this girl in the Lenci category had the most amazing expression.

It was also cool to see Cabbage Patch dolls in the competition room.

I also had a Gene doll entered, but forgot to photograph the amazing Gene dolls on display.

Just these few activities and I was exhausted.

UFDC Convention 2016 - Washington, D.C.: Part 2

Wednesday was the first official day of the convention. After breakfast, I went to the Doll Dialogues. There were all sorts of topics to learn from. I chose one on On-line clubs. It was a good choice. I now know who to contact to join the On-line UFDC club, and I also have info on how to start one if I want to.

After that, I bought my Helper tickets and headed to the AV Contest Winners program. This year there were 4 entries. That is twice the entries of last year, and 4 more entries than 2 years ago when there were 0 entries.

I encourage all UFDC members to think about producing an AV contest entry. I know I am going to try to get one ready, if not for 2017, than for 2018.

At noon I had a ticketed luncheon, Kindred Spirits - Circle of Friendship. 

The table centerpieces were by Goldie Wilson. They were auctioned off to the highest bidder. My favorite was the one in the brown outfit, but I did not bid on her.

Licca attended this luncheon and really liked this red, white, and blue table favor.

Dessert was a lovely berry tart.

The souvenir doll was also by Goldie Wilson. A lovely baby that sits in a teacup. 

Absolutely adorable.

During the program, the club members were represented by dolls whose clothing and accessories represent their interests. So cool.

After the lunch I went to my room and got my dolls together. We headed downstairs and stood in the long line to the competition room. Eventually it was my turn, and I set my dolls up. Hooray!

I now had time to deposit some of my tickets in the buckets in the Helper room.

At 4:30pm was the Table Hosts meeting, and then I met some friends for dinner. The bar was packed! At 6:30 was the Opening Ceremonies, hooray! And then.. at last.. the grand opening of the sales room!

What a long and busy day!

Licca and I went to bed, exhausted.

UFDC Convention 2016 - Washington, D.C.: Part 1

This year's UFDC Convention (#67), Kindred Spirits, was held, once again in Washington D.C. It was July 27- July 30 (July 26 had pre-convention activities).

Since it was nearby, my husband drove me and my dolls to the hotel, the Washington Hilton. This way I didn't have to pay the obnoxious parking fees at the hotel. I got there bright and early, checked in, and waited for the 10AM Hillwood Estate tour.

The estate was just a few blocks away, but in the extreme heat, the bus ride was much appreciated.

The estate had belonged to Marjorie Merriweather Post, and she turned it and her amazing art collection into a museum so that everyone could see her beautiful items.

The estate is known for it's Faberge egg collection, as well as it's Russian collection, and fine china collection.

Licca joined me on this trip, her third visit to Washington, D.C.

When we got back to the hotel, I volunteered in the Helper room, assisting in setting it up. I never realized how much work it takes to have the Helper room ready for visitors. Considering volunteering in it next convention you go to, it will be greatly appreciated.

That evening was the At Your Service Open House and ice cream social. I chatted with a few friends there and then called it a night. I knew the next day would be another long one.