Star Wars Love Through Generations

Today I had a unique experience of displaying my son's knowledge to people who actually GOT it. I did a filming session for the "Star Wars Stories" project-my story was explaining how when Orion had to be away from me, we agreed to watch Episode V at 7pm so it was like we were watching it together. I explained how much he loved Star Wars and became an expert at knowledge on it. Linda, the producer, requested I run and grab Orion, so I did and they interviewed him for almost an hour! They did make the mistake of asking him to describe his favorite scene from Episode V (which he did.....in great detail...the Battle Of Hoth.....30 minutes later......) but they were impressed with his articulation, vocabulary and general comfort speaking. She quizzed him on several things about Clone Wars etc and he answered them all -stumbling on one but figuring out the answer after thinking awhile.

What Linda found amazing was how connected Orion and I are through Star Wars-obviously I love space-my children's names gave that away. He was mentioning how he loves all the collectors toys but understands they are expensive etc. They told me it was the highlight of their day. It was a great moment that I am sure Orion will remember the rest of his life.

Gabby had a great moment herself with an R5:

Rory and Kyrsten busied themselves with an art class taught by Randy Martinez-Rory drew a damn fine Yoda and Boba Fett. Orion, prior to his memorable filming session, had enjoyed a couple of hours in the gaming room (a former co-worker was in the room, so he said he could stay-and he did and enjoyed some cool games) which left Gabby and I to our own devices. This resulted in a fun time in the Droid Room, where we were photo bombed by Darth Vader himself-see the pictures they were taken within seconds of each other I realized from the sound Darth Vader was behind me-literally 3 inches from me-I turned and said "Hey" and didn't flinch. My guess is he slipped in through the door on the back left.

Today was definitely a productive day on my kid's memories. Gabby, in particular, loves having her picture taken and has absolutely no fear of the various menagerie of aliens, formidable Siths, Bounty Hunters and Sand People. She and I spent so much time in the Droid Room. If you went soley by my pictures, you would think just Gabby and I went-she loves the camera and loves people-fortunately the feeling is mutual. I got her and Jeff together-which cracks me up since he is around 6'5". Kudos to him too-he spent the day hanging out with me and 4 kids in a place full of women who share his interests. I made sure to call him my cousin every chance I got so they knew he was just that. He enjoyed himself-getting a kick out of Gabbarazzi!

All in all a productive day. The Glasgow girl that Orion charmed last evening at the hotel pool wasn't there this evening, however we had gotten her name last night so Orion friended her on his Facebook. Go Orion!

Wrapping up the convention tomorrow and then some R&R before heading home on Monday, which God willing will NOT be another crazy adventure like our arrival here! Hopefully all flights go well!

May the force be with you!

"But Mommy....he wasn't ALWAYS bad......"

Reason #501 on why we love Gabby:

Star Wars-Day 1 Friday August 13th, 2010

I am amazed at the immediate silence that fell promptly after tucking in my children and their friend-they were exhausted.

And for a good reason-we walked like maniacs today! The convention itself-had I brought my Pedometer I would know but I am thinking we easily did 4 miles-perhaps more.

So I am tired, but today-starting out with us waking up to the endless cruel blaring of the Philly Airport's Muzak system-was hectic to say the least and non-stop. We did squeak some pool time in where Orion found out something-girls like goofy. Especially Scottish girls visiting from Glasgow who find a nerdy, geeky Star Wars wisdom spouting bespeckled lad very interesting indeed. She asked about his Facebook page. I told him that would be fun having a friend in Scotland. He loved her accent and the fact she tossed him into the pool just as quickly as he tossed her in. Sassy!

Will write a more detailed version after I catch up on sleep.

Star Wars Celebration V-August 2010 Orlando!

There is an ulterior motive post-it is to pimp the blog for the crew responsible for New York Comicon Featuring Anime 2010, UFC Fan Fest, PAX (Penny Arcade) & this year-Star Wars Celebration V!

The shows have a lot of great panels, celebrity guests and is just days of fun. I used to work for the company that runs the shows-Reed Exhibitions and the Pop Culture team is compiled of fellow geeks and conesuiers of the Star Wars world, comic and Anime genre.

The events are all listed on the blog: http://www.mediumatlarge.net/

The blog is amusingly written as well as an update tool. If you like cats you will be happy to know that Caturdays are part of the blog as well.

I am particularly looking forward to the Celebration V event-the 30th Anniversary of "Empire Strikes Back-Episode 5" The blog announced the George Lucas himself will be there, a menagerie of celebrities, as well as some celebrities who are attending merely because they are fans. Jon Stewart will be interviewing Lucas at one point-so it should be interesting.

The event however is more to me than a mere convention. My children-particularly my oldest son, has inherited my geekiness and love of the Force. Since the announcement last year that the event was occurring, my son has been talking non-stop about it-which vendors will have which collectibles, if he'll get autographs and from whom, the chance to meet celebrities. The fact I can share the joy and excitement of this with my children makes it the best family vacation. Immersed in Star Wars for 4 days-spending quality time, meeting illustrators and talent makes for a memorable scenario.

Check it on out-have an experience that is truly a once in a lifetime and most of all-May The Force Be With You, Always.