R2 and I had a great time at the first Texas Toy and Comic Expo in San Marcos, Texas on Sat, May 4th and 5th. Got to meet some Walking Dead stars (Michael Rooker, IronE Singleton, Noel G. and Addy Miller.) Also got to meet Eddie Munster (Butch Patrick).  Got me thinking that I don't think my kids have really seen any of the old black and white Munster episodes. Thanks to Tim Gardner for inviting us out to the Con. It was fun. Looking forward to next year.

 

Alex, R2 and I attended a fun Lego Star Wars build day at the Lego Store in Barton Creek mall. I is always fun to go to the Lego store, since Alex and I are huge Lego fans. Members of the 501st and the Rebel Legion were also in attendance. After that, we decided to go down and check out the grand openning of the new Apple Store. At first they really liked having R2 stop by to promote their opening. But then their "Geniuses" got distracted and they asked us to leave. Nicely, but they did ask us to move along, move along. 

Screenwriter Ernie Cline and members of the 501st were on hand at the Alamo Drafthouse for a special screening of the movie FANBOYS benefiting the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.  

This was a first for R2, to be in a wedding. It was actually a re-wedding of some dear friends. Phil and Sarah Tso.  Phil troops with the 501st and does a ton of events. I don't think I know anyone else that has as many costumes as Phil.

I said I would never do another parade with R2, but I couldn't resist taking part in the annual Chuy's Children Parade. They collect toys for children for Christmas.  I had never seen or been in this parade before. It was huge. The worst thing about it was getting back to the car after the parade. It was pretty cool and it was televised locally.  We had a big group of guys from the 501st and the Rebel legion there.

Wizard World Austin was a great time.  R2 got to have Ray Park sign his rear panel and ran into an old friend that kept trying to insert some stolen plans into his data port... 

People often poke jokes at my hobby. But having and taking out R2 to events is one of the most rewarding things I do. Saturday the 21st, I was invited to bring R2 to the Methodist Children's Hospital to visit some sick kids. It is always bitter sweet, but I believe that if I can help these kids forget their pain for just one second, it's all worth it. My friends from the 501st and R2-D2 give not only the kids, but also their parents and the Dr's and Nurses a few moments of laughter and take them away to a fantasy world. Here are a few photos of some of the kids and our visit. 

The Austin Mini Maker faire was Saturday May 12th. It was nice to hear from multiple people that "R2 was the best thing here" or "R2 made the price of admission worth it". I had a good time, but the Pine Street Station was really not the ideal venue. I had concrete, but it was sloped and ruff so it wasn’t the best area to drive around. I would do it again if there is another next year, but hopefully they will find a different location. As you can see, the kiddos loved R2! Makes it all worth it! Someone was nice enough to film my little guy and posted this youtube video.

Had a great time at the Free Comic Book Day at Dragon's Lair Saturday May 5th. Alex and I got a couple of autographs from Peter Mayhew and took lots of photos with fans.

R2 had a great time at the Dionysium / Fusebox show last night. Thanks Buzz for the invite. I had a great time. I especially loved the little girl that kept talking with R2 and following him around all night. I talked with the Mom and told her that R2 wanted to give her a ride around the floor, so before they left, she got on his feet and he gave her a little dance around. She had a grin from ear to ear. I think it made her day.  At the show, they had a preview of the Intergalactic Nemesis live action graphic novel, If you haven't heard of the Intergalactic Nemesis show, you need to check them out. They did a preview of their next show in June at the Long Center.  Here is a video of when they were on the Conan O'Brian show.