2009 Holiday Air Affair

The 2009 Holiday Air Affair was another success. As an R2 Builder, I took on a lesser role this year opting to spend more time with the kids. Santa arrived on an Ashland Fire Truck and was escorted in by Stormtroopers.

Hannah and Joshua got to sit with Santa and tell him what they wanted for Christmas. Wouldn’t you know it, a huge building full of airplanes and the kids decide to play with blocks.

The R2 Builders gathered before everyone got there for pictures.

The crowds and the picture line formed. Everyone loves Star Wars, and Brad and Syrena (Darth Vader and Princess Leia) decided to ham it up.

I saved the best picture for last. One of the 501st members let some kid dress up in his Jawa costume. The R2 Builders got him to hold Brad’s R2 dome above his head (Brad suffered only a mild heart attack).

Star Wars In Concert Hits Omaha

Star Wars In Concert finally made it to Omaha and when it arrived it brought a blizzard with it. I was hoping the concert would be rescheduled, but no such luck. I was surprised to see how many people braved the storm. I guess when the Qwest Center tells you they won't reschedule or refund your money you find a way to get there (getting home proved to be a little more difficult, but that is a story for another time). The Rebel Legion, 501st, and the R2 Builders were at the concert; but unfortunately, they left their droids at home. I loved seeing all the Star Wars costumes and props.

The man that helped bring down the Republic!!!

I finally got my picture taken next to a back drop. There were LARGE crowds of people in line for every display area.

A senate guard and the Emperor's Guard! I use to have one of these as a kid. I told Michelle this and she looked at me like I had two heads.

C-3PO, the man...the droid...the Star Wars In Concert host.

Builders show off their new costumes!

Han Solo in Carbonite!

2009 Star Wars Night At The Omaha Royals

Tonight was Star Wars Night at the Omaha Royals. Because R2-NU is still not done yet, I signed up to be a droid wrangler. Until you tried it, you will never know how hard it is to be nice and still keep several dozen excited children from touching their favorite Star Wars hero. By the end of the night I was exhausted.

Syrena taking a picture with her grand kids, and Brad and Moose drove their R2s around.

Jeff, in his rebel legion costume, stops for a picture with Casey.

Brad and Casey locked in a heated light saber duel. By the way, many thanks for letting me drive his R2 around part of the night while he mingled with the crowd and took pictures.

Members of the 501st leaving the stands after Darth Vader through out the first pitch.

R2-CM got cornered by the 501st.

Jeff and the attending R2s pose for a picture.

Empire On Ice

The 501st was asked to attend the Star Wars Night at the Omaha Lancers and they graciously extended an invitation to the our club. I didn't actively participate in the evenings events as a builder because I was there with my family to enjoy the game and cheer on the Lancers.

I had to take a couple pictures of Jason in his TK costume. Oh yeah, Patches too!

As soon as you walk up the stairs the participating builders members were there. So I snapped a picture before they had a chance to get out of the shot.

My parents stopped and got a picture with the 501st.

During the first intermission, they had a sled race/obstacle course between a mini-Vader and a mini-Storm Trooper.

I know I wasn't suppose to participate in the evenings events, but I couldn't help taking Patches for a test drive after the 501st race during the first intermission.

During the second intermission the 501st walked around the ice and threw t-shirts into the crowd.

Michelle and I got our picture taken with some builders and Patches.

Thanks again Denny for letting me use some of your pictures.

Heart Of The Empire Movie Night

Our local builders group got together with a few 501st Central Garrison members to watch the Heart Of The Empire Movie Denny bought. Denny provided cake and everyone enjoyed the movie and each others company. Thank you for letting us watch the movie Denny.

R2 Meeting The Public At OSFest

Our local builders club, The Rebel Legion, and The 501st Central Garrison stop for a break in the lobby for a picture.

Clay's R2-C2 goes out into the crowd to meet people.

Not to be outdone, R2-CM does a round of Meet and Greet.

R2-C2 and R2-CM meet for a combined appearance.