Pensacon 2014

This weekend was the first weekend of Pensacon. It’s a fantasy / science fiction convention in its first year that was held in the Pensacola Civic Center. It started Friday and ran through 5pm today.

I’m sure that Saturday was their busiest day, but since we were bringing the kids, we chose to head out today. The Sunday crowds were certainly less costumed, but everyone was very friendly with the exception of one very grumpy Orc looking fellow who insisted on jaywalking in traffic. I imagine that the cars would not have stopped him if they had hit him.

The first place we went was the dealer hall, located on the ground floor of the civic center. Since it was still being used for hockey games, they just laid wood on top of the ice and had the vendors set up on it. While this would definitely be a bonus in the middle of summer, it was a bit chilly in the winter.

One of the more original booths was for Skeeter the Duck. Skeeter has been in movies and all over YouTube. Riley enjoyed petting Skeeter and spending time with her.

This photo was taken in a fabulous traveling Tardis courtesy of the folks at Alt*Con Florida. They have a convention in Tallahassee, Florida at the Donald L. tucker Civic Center April 12 & 13.

The 501st also had a photo op area complete with storm troopers, realistic looking props and this extremely patient bounty hunter. Gavin was VERY unsure about standing near him.

When Gavin visited the booth earlier with Cameron, he wouldn’t go anywhere near the guys in uniform. So one of the kind gents allowed Gavin to try on his helmet instead. It was a little big for him, but the cuteness factor was in full force.

Gavin also had a chat with his Jawa cousins prior to moving on. I think they are planning a meet up to pillage and loot later.

One of my favorite booths was run by September Day Carter and Bob Carter, voice actors in national media. They run a side business for fun called Incognito Masks.

They are lightweight alloy masks with various decorations and designs. Cam bought me one and I cannot wait for the next occasion to wear it! It is super comfortable and the mask we purchased can be embellished further. Check them out! They are very affordable and high quality.

And last but certainly never least – the gaming. Quite a few of our friends prefer tabletop gaming or card gaming but my guys are hardcore video game fans. This gaming room was set up with Xbox 360’s in various configurations. Cam and Gavin found Ghost Recon and played while I explored the artist tables one floor up.

When I returned to the game room, I found Riley playing Super Smash Brothers with 3 other guys that looked at least 5 years his senior. They were kind enough to let him join and he played until we kicked him off to go home.

All in all, it was a good convention. They definitely set a record or two in having this event. They sold out the host hotel and filled the convention floor with vendors. I can’t wait to see how much it will grow next year!

Pack 540 Pinewood Derby 2014

The Pinewood Derby for Pack 540 was yesterday morning. This year Cam was in charge of the event for the first time and I must say, he pulled it off well! Steve and Dave helped tremendously and between the three of them, they had a great event.

The cub scouts are provided a kit of a block of pine, 4 nails and 4 plastic wheels. They are then tasked with making it into a fast car. The Pinewood Derby is when all of the cars are pitted against each other to determine the fastest for each den which then move up to the district races.

It’s a fun, family oriented event. Riley made the Minecart this year while Cameron raced Jake that they made last year.

We didn’t place this year. Or any of the previous years. But we had fun and Riley is learning a bit about engineering. What more could you ask for?

Field Trip to Krispy Kreme

My youngest had his first field trip today with his 4 year old preschool class to …. Krispy Kreme. They LOVED it.

The manager came out and explained how the dough moves along the conveyor belt cooking the donuts, flipping the over and cooking the other side. Then they move along and go under a stream of icing to make the “Hot Now” iced donuts that Krispy Kreme is famous for.

Usually, the most popular donut is the simplest – the classic iced. This time all the kids got chocolate iced with sprinkles. Gavin was in heaven!

The kids all got KK hats as well. They were so cute and the hats fit them perfectly.

Thank you Krispy Kreme Destin for letting 19 four year olds invade for a morning of sugary fun!

Rosemary Beach Foundation Women’s Retreat

I had the good fortune to attend the artist chat that is part of the Rosemary Beach Foundation Women’s Retreat. Nicole Paloma from Nicole Paloma Designs, Adorn by Samouce and Mary Hong Studio were the artists that spoke.

Mary Kay from Adorn was the first speaker and she discussed her background, her inspiration and how she makes her jewelry. She also does custom work for bridal parties, old heirloom jewelry and special occasion pieces. According to Nicole and Mary, Mary Kay is also one of the most organized artists around.

Mary Hong from Mary Hong Studio spoke next. She explained her artistic process and how she makes her pieces. Mary has explored many different styles of creating from jewelry to beadmaking to mixed media art. Mary was named the 2014 South Walton Artist of the Year.

Nicole Paloma spoke last and creates custom clothing and designs. Her work is fanciful and light, with ruffles and breathable fabrics. Nicole is so heartfelt in speaking about her passion for clothing and design. My favorite quote was, “I love fabric. I want to lay in it and swim in it.”

Mary’s artwork on display.

Mary gave away three mini canvases to these lucky recipients who found a South Walton sticker on the bottom of their chairs.

One of my favorite pieces of Mary’s – an octopus.

I attended to assist Mary as needed but received the benefit of hearing everyone speak. Thank you, Mary!