Ashleigh's Birthday Party, Newhall

Ashleigh is an adorable young Star Wars fan who loves R2-D2 so much that her mom made a custom "R2-Kitty" cake for her 5th birthday party at a bowling alley with lots of her little friends. R2-D2 and friends were guests of honor.

CHOC Book Drive at Barnes & Noble, Santa Ana

R2-D2 greeted lots of book-loving Star Wars fans at this huge bookstore near Main Place Mall in Santa Ana. There were craft activities for the kids.

Jimmy Kimmel Live Show shoot, Hollywood

R2-D2 filmed a skit for the studio audience of the Jimmy Kimmel Live show in Hollywood. The video will instruct audience members to turn off cell phones prior to taping. The Prop Master, David, was the best. He looked after us and introduced us to the important people on set, including Jimmy Kimmel.

The call time was 11 am, but shooting didn't actually start till almost 2 pm. It gave us time to walk around Hollywood Blvd to see all the tourists and freaky locals. We left R2 in the studio, where some tours were going through. It gave them a good photo opportunity with R2. I toyed with the idea of taking R2 for a walk down the Blvd, but it was so close to rush hour, I decided to leave instead. We had taken R2 out there once before already. It was back in 2005 when the last Star Wars film was released and we visited the fans in line at Mann's Chinese Theater.

Jimmy Kimmel was just as cool and laid back as he is on TV. He posed for a mock interview pic with R2 and me (see pic below) at the end of the shoot.

Wedding Ring Bearer, LA

R2 was in his first wedding! He participated in a wedding as Ring Bearer. He also delivered the toasting glasses to the bride & groom at the reception, using a specially designed tray. Kevin had approached me at a mutual friend's party asking if I would have R2 be a part of his wedding. Of course, my first reaction was "Are you joking? You want R2 to be a ring bearer?" Kevin and his bride to be explained that R2 was their favorite character.

The wedding was great fun with good people, good food, and good dancing! Jay showed up with his DeLorean Back to the Future car to sweep up the Bride and Groom, signaling the end of the reception. The festivities continued at the hotel. A really fun wedding!

ICAN Bowling Fundraiser

The 501st SoCal garrison played their yearly part in a fundraiser for the International Child Abuse Network in Canoga Park. Our participation was lead by Kim. Members of the 501st did face painting for attendees. R2 lent support by giving photo ops and lending to the atmosphere.

Arizona R2 Builder's gathering

R2 made a road trip to Phoenix, AZ for a gathering of local R2 builders. It was hot! Victor, my son and I came in on Friday night. The AZ guys organized a dinner for us at Famous Dave's BBQ. My son had been quietly starving in the back seat of the van. As we got about 15 minutes to the restaurant, he melted down. Tiny rescued him by helping order him a meal before we arrived. At the end of the meal, Tiny picked up the tab!!! What a cool dude! Bryan hosted the meet, which had much in the way of food, fun and good people. Thanks guys!

Treehouse Social Club Birthday, Beverly Hills

R2 entertained the kids at Zak's birthday party at the Treehouse Social Club in Beverly Hills. Zak turned 5 and could not get enough of R2. Usually kids hang around R2 for about 15 minutes, then pay him no mind for the rest of the day. Not Zak! He lead R2 all around the venue, talking and showing R2 things. It was non stop with those two!

Zak's parents were very nice, as well as the staff at the Treehouse. An all-around fun time! I forgot to take some pics of R2, but here's 3PO and Zak.