Out of the Woods: A Ninja Chipmunk on the Loose: Fanboy 2015

Over the weekend, Alex and I made our way back to Knoxville, TN to celebrate all that is magical and amazing about geekdom.

This was our second year to attend the Fanboy Expo and this time was even more incredible than the last!

You see, this year Alex chose to participate in the festivity of dressing up and it changed the entries experience for him. Instead of being just a quiet bystander, he became a little rock star (at least in his own mind).

The fun started off right away when we caught an elevator ride with none other than world famous wrestler and actor Adam Copeland, whom you might also know as The Edge. He held the lift for us as soon as he say Alex and schooched over to make room for the chair. He then proceeded to smile and tell Batman how much he liked his costume and was just an all around super nice guy.

Of course, observing elevator manners, I did not make eye contact till we were exiting Adam was telling us to have fun. Then I realized what a perfect photo op/childhood memory moment I just flubbed up!! D'OH!! There were literally hundreds of people in his line by the time we saw him again.

Still, I was super impressed by how friendly and down to earth he was and that in and of itself was a great memory for me.

After that, the excitement just kept on rolling! (wheelchair pun)

There were lots of people dressed up in their Cosplay as various characters from movies, TV, and comics. Everyone was so nice and Alex didn't quite know how to react when he was the one that people were coming up to and asking to have their picture taken with him. Let's just say, the word "Chick Magnet" was thrown around quite a bit that day!

It really had a great impact on his self esteem and confidence around strangers that people actually noticed him and wanted to get to know him. As a parent, it was a heart-strings kind of time to see my baby boy blossom like that.

There was one picture that was particularly touching to me and I want to share that story with you...

It was gentleman in a wheelchair dressed as Professor Xavier. He was posing for photos left and right with people and so I asked him if he would mind taking one with Alex. When I rolled Alex up to him, he smiled really big and shook his hand and began to talk to him, then they posed for the photo. As we were leaving, I heard him say something along the lines of, "And that's the reason I do this."

It touched my heart so much that he felt a connection to Alex and that they had touched each other's lives in a positive way. A silent brotherhood of support. At least that is how it felt in my mind...but, of course, that could just be what the Professor wanted me to think! (X-Men joke)

We met several more incredible and exuberant folks during our time at the Expo and I wish that I knew their names so that I could thank each and every one of them individually.

It was such an unforgettable time and I am already plotting out his costume for next year!!

Here are a few more photos from the Fanboy Expo that you might enjoy: