My Las Vegas Star Trek Convention Plans-- Borgless

So here's the deal-- I've been going to the Las Vegas Star Trek convention every year since 2002. My wife Jessica is almost as big a fan as I am (she made a music video for the contest last year, and she has made her own 7 of 9, Jadzia Dax, and Borg costumes, plus costumes for our two kids). Next month when the convention is held, she'll be almost 8 months pregnant. Our 3-year old daughter Cleo is VERY energetic and stopped taking naps about eight months ago. Our 2-year old son Allan is more laid back, still takes naps, and is happy to just sit on a lap and snuggle.

With that said, Jessica would find the lines, the Las Vegas in August heat, and the need for rest detracting from her experience this year. She has given me her blessing to come this year, and to take Cleo with me :-) This will let Jessica have four days at home with just our more tranquil son to care for (she's looking forard to being able to take naps when he does!), and will let me have fun running around with Cleo.

As much as I love my Borg costume, and how much I love posing with people for pictures in it, it just won't be possible for me to wear it and to keep up with Cleo and make sure she doesn't wander off or get into things she's not supposed to in the Dealer's Room-- to say nothing of the challenge of changing pull-up pants if the need arises. So this year, I'll be wearing costumes that are less cumbersome and will allow me to give more attention more easily to Cleo.

For Thursday the 6th, I'm planning on wearing my "Carlos from South America" Data costume. Cleo will be wearing her "Toddler 7 of 9" costume. On Friday the 7th, I'll be in my regular TNG Data uniform, and Cleo will be wearing a "Toddler Lal" costume. Her black wig may not stay on for long, so think of her as a little blonde Lal 2.0... On Saturday, Cleo will be wearing her "Toddler Borg" costume, and I'll be dressed as Lore in his Pakled duds. I'm also converting a stroller into a mobile Borg regeneration chamber, so Cleo will be able to sit back and relax if she gets tired of walking everywhere (we're staying at the Sahara this year, and Cleo loves trains, so we'll be riding the Monorail). I have to be back to work on Monday morning, so we'll be driving home early Sunday afternoon.

I wasn't planning on attending any of the official Creation after-hours parties, so as the convention winds down each day, we'll go back to the hotel and maybe enjoy the kiddie pool together and then ride the monorail and see some of the sights-- but I do know of a couple of unofficial things that are going on that we will be attending, and that anyone else can attend as well:
*On Saturday the 8th at Noon, everyone in costume is encouraged to gather in the large, open area between where the convention rooms are and the hallway leading from the hotel proper. It's become a tradition over the past couple of years to do a big group photo shoot, and then to get individual photos with other fans in costume.
*Also on Saturday, at 10:30AM, a couple of Klingon fan clubs are going to meet in the area immediately in front of the ticket tables, just outside of the dealer's room for some photos in full Klingon costume. At about 10:30AM, there will be some discussion around where to go to dinner that night-- at one of the restaurants at the Hilton, or possibly at the Sahara's buffet. You can go to dinner in the company of the Klingons, but you must be dressed as a Klingon as well! I am packing my Klingon outfit, and making one for Cleo (no headpiece for her though-- she'll go as a TOS Klingon ;-) in the event that dinner is at the Sahara, since we're staying there.

I know that circumstances won't allow everyone to attend this year, but I am looking forward to seeing friends from past conventions, and making new friends this year!

--Eric