DC Book Festival

What an amazing opportunity! Today we went to the DC Book Festival. It happened that 2 of the boys favorite authors were going to be there, and so they REALLY wanted to meet them. Well, I had no idea how totally packed this event is! It was borderline insanity.  But, it was all worth it in the end because although we didn't get to see everyone we wanted to see, we did get to see the 2  authors that they cared most about.

Here are the boys with Mary Pope Osborne. She is the author of the Magic Tree House book series.  Ty has read every book. You could even quiz him on which title is which in her #48 books in the series. Zachary likes her too, (or did when he was younger) and really enjoyed her version of The Odyssey she wrote for kids. It was really incredible to meet her and despite the ENORMOUS line, she took a little time to talk with the boys and sign their book.

This was her talking in the Children's Pavilion. You can maybe see her on the stage at the podium. But this gives a sense of the crowd. We got hints of her next 2 books! (Alexander the Great and Houdini)

This photo only hints at the magnitude of the LINES that were for the book signings.  (You can see her in the black tunic hugging Zach) Each author had a tent, and people waited for HOURS to have a book signed. For Ms Osborne, Will got in line at 1pm (bless him) and waited for almost 2 hours while I walked around with the kids and heard her speak at the far end of the festival.  Once the signing started at 3, we got to see her within 10 minutes. But people were waiting WAY back, into the trees, snaked into a massive line. This was a major highlight for the boys. (Thank You Daddy for braving the sun!) It was a serious celebrity sighting in their eyes!

Earlier in the day we waited to meet Tom Angleberger who has written a funny series as a spoof  of Star Wars involving boys. His first book was "Strange Case of the Origami Yoda" but Zach brought his more recent one (about Chewbacca) to sign.  Zach likes his books because he incorporates little sketches and drawings into the book.  Also because he is downright funny. 

 This guy was so nice! When he arrived, he greeted all the kids in the line by running past and giving everyone a high five and thanking them for coming. He kept calling everyone "Larry" and was just a complete goofball! I think Zach really wants to be a childrens author when he grows up if he can be goofy like this guy!

 Zach also brought his Origami Yoda he made along with his Darth Paper.Tom really complimented him!
Cori was a trooper, and hung in there despite the heat and no stroller. And lets just say our van took a real beating today. But I digress..... It was all worth it!