Reality Rally

My wife, Bonnie, & I have always been big supporters of Reality Rally, and get to work at a checkpoint during the competition. This year (2013) we attended the celebrity reception at Wilson Creek Winery. While making the rounds at the party, We noticed that wherever Brendon & Rachel Villegas were, there was sure to be a crowd. Eventually, however, we found ourselves standing alone with them and struck up a conversation.

At this point, I have to admit that we weren't as familiar with Brendon & Rachel as some of the other stars (we had missed a few years of Big Brother). But, we knew Rachel from My Fair Wedding, and our 11 year-old daughter, Ashley, just loved her. Almost immediately, we started chit-chatting with "Brenchel" like we were old friends! We told them all about Ashley, and they were disappointed that she wasn't there (we didn't feel right bringing her to a cocktail reception). But, we told them that we would bring Ashley to the autograph session the next morning. Ash was thrilled when we told her.

The next morning, Ashley couldn't wait to get to the signing! When we got in, we headed straight back to find Brendon & Rachel. I will always remember this: When we approached the table, Rachel saw us, gave a glimmer of recognition, and then saw Ashley. Rachel absolutely SQUEALED! She & Brendon reached down and pulled Ashley OVER THE TABLE and into their arms! Ashley was beyond thrilled! They talked for about five minutes or so before they had to move on (we were jamming up the whole system), but not before we got some pictures of the three of them.
After the event, I tweeted out a photo of them (attached), which was retweeted by both Brendon & Rachel, and then several of their followers. Ashley was walking on air for a week! I know that she still thinks of Brendon & Rachel as friends of hers -- she even listed them as friends in a school assignment. She, and we, will be back this year, and every year, for more fun!

This is what Reality Rally is all about.