And you were there, and you were there, and so were you…

It’s a bit of a deja vu experience for the DadLabs crew, attending the ABC Kids Expo for the sixth consecutive year. Lots of familiar faces, but something has definitely changed.

We had the uniquely internet age experience of meeting a longtime friend for the first time, when we rolled off the plane and right into Concretin Nic. The Concretin has played host, tour guide, Brad wrangler, master graphic designer, producer, role model, costume designer, Kentucky Bourbon enabler and restaurant critic.  So far.

Give him time. We’ve only been here for a day.

Some things remain constant.

Out first stop when we hit the convention center was booth Lucky 221 to see the Bjorn team. The booth was buzzing as usual, probably because they’ve rolled out so much cool stuff in the last year.

We’re feeling a bit sorry for Brenda and her SCI team that have to listen to us drone on all day long in their booth (does that video monitor have a mute button?). We ran quickly into old friends from Austin. One classic video of our still in use. Tons of great folks with products we’ve reviewed or worked with.

The Fit Pregnancy bash was good times, as always. Great to see Peg Moline and her indefatigable crew. Their continuing passion for their subject matter is a true inspiration for us.

As always, Brad has outdone himself in choosing only the finest accommodations.

But I knew something was different when I suddenly found myself limping through a horse pasture on a hike back to our hotel.

We aren’t in Vegas anymore.

As proof, I woke up this morning with the same amount of cash in my wallet as last night — feeling, actually, pretty good.  A first in ABC Kids history. The folks in Louisville, from the airport parking attendant to the gas station cashier, has been incredibly friendly.  But I’ve definitely heard some grumblings about the new setting on the show floor.  I’m deferring judgement for one more day.

And my sister is here! With the best kids vitamins in the known world – Smartypants.

Off the work the show floor. More on product finds tomorrow.

Join us for a live show today at 4ET.