I surprised James (Hras + 6yr) and Brandon (big brother) with a trip to Miami to see Rachael Ray and Paula Dean. They were both speaking at the Jungle Island Food Network Event on Saturday. James is a huge fan of both.

I decided it was best to start preparing James the night before. He doesn’t’ always do well with surprises. The night before I told the boys that we were going to Jungle Island and that there might be some Food Network stars cooking. I asked who they would like to see most. Brandon said, “Rachael Ray” and to my surprise James said, “Paula Dean”. I guess God heard this, because that is exactly who he got to enjoy one on one. Paula Dean came up to him twice during the show. She rubbed on his head saying, “What cute curly hair you have. I wish I had your hair.”.

Another time she commented on the magazine he had of her which you can seeon the video below. Paula did cook a bit, but mainly joked and talked with the audience. One audience member asked her how she gets through difficult times. Paula then quoted the Serenity prayer word for word. I was impressed. Next we got to meet her at the book signing. This was great fun. James showed her his sign for her, “butter”. Paula loved it and they would laugh and do the sign together. Later that afternoon we had the Rachael Ray show. We got to be seated early, since James had disabilities. So, I told one of the stage men what a great fan James was and asked if he might be able to have a picture with her. He said he didn’t think so, because she had another engagement right after this one. And due to security, she would be staying behind the kitchen counter the whole time. This was a bit disappointing, but they did get great front row seats. I was so proud of Brandon. He had pictures of James watching Rachael Ray videos to show her.

Brandon raised his hand to tell Rachael Ray what a fan James was, but the pre screener guy turned him down because it wasn’t a question. So, he came up with a question and got to ask it (on video.) James stood up next to him during it, big smiles.

At the end, Brandon raced to try and catch Rachael Ray, but they ushered her through the back exit quick. Brandon was disappointed for James, but we realized it was Paula Dean he asked to meet the night before and that is what he got. Overall, we were blessed with great weather and great shows!

Here is a little video I made

[youtube]wRbXVPrgkF0[/youtube]

Carla