Today was the last day of the 2016 PBS Annual Meeting. I did not sleep well and ended up getting up really early and feeling sick. Luckily that feeling passed and I was able to enjoy an incredibly fun day. The things that made it the most fun were the sessions with all of the actors and puppeteers of the new show Splash and Bubbles. This is a show that is debuting on Wednesday November 23, 2016, the day before Thanksgiving. This new show is all about diversity and marine biology for kids 4-7.

SPLASH AND BUBBLES is an animated series from The Jim Henson Company (DINOSAUR TRAIN, SID THE SCIENCE KID) and Herschend Enterprises (Dollywood, Harlem Globetrotters) that uses groundbreaking digital puppetry technology. The series helps children learn marine biology and ocean science concepts while building social-emotional skills.

SPLASH AND BUBBLES follows the adventures of Splash, a yellow fusilier fish who has migrated all over the oceans before settling down with his family in Reeftown, where he befriends three inquisitive fellow sea creatures. Until Splash came along, Bubbles, Dunk, Ripple and most of the other Reeftown residents had no idea what lay beyond the cozy confines of their coral walls. Together, Splash and his friends explore the world’s oceans, where they meet wildly diverse marine animals and discover otherworldly undersea habitats, bringing back what they’ve learned to share with their neighbors.

Digital content related to the series, including games, hands-on activities and parent resources, will be available beginning in fall 2016.

10 Minutes of today’s vlog is of an answer to a question that I asked the puppeteers and I think it is so fascinating that I didn’t cut it.

The Annual Meeting ended with a cocktail hour on the Riverwalk at the hotel. There the PBS Kids VIPs got photos with the various PBS Kids Costumed Characters that were in attendance.

At the end of the day the PBS Kids VIPs went to dinner at Coco Pazzo and had an incredible meal. I split a 40oz Porterhouse with Melissa of Dandelion Moms. I also ordered a variety of grilled mushrooms to go with it and that was excellent. For dessert I had a lemon almond cake with strawberries and some gelato. That was also excellent.

It was a great meeting this year and I am so fortunate to continue to be a part of something that is working for the betterment of our children. I really believe in what PBS Kids does for our kids and I also like that I get a chance to see what PBS has in store for adults as well. There are some amazing stories being told through PBS. I hope to continue to be part of such a worthwhile organization.