Mom and I left early Thursday morning to have breakfast with Marcy and Nikky Smith, friends of ours who are going through the same thing we are having a husband and dad suffer from Alzheimer's. Nikky and I just so happen to be the same age, and are leaving for Camp Building Bridges on Sunday the 19th in Oklahoma! I'm really excited! It will be fun to have a little break from this crazy and hectic thing I like to call my life :)
After having breakfast with them, we were off the Eden Prairie to get ready to watch the Miss Minnesota pageant! One of my Mom's friends lives about 5 minutes from Eden Prairie High School, the place where the pageant is being held, so we always like to stay with her.
Thursday night was one of two prelim nights. I like watching the prelims because you get to see all of the contestants perform, not just the top 10. I was greatly looking forward to seeing all of "pageant people" that I don't get to see on a regular basis. Prior to Thursday nights pageant, Mom and I met with good friends of ours, Suzie and Allyson Kearns. The four of us always have such a good time together and tend to get in quite a few laughs. Allyson was Miss Minnesota 2002, so it's fun hearing her perspective of things. I look up to her, and respect her in so many ways.
After arriving at the auditorium, taking my fair share of pictures, and catching up with people I hadn't seen in a long time, it was time for the pageant to finally start. I was extatic! I could hardly stay in my chair! I was excited for all of the girls I had come to know over the past 2 1/2 years of competing. I know what it's like to be waiting patiently backstage for the music to start. I think thats why I get so excited for these girls even though I'm not competing.
My sister queen, Bethany, rocked the stage in her swimsuit and evening gown that night! She looked gorgeous and her performance was flawless. I was one proud little sister queen!
When Thursday's pageant was over, I headed over to Champlin with one of my best friends I have made through pageants, Paige Meyer, her mom Alice, and her friend Tim. I had a great time catching up with her and sitting around the campfire talking girl and pageant talk. I enjoy my time with her immensly, and I know that I'm going to miss her so much when she leaves for college!
Friday morning started with a lovely walk outside with Paige. It was a gorgeous day that we just had to take advantage of! After our walk, we got ourselves ready to do a little shopping at the Mall of America. Paige is going to be competing for a local Miss pageant coming up soon, so she needed a swimsuit. She found the perfect suit, and I'm excited to watch her compete in it :)
Before I knew it, it was time to head back to Eden Prairie to get ready for the pageant.
After more pictures and catching up, prelim night 2 started. Bethany did onstage question and talent and ROCKED both! I was a proud little sister queen again :) When the night was over, I knew that it was all in God's hands in helping the judges choose top 10. I prayed that Bethany and several other of my good friends would make it in. I knew how hard they had all worked for this and I wished that they could all be crowned Miss Minnesota on Saturday!
After Fridays pageant, my Mom and I wen't out to a late dinner with another "Outstanding Teen", Corrina and her mom Chris! Corrina has become my little sister these past few months and I'm excited for her to compete for Miss North Metro Outstanding Teen in October. I love spending time with them and they never fail to make me laugh.
Saturday morning came before I knew it, and I realized that a new Miss Minnesota would be crowned tonight. I was sad to think of no longer having Kathryn Knuttila as our Miss Minnesota. Kathryn is such a strong and passionate person who continues to inspire myself and many others. I know she will continue to do great things. Keep being amazing, Kathryn! :)
On Saturday, Mom and I did some more shopping but this time in Excelsior :) My hometown of Brainerd doesn't have a lot of good shopping areas, so you have to hit the good shopping whenever you are in the cities ;) After spending some money, we headed back tn Eden Prairie to pack up our things and get ready. Since I had to get up early Sunday morning for camp, I wanted to have everything packed so all I needed to do was get up and go.
Even more picture taking (I like to take pictures if you can't already tell!) and talking, finals night had started. I was so nervous. Almost as nervous as I was for my own pageant!
The opening number this night was way different and fun! They had some of the girls dancing in the audience and doing cartwheels onstage in their opening number dress, which I may add is skill! :)
Then came the big moment... TOP 10!!
Lauren Johnson- Twin Cities
Megan Elhert- Coon Rapids
Shanda Arbach- Morris
Natalie Davis- Mankato
Bethany Beniek- North Metro (YAY!!)
Aja Majkrzak- Capital City
Liz Scipioni- South Central
Allison Lordbock- City of Lakes
Samantha Phillipi- West Metro
Meghan Kuznia- Theif River Falls
They all performed again in all areas of competition before it was time to annouce the winners.
Quality of Life award- Allison Lordbock
Interview- Megan Elhert
TOP 5!
4th runner up- Aja Majkrzak
3rd runner up- Megan Elhert
2nd runner up- Samantha Phillipi
1st runner up- Lauren Johnson
Miss Minnesota 2011- Natalie Davis!
Lauren Johnson is a past Miss Brainerd and I have gotten to know her very well. When it came down to those final two girls, I had no idea who it would be. Lauren had worked so hard for this, but it wasn't in God's plan this year.
Congrats to Natalie Davis, the new Miss Minnesota! I hope you enjoy your year, and I can't wait to see what things you will accomplish :)
Much love,
Bailey
Alyssa and Paige!
Lexi!
My Mom :)
Jackie competed for Miss Brainerd Lakes/Baxter :)
Lauren and I were both 1st runners-up in the Teen and Miss divisions :)
The "Outstanding Teens" in attendance. Myself, Corrina, and Emily!
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