Greetings from Las Vegas!
We arrived yesterday morning---took a super early flight so David, Rod and I were here by 9:30! It was great to get settled in and we watched some of the talent rehearsals.
Brooke had her interview yesterday morning and is very happy! Her words: I nailed it!
She said the judges were all very engaged and even Rush didn't scare her. :-)
Paul Rodriguez was suppose to be one of the judges but due to some personal things, had to cancel at the last minute. So the panel of judges is only six. Not that it matters--high and low scores are still tossed out and the rest averaged. So we'll hope for good things from her interview!
Rod was able to do Brooke's hair last night before competition so it was fun to hear a few inside tidbits before the show. Her roommate is Miss Oregon and they're having fun together. Brooke said all of the contestants are wonderful women. She's had a great time in the past week!
Brooke looked good at competition last night. She did swimsuit and evening gown. She found a new evening gown just last week so none of us had seen it yet. It's a lovely gown---one shoulder and fully beaded in a champagne color. She looked terrific.
The talent last night was not stunning. Seriously---not so great. :-( Miss Virginia was talent winner--she sang Listen from Dreamgirls and was by far the best talent of the evening! Swimsuit winner was Miss Puerto Rico who is lovely--but wasn't my pick (nor Davids nor Rods) for the winner. I'm just saying . . .
We got to see her at visitation last night--she was very excited to see everyone. Jennifer and her Mom, and Julie arrived yesterday too so most of the state boar d is here now. We're missing Jackie--who's home with Cooper (and Kevin!) and Paula and Ann too. Brooke's Grandma's arrived yesterday too and they are adorable! Both them could hardly keep their feet on the ground they are so excited.
Lot's of other fans too--Vicki Plaster, Kathy and Judy from Miss Twin Cities (Brooke's home pageant) and so great to have some local titleholders here too! Miss South Central, Aja is here, Miss Northwest, Lexi is here and their Mom's. So fun to see them experience Miss America for the first time! And I know there are more people arriving today.
As you know, Brooke is a Quality of Life finalist--So proud of her!!! So her Quality of Life interview was first thing this morning--8AM! She had to be perky first thing! So thinking good thoughts for her on that today!
Tonight Brooke will shine as she does her talent. She is a born performer and we can't wait to see her take the stage and bring the house down with Somebody to Love by Queen. Those of you who have heard her sing know it's going to be an amazing night for all of us!
David and Jennifer had Executive Director meetings this morning so the rest of us are off to talent rehearsal and maybe . . . just maybe some gambling!!!!!
I'll try to text an update to Jackie tonight after Brooke performs!!!
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Sigh . . . And now we're home.
Sunday night--the suitcases are unpacked, the laundry done and it's time to re-engage in the working world again in just a few hours. SIGH!
As you all know, Miss Michigan Kirsten Haglund is the new Miss America. She's lovely and talented and I know she will do a great job representing the United States. I'm sure we'll see her this week on some of the talk shows and I'm guessing she'll be on TLC soon!
Jennifer had a great night--she loved the show and loved spending the night with the rest of the contestants. She looked lovely, as always in her evening gown--it flows like magic when she walks! There's a great slide show of photo's from the pageant posted on AOL.com -- Jenn is featured in shot 101 wearing her evening gown . . . check them out--some great shots of Kirsten in her first hours as Miss America.
The visitation last night was fun too--lots of excitement when the contestants came in and lots of hugs and a few tears from all of us. It was such a fun week even with the emotional roller coaster ride! The Minnesota delegation made lots of noise--the people right in front of us would cringe when we stood up and whooped and hollered for Jenn!
What did you think of the production last night? The reviews were mixed--some people liked the aspect of people being eliminated that way and others didn't. I wish the rest of the contestants would have been in a production number or something during the show. I think parts of the show were kind of boring because it was such a small group of contestants that you were watching. But hey--I'm not a television producer! :-) I really liked Miss Washington--she has a great personality and I enjoyed her talent. And how about a woo hoo for our sister state and Miss Wisconsin! She did very well--and she's a fun person too!
I know we will all take a few days and decompress . . . there are lots of photo's so once we get organized, we'll try to post some more pictures.
Thanks for being part of the journey with us--it's been terrific! And when you see our beautiful, talented Miss Minnesota--give her a hug and high five for doing us proud.
As you all know, Miss Michigan Kirsten Haglund is the new Miss America. She's lovely and talented and I know she will do a great job representing the United States. I'm sure we'll see her this week on some of the talk shows and I'm guessing she'll be on TLC soon!
Jennifer had a great night--she loved the show and loved spending the night with the rest of the contestants. She looked lovely, as always in her evening gown--it flows like magic when she walks! There's a great slide show of photo's from the pageant posted on AOL.com -- Jenn is featured in shot 101 wearing her evening gown . . . check them out--some great shots of Kirsten in her first hours as Miss America.
The visitation last night was fun too--lots of excitement when the contestants came in and lots of hugs and a few tears from all of us. It was such a fun week even with the emotional roller coaster ride! The Minnesota delegation made lots of noise--the people right in front of us would cringe when we stood up and whooped and hollered for Jenn!
What did you think of the production last night? The reviews were mixed--some people liked the aspect of people being eliminated that way and others didn't. I wish the rest of the contestants would have been in a production number or something during the show. I think parts of the show were kind of boring because it was such a small group of contestants that you were watching. But hey--I'm not a television producer! :-) I really liked Miss Washington--she has a great personality and I enjoyed her talent. And how about a woo hoo for our sister state and Miss Wisconsin! She did very well--and she's a fun person too!
I know we will all take a few days and decompress . . . there are lots of photo's so once we get organized, we'll try to post some more pictures.
Thanks for being part of the journey with us--it's been terrific! And when you see our beautiful, talented Miss Minnesota--give her a hug and high five for doing us proud.
Saturday, January 26, 2008
It's finally SHOWTIME!
Hello from Vegas once again!
First of all--we're all safe--thank you for your concern yesterday after hearing about the fire at the Monte Carlo. It was scary for our Mankato local committee---they were staying at the Monte Carlo--they're all safe and sound and have been relocated but it was frightening. The hotel sustained significant damage but no loss of life which is what's most important!
Sorry we've been out of touch--it's been kind of a couple of crazy days! Our Miss Minnesota is so HOT! She is getting lots of attention from everyone here--the newspapers love her; she's been featured on CNN; Fox News; the Twin Cities television stations; Mankato television stations and has been requested for satellite tv feeds to places we don't even know! :-) I think Jenn is a favorite of the media because she has such a fun personality. The camera loves her and she's not been without a smile in the past week!!!
Before the show on Thursday, the contestants walked the red carpet for the Rambo premiere. Jenn wore her black sequined cocktail dress and red heels. She looks awesome--sorry--no pictures from the red carpet event!
Thursday night, Jenn performed her talent. She did a great job--looked fabulous in her red dress and shoes--(her shoes have gotten a lot of attention here too!). She was the third contenstant to perform and she was awesome. The crowd liked her which is always good!
There was lots of good talent on Thursday night--singers and dancers and even a yodeler!
We got to see her at visitation again and she just is having so much fun here.
Yesterday morning, some of us attended the Miss America breakfast which was really fun. We sat at Dorothy's (Benham!) table and had a great time. There were a lot of formers there--Lee Meriweather; Donna Axum; Vonda Van Dyke; Phyllis George; Dorothy Benham; Susan Powell; Heather Whitestone; Chantal Smith; Heather French; Katie Harmon; Erika Dunlap; Deidre Downs; Jennifer Barry and of course, Lauren Nelson. (Minnesota's Gretchen Carlson is here too--she stopped by the Minnesota party last night to support Jenn!) There was a ceremony for the retiring traveling companion--she's retiring after 18 years of traveling with the reigning Miss America. I'm sure she's got some great stories!
Last night Jenn and the contestants attended a gala fundraiser for Miss America. Jenn called when she got back to her room and said it was great fun but They got home to0 late to watch the final episode of Reality Check on TLC! SO . . . HOW ABOUT OUR MISS MINNESOTA? Making the top 10 on the show? WOO HOO --- wasn't that something??? The state board, and former Miss Minnesota's Tiffany Ogle and Nicole Swanson (Allyson Kearns is here too but haven't caught up with her yet!)gathered in a hotel room to watch the show together--it was so exciting! I know you're all so happy for her too!!
And now . . .it's Saturday! Tonight the show begins for us at 5 so we have to be at the theater and in our seats by 4:30. We talked to Jenn this morning and she said she got a good nights sleep and is feeling good about tonight. We're very excited and very hopeful for her. At the same time--you never know what the judges are thinking at any pageant . . . . What I do know, and I know I speak for all of us involved in the entire Minnesota America system, Jenn is a remarkable Miss Minnesota. She's worked so hard for this day, and has been a passionate supporter of rights and acceptance for those with with autism. She is a great advocate and spokesperson for the Miss Minnesota program and our hope, support and love will be with her on that stage tonight! Watch for her head on stick and listen for the shout outs for Jenn tonight. We are so incredibly proud of our Miss Minnesota! SHINE SHINE SHINE JENN!!MINNESOTA LOVES YOU!
First of all--we're all safe--thank you for your concern yesterday after hearing about the fire at the Monte Carlo. It was scary for our Mankato local committee---they were staying at the Monte Carlo--they're all safe and sound and have been relocated but it was frightening. The hotel sustained significant damage but no loss of life which is what's most important!
Sorry we've been out of touch--it's been kind of a couple of crazy days! Our Miss Minnesota is so HOT! She is getting lots of attention from everyone here--the newspapers love her; she's been featured on CNN; Fox News; the Twin Cities television stations; Mankato television stations and has been requested for satellite tv feeds to places we don't even know! :-) I think Jenn is a favorite of the media because she has such a fun personality. The camera loves her and she's not been without a smile in the past week!!!
Before the show on Thursday, the contestants walked the red carpet for the Rambo premiere. Jenn wore her black sequined cocktail dress and red heels. She looks awesome--sorry--no pictures from the red carpet event!
Thursday night, Jenn performed her talent. She did a great job--looked fabulous in her red dress and shoes--(her shoes have gotten a lot of attention here too!). She was the third contenstant to perform and she was awesome. The crowd liked her which is always good!
There was lots of good talent on Thursday night--singers and dancers and even a yodeler!
We got to see her at visitation again and she just is having so much fun here.
Yesterday morning, some of us attended the Miss America breakfast which was really fun. We sat at Dorothy's (Benham!) table and had a great time. There were a lot of formers there--Lee Meriweather; Donna Axum; Vonda Van Dyke; Phyllis George; Dorothy Benham; Susan Powell; Heather Whitestone; Chantal Smith; Heather French; Katie Harmon; Erika Dunlap; Deidre Downs; Jennifer Barry and of course, Lauren Nelson. (Minnesota's Gretchen Carlson is here too--she stopped by the Minnesota party last night to support Jenn!) There was a ceremony for the retiring traveling companion--she's retiring after 18 years of traveling with the reigning Miss America. I'm sure she's got some great stories!
Last night Jenn and the contestants attended a gala fundraiser for Miss America. Jenn called when she got back to her room and said it was great fun but They got home to0 late to watch the final episode of Reality Check on TLC! SO . . . HOW ABOUT OUR MISS MINNESOTA? Making the top 10 on the show? WOO HOO --- wasn't that something??? The state board, and former Miss Minnesota's Tiffany Ogle and Nicole Swanson (Allyson Kearns is here too but haven't caught up with her yet!)gathered in a hotel room to watch the show together--it was so exciting! I know you're all so happy for her too!!
And now . . .it's Saturday! Tonight the show begins for us at 5 so we have to be at the theater and in our seats by 4:30. We talked to Jenn this morning and she said she got a good nights sleep and is feeling good about tonight. We're very excited and very hopeful for her. At the same time--you never know what the judges are thinking at any pageant . . . . What I do know, and I know I speak for all of us involved in the entire Minnesota America system, Jenn is a remarkable Miss Minnesota. She's worked so hard for this day, and has been a passionate supporter of rights and acceptance for those with with autism. She is a great advocate and spokesperson for the Miss Minnesota program and our hope, support and love will be with her on that stage tonight! Watch for her head on stick and listen for the shout outs for Jenn tonight. We are so incredibly proud of our Miss Minnesota! SHINE SHINE SHINE JENN!!MINNESOTA LOVES YOU!
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Night Two!
Second night of preliminaries and once again our Miss Minnesota was beautiful on stage! Jenn looked amazing last night--her evening gown was spectacular. We were only able to get one photo but I hope it showcases how awesome she looks in her gown!
She looked fabulous in her swimsuit too--and she worked it!!!!
Miss Massachuesets was the talent winner last night and Miss Michigan was swimsuit winner.
We have more people from the Minnesota delegation arriving today, so we're excited! Jackie and Kevin arrive this morning, Dorothy Benham and her family are coming today, and Mary Barker -- all will be here today!
This afternoon is the red carpet arrival for the Rambo premiere--so Jennifer is looking forward to that. And tonight . . . Talent! We saw rehearsal this morning and she did a great job so I'm sure she'll sell it for all she's worth tonight!
We're having a great time and we're so very proud of Jenn. I hope all of you who are following her experience know how lucky we are to have this amazing young woman representing our state.
More to come tomorrow . . . think good thoughts for Jenn tonight!
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
First Night of Prelims
Good Morning from Las Vegas!
Last night was the first night of prelims and it was good to see all of the contestants. Winners for the night were Iowa for talent--and she was amazing! She did an unbelievable baton routine--now I know you're rolling your eyes about a baton twirler but she did things I didn't think a human being could do! At one point she had three batons going and was literally all across the stage. At the end of her performance she got a standing ovation! (I felt a little guilty standing for someone other than Jenn but . . . .) So congrats to Miss Iowa!
Swimsuit winner was Rhode Island. She looked terrific and really took command of the stage. The swimsuits are a little weird--the sponsor of the suits this year is Win Wear--so the contestants had just a few suits to choose from. All of the contestants looked good!
Jenn did her on stage question--she was asked about the impact of autism education and she had a great answer: focus on the unique talents and gifts that everyone has and she wants to try to dispel some of the misconceptions about autism.
Overall, it was an interesting night--lots of different talent selections and lots of heavily beaded gowns. Tonight--Jenn does swimsuit and evening gown--so it will be a big night for her!
We couln't bring cameras into the theater last night (which made me really crabby!) but at visitation they announced we could have cameras each night except for Saturday. Woo hoo!
So hopefully tomorrow we'll have some photo's from the competition tonight!
Pictures attached of Jenn with her Mom and brother Caleb; her proud grandparents from Alabama and those of us from the State Board that here already.
Hope you're staying warm! Gotta go--the slots are calling my name . . . .
Last night was the first night of prelims and it was good to see all of the contestants. Winners for the night were Iowa for talent--and she was amazing! She did an unbelievable baton routine--now I know you're rolling your eyes about a baton twirler but she did things I didn't think a human being could do! At one point she had three batons going and was literally all across the stage. At the end of her performance she got a standing ovation! (I felt a little guilty standing for someone other than Jenn but . . . .) So congrats to Miss Iowa!
Swimsuit winner was Rhode Island. She looked terrific and really took command of the stage. The swimsuits are a little weird--the sponsor of the suits this year is Win Wear--so the contestants had just a few suits to choose from. All of the contestants looked good!
Jenn did her on stage question--she was asked about the impact of autism education and she had a great answer: focus on the unique talents and gifts that everyone has and she wants to try to dispel some of the misconceptions about autism.
Overall, it was an interesting night--lots of different talent selections and lots of heavily beaded gowns. Tonight--Jenn does swimsuit and evening gown--so it will be a big night for her!
We couln't bring cameras into the theater last night (which made me really crabby!) but at visitation they announced we could have cameras each night except for Saturday. Woo hoo!
So hopefully tomorrow we'll have some photo's from the competition tonight!
Pictures attached of Jenn with her Mom and brother Caleb; her proud grandparents from Alabama and those of us from the State Board that here already.
Hope you're staying warm! Gotta go--the slots are calling my name . . . .
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
We're here!
Viva Las Vegas!!!
We arrived in Vegas today around noon and we able to see Jenn while she was having lunch. She looks great! She's so happy and so excited to get on stage tonight. She's really having so much fun--she loves her roommate--Miss New Jersey--and said they are having the time of their lives!
Her interview was yesterday--she thought it went well--lots of questions about Autism and her thoughts on new treatments and causes. She said they also asked some off the wall questions too but felt she did well.
Tonight she will answer an on stage question--it will platform based---so she shouldn't have any worries about that! We're all very excited to actually have the competition begin!
It's cool in Vegas--nothing like Minnesota though! High today was 48 and about the same for tomorrow--so we're not exactly basking in the sun here. . . .
Planet Hollywood is the host hotel and it's quite lovely. Last year it was still under construction but it's all complete now and really looks wonderful. We were busy today--a meeting for all the state boards; hanging Jenn's banner in the theater; unpacking and getting settled--so there was no gambling time today! :-)
Jenn's family arrived today too--I know she's looking forward to seeing them tonight too. I know former Miss Minnesota, Tiffany Ogle arrived today and the board from Jenn's local pageant, Miss Mankato is here too. Miss Minnesota 2006, Nicole Swanson called today--wishing Jenn well---she and her husband will be here for the week-end. Friends, neighbors, family -- she'll have a grand cheering section!
More to come tomorrow--hopefully we can get a few pictures after the competition tonight and can post them!
We arrived in Vegas today around noon and we able to see Jenn while she was having lunch. She looks great! She's so happy and so excited to get on stage tonight. She's really having so much fun--she loves her roommate--Miss New Jersey--and said they are having the time of their lives!
Her interview was yesterday--she thought it went well--lots of questions about Autism and her thoughts on new treatments and causes. She said they also asked some off the wall questions too but felt she did well.
Tonight she will answer an on stage question--it will platform based---so she shouldn't have any worries about that! We're all very excited to actually have the competition begin!
It's cool in Vegas--nothing like Minnesota though! High today was 48 and about the same for tomorrow--so we're not exactly basking in the sun here. . . .
Planet Hollywood is the host hotel and it's quite lovely. Last year it was still under construction but it's all complete now and really looks wonderful. We were busy today--a meeting for all the state boards; hanging Jenn's banner in the theater; unpacking and getting settled--so there was no gambling time today! :-)
Jenn's family arrived today too--I know she's looking forward to seeing them tonight too. I know former Miss Minnesota, Tiffany Ogle arrived today and the board from Jenn's local pageant, Miss Mankato is here too. Miss Minnesota 2006, Nicole Swanson called today--wishing Jenn well---she and her husband will be here for the week-end. Friends, neighbors, family -- she'll have a grand cheering section!
More to come tomorrow--hopefully we can get a few pictures after the competition tonight and can post them!
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