Monday, August 27th, Sonora Desert Museum and the Old Tucson Movie Studio

Today was so much fun. After having an really early morning breakfast and getting up at 5am, we boarded the bus to the Sonora Dessert museum which was alot of fun. We learned about the different plants, cactus, and the different trees as we walked along. My favorite part was when we got to see all the animals.
It was also exciting because each one of us got this adorable pink cowgirl hat and boots all in different colors so we all were wearing western wear for the day and we all looked fabulous.



















Here was this cute moutain lion trying to take a nap in 100 degree weather.














These pack of wolves were very fast, I almost didn't get a picture! Don't they look like dogs?











Here I am with Mrs. New Mexico, Cortney Whitley, and Mrs. Connecticut, Sheree Farrell enjoying the museum












Here are the two cowgirls! Mrs. Georgia, Suzette Bryan and me.













Me, Mrs. Georgia, Suzette Bryan, and Mrs. Utah, Heather Osmond enjoying desert at the Old Tucson Movie Studio.











Later today we went to the Old Tucson Movie Studio where films like El Dorado and many John Wayne and Clint Eastwood films were made.

PIMA Air & Space Museum, Sunday, August 26th

Today was alot of fun after having rehearsal and a wonderful Sunday brunch with bbq's, shrimp, crab and everything you can imagine, we took off for the Pima Air & Space Museum. While their we took pictures of some really cool planes. Here I am sitting in the same plane that was in the Top Gun movie an F-14A.

I was so excited to be boarding the same plane that was once owned by Presidents Kennedy & Johnson.

Here is the inside of the cockpit

Me and Mrs. Ohio, Christine Wright

Later that evening we had dinner at the amazing McMahon's Steakhouse and the food was phenomenal. The wine cellar was huge with 18,000 bottles of wine dating back to 1945 and that bottle I was told cost $9,000!

Loews Hotel President's Dinner, Saturday, August 25th

Tonight we were all invited to the President's dinner at the gorgeous Ventana Room that overlooks the city lights. Each contestant gave a gift to Bryan Johnson who is the President of the Loews Hotel and I gave him a signed Vikings football which he really enjoyed. It was a 5 star evening with delicious food and a great time was had by all.
(L-R) Mrs. Georgia, Suzette Bryan, Mrs. Illinois, Hallie Thompson, Me, Mrs. Florida Jaime Estrada and Mrs. North Carolina, Kathryn Stuart all looking beautiful in our gowns.








Me and my roommate Suzette Bryan, Mrs. Georgia just arriving into the restaurant.













Suzette, Bacheva our pageant manager, and me

Me and Mrs. World, Diane Tucker

Mr. David Marmel, President of Mrs. America, me and Bacheva our awesome pageant manager

Me and Mrs. Oklahoma, Melissa (Missy) Soto having a great time.

Me, Mrs. Kentucky, Denise Yates, and Mrs. Georgia, Suzette Bryan having enjoyed a wonderful dinner and evening.

Cocktail Party with the Mayor, Friday evening

After dinner, we got ready for a lovely cocktail party which was held at a spectacular mansion. The Mayor of Tucson attended with his wife as well as some local media. The homes decor was something out of a magazine. I couldn't believe my eyes at how gorgeous this house was.












































Me and Mrs. Ohio, Christine Wright having a great time at the party
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Me and Mrs. New York, Shana Jaycox


















The entertainment was incredible!






Me and Mrs. Texas, Valerie Brooks

Presenting the Mayor of Tucson with all the state gifts! Friday, August 24th

After 3 hours of rehearsal and a quick lunch, we then got ready to meet the Mayor of Tucson, Mr. Bob Walkup at the Fox Theater in downtown Tucson. We each presented him with a gift and in return he gave us a beautiful plaque with each of our name on it. Here I am with Suzette Bryan,

Mrs. Georgia before we get on the bus. I presented the Mayor with a signed shirt from Vikings player Darren Sharper. Thank you Tami for providing me with a great gift! The Mayor loved it!

(L-R) Mrs. Montana, Leah Johnerson, Mrs. Hawaii, Nadine Wise, Mrs. California, Kelly Stornetta and me.

Friday, August 24th, Breakfast and our 2nd rehearsal!

Well, it's another bright and early day, breakfast today was from 7am-8am and you can tell I look exhausted and hungry! So far I have been getting up at 6am to get ready so that's been kind of tough to get used to. From left to right, Mrs. Rhode Island, Christina Balleto, Mrs. Nebraska, Michele Strom, Mrs. Colorado, Tiffany Sawyer, Me, and my roommate, Mrs. Georgia, Suzette Bryan getting ready to sit down for breakfast.






A few of us taking a break from learning the dance routines.









Me and Mrs. Illinois, Hallie Thompson

Mrs. Illinois, Hallie Thompson, Mrs. Hawaii, Nadine Wise, and Mrs. Kansas, Erin Claycamp taking a break at rehearsals.

1st Rehearsal with Frick & Frat!

Well, it's Thursday evening and we had our first rehearsal tonight with choreographers, Frick & Frat. They are great at teaching us how to dance so here I am with my roommate, Mrs. Georgia making our way to the ballroom for our first rehearsal. We learned 3 different dance routines in 1 hour and I got to say, I thought that I wouldn't be getting my workouts done, well I was completely wrong.



Choreographers, Frick & Frat

Mrs. America Orientation Welcome Dinner

The first night we were all invited to an orientation welcome dinner at the hotel for a chance to get to meet all the contestants and Mrs. World herself, Diane Tucker who is just a sweetheart. We were all given these great big gift bags with an umbrella, an adorable black photo album with a crown on it, luggage tags, two fun t-shirts and a few other things. Here I am with Mrs. Illinois, Hallie Thompson and Mrs. Kentucky Denise Attaway getting ready to sit down and eat dinner






Here is Hallie, Mrs. Illinois checking out the awesome crown photo album while Denise, Mrs. Kentucky looks on.











Me and Mrs. Oregon, Kim Takla who is outgoing and fun to talk to.

Mrs. Oregon, Kim Takla, Mrs. Florida, Jaime Estrada, and me at dinner.

I was so excited to finally meet Mrs. World, Diane Tucker!