Saturday in Palm Springs

Another busy day in Palm Springs! I began the day by recording my farewell speech, which was very sad! It's hard to pass on the title. As happy as I am for the next girl, I wish that the fun could go on! Anyways, after recording it was time for rehearsal! A long process, but completely necessary.
It was then time for the preliminary show!! How exciting. I got to MC last night which was a total blast! I had never done that before and I loved it! The girls did a great job in fun fashion, fitness, and evening gown. It is definitely a tough competition!
After the show we went to amazingly beautiful dinner; it was so lavishly decorated! The dinner was delicious, and my favorite (cheesecake) was for desert! The winners were announced for prelims; there were a lot of ties.
Since I'm not competing I went down to the pool to relax- which was very much needed. I can't wait for today to see who I get to crown!

Click to play | Make your own Smilebox

Friday in Palm Springs

Yesterday was such a long day, but a fun day as well. I started out the day by helping the girls before they went into interview. I gave them a few last minute tips before they went in and it was fun seeing all their suits! After that, I went to help some girls with the walking patterns. I then had some free time which was very much needed; I've been feeling exhausted!
We then took our official group photo in the 110 degree weather. Afterward, Evan and I went on the most gorgeous golf course. Although I don't golf YET, I still had fun driving the golf cart! Afterward I got ready for my CBN news interview which was a blast!! I was surprised at how small the interview room was. I did the interview with the former Miss International 2006, Brittany Frick. What a neat experience.
I then caught up with the girls to go on the Aerial tramway for dinner. It was a lot of fun and we even saw bats! It was such a fun day!

Click to play | Make your own Smilebox

Thursday in Palm Springs

Yesterday I arrived in Palm Springs to begin my farewell week as Miss Teen California. I first went to the gown sponsor, where I was given to gorgeous gowns with beautiful earrings to match. Our hotel is very lovely, but very HOT (about 115 degrees). We're in Palm Springs so I guess I should accept it. Anyway, orientation was really fun and I got to meet the girls and tell them about what my year was like. Everyone seems to be really nice and it's fun seeing old and new faces.
After orientation we were driven in limos to the Matchbox Restaurant for dinner. It was delicious and it was the perfect chance for myself and the girls to "mingle". :)
We then walked along the street fair and went shopping, though I didn't buy anything.
It was a great night and I'll keep updated!

Click to play | Make your own Smilebox

Ventura County Fair

Evan and I went to the fair three times while it was here this year! We had a blast looking throught all the exhibits. We went to the photography building, commercial, youth, and home economics buildings as well (Not so sure that Evan liked that last one). We walked through the gardens and of course looked at the adorable piglets. Not to mention, we saw the Beach Boys and Lifehouse in concert. It was great- especially since I loove the Beach Boys. John Stamos (Uncle Jesse on Full House) is in the band too, so that made it all the better. We went on a bunch of carnival rides; surprisingly I got up the nerve to ride the "Kamikaze". We ended the last night at the fair by watching fireworks while on the ferris wheel- it was the perfect time!

Click to play | Make your own Smilebox

The Birth of Gracie Jane Soto

Last Thursday my boyfriend's sister had a beautiful baby girl named Graciela Jane Soto. She is so adorable, especially with the pink bow in her hair! She was seven pounds and seven ounces and she was born around 2:30. We were all at the hospital for over 24 hours so we were very excited when she was born! I'm so thrilled!

Click to play | Make your own Smilebox

Beach House

This past week I had a very relaxing trip at the beach house. It was the perfect vacation and family getaway. My family has been going to the beach house for over 30 years, so it is a huge family tradition for us.
I don't surf, but I definitely boogie boarded and spent time going on long walks on the beach. I also sewed a lot and did my summer reading. :) Furthermore, I have been very interested in cooking lately so I made meatloaf, clam chowder, tacos, and spaghetti for the family.
Another great aspect of the trip was that my second cousin Tori came out with her six week old daughter, Alexandra. We call her Lexi though. She is absolutely adorable and I can already tell that she is very intelligent. It will be so much fun watching her grow up!
What a wonderful week it has been and I can't wait till next year!

Click to play | Make your own Smilebox

Ventura County Fair Parade

Last weekend I participated in the Ventura County Fair Parade. Although it was quite the hassle finding a car, we finally ended up with a PT Cruiser convertible. It was great once we got there; that's the thing that I love about parades- you always see people that you know.
I saw my friends from the days of Ventura County's Outstanding Teen 2005. I also saw the Ventura cheer leading squad, which I used to be apart of. I also met up with Connie and the Crowning Glory girls. The upcoming state pageant is this week so I will definitely keep you updated!
The parade was a ton of fun and I was even given a red rose while riding in the parade. What a great day!

Click to play | Make your own Smilebox

Dinner with Kimmi

Last night I went out to dinner with Kimmi, her mom, Irene, and her grandma, Christina, along with my parents at P.F. Chang's. We see them about once a year since they live in Alabama. They are close family friends and it has been fun watching Kimmi grow up. She's already eight years old and she traveled to Germany, Italy, Florida, and Ventura this summer- I'm jealous! Anyway, we had a great time visiting with them and I can't wait to see them soon again!

Click to play | Make your own Smilebox

Going Home

The next morning we had a ton of packing to do! We had 15 suitcases total and it was quite the challenge getting them all to the airport. The Chicago airport is beautiful and I was so sad to go home. I will miss the girls so incredibly much and I wish it wasn't over. We definitely should have a reunion because this truly was the experience of a lifetime. I guess the saying applies, "Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened."

Click to play | Make your own Smilebox

Finals in Chicago

Saturday was the big day! We had a long day of rehearsal that made me feel so sad! I realized how much I was going to miss all the girls and I didn't want to go! We were all sad and there were definitely some tears shed.
When finals came, I was feeling very nervous. After we did our opening number it was time to announce the top ten. Actually, it was a top 11 because there was a tie. I was announced number 10 so I thought I wouldn't make it because I was called so late. Yet when I did, I was absolutely thrilled.
I was so anxious in fact that when I was supposed to get in my interview suit, I put on fun fashion! Once I did get in my interview suit, I prepared to answer my on-stage question. I feel like I did pretty well. I then modeled in fun fashion, aerobic, and evening gown. After that, it was time to announce the winner. Although I did not win, I was able to place 3rd runner up, which was exciting. Out of 36 girls, 4th place is pretty good! Miss Teen Ohio won Miss Teen International; I know that she will do a great job with the title.
After the crowning we all went to the Coronation Ball, which was a blast! We all got to eat ice cream sundaes and dance the night away. It was our last hoorah before the end of our trip and it was definitely bittersweet.
**By the way, if anyone is reading this blog feel free to leave comments!

Click to play | Make your own Smilebox