Awards Banquet and Crowning

The morning of April 11th, 2010 is a day that changed my life forever.

All of us girls slept in until about 8am and then packed up all of our things, moved out of our room and got ready for the day. I moved into my family's room just down the hall. My nephew Mitchell was celebrating his 4th birthday this day and I woke him up by singing happy birthday to him. Then he helped my by becoming a make-up artist and putting my eyeshadow on for me, he actually did a pretty good job!  

I got dressed in one of my favorite dresses, made once again by Janelle Baldwin. We packed up all the children and hit the road to travel once again to Terribles's casino for the banquet.
The lunch they provided was super good, fried chicken and mashed potatoes is what filled me up.

All the ladies looked great!

When Kelsea headed up to introduce us girls, I felt like you could cut the tension with a knife. I was so nervous and so excited.

Congrats to Suzy Fife of Iowa for winning, Photogenics, People Choice Award and Ad Sales. Suzy was such a sweetie and I really enjoyed getting to know her. I look forward to seeing her in Iowa this year.

Congrats to my new friend and fellow Coloradoan Sunni Patin, Sunni won the Spirit Award. And she won my heart, we shared a bed during the pageant and had so much in common, I can't wait utill she is back in CO this summer and we can hang out.

Next was my new friend Micki Musick. When I helped photograph the Miss Rodeo America pageant this past December, I met Micki while she was Miss Rodeo Arkansas. She is such a sweet girl and she won the Speech Award and 1st Runner-up!

I then was awared the Horsemanship award, which is a huge honor!

Well then it came down to the moment of truth, I was looking at the faces of my family and that where literally on the edge of their seats.
As Kelsea read off the prizes I would be receiving I was curling up my toes in my boots, so ready if she was to call my name! and then she did! I can't express how I felt at that moment, cause I was so in shock

As Rachel placed the crown on my head, I felt like I was in a dream. All the years of my hard work was finally paying off.

After the crowning, I helped Rachel and Clint present the awards to all the award winners of the finals. It was really fun! Then it was time to sign my contract, take all my prizes to the van and then back to the Holiday Inn.

We took the kids to the pool and packed up some of the van. It was so nice to relax with my family for the evening. I talked to my dad on the phone and yes I cryed. I so wish my dad could have been there for the moment, just thinking about it now is making me tear up.
love you dad