MRS. MN AMERICA 2007 SEND-OFF PARTY - EDEN PRAIRIE, MN

Today was the Send-Off Party for my successor Bessie Giannakakis - Mrs. MN America 2007 held at Bessie and her husband Sam's home in Eden Prairie. It was hard to believe that one whole year had already passed--it seemed like yesterday that I was getting ready to leave for Mrs. America! I know it's a cliche, but sometimes I seriously cannot believe how quickly time flies!

My friend Sarah Moses (owner of The Pageant Shop by Michael's) and I had spent the hot afternoon floating around in my pool...my hubby Matt was fishing (surprise surprise) and my mom & dad babysat Ava for the day, so I enjoyed a rare day "off!" Got a little sunburned but was no worse for the wear. However, the weather did not hold, and as we drove to Eden Prairie, the sky started to look VERY ominous. Luckily it was mostly just rain showers, but for awhile there it looked quite scary.

It was fun to see so many pageant people gather to send Bessie off with their best, and I enjoyed meeting the newly crowned Mrs. Georgia America 2007, Suzette Bryan. Bessie had a table full of gifts, and I gave her a personalized frame and a robe with her title "Mrs. Minnesota America 2007" and the Mrs. MN logo embroidered on the back. I had found that very useful when I competed at Mrs. America, especially when waiting around backstage in between outfit changes. I hope she liked it!

Good luck Bessie, you are doing a FABULOUS job as Mrs. MN America 2007, and I know you will make Minnesota VERY proud!






Catching up with Sarah Tichich (Mrs. MN United States 2007). Sarah recently competed in the Mrs. United States pageant in Las Vegas and I am hoping she tries again for Mrs. MN America some day!













Former Mrs. Minnesotas support Bessie and wish her the best! L to R: Kim Dorn (Mrs. MN 2005), me (2006), Bessie Giannakakis (Mrs. MN 2007), Tami Krause (Mrs. MN 2003), and Charity McClung (Mrs. MN 2002)








Party goers include (L to R): Wendi Russo (Mrs. Eden Prairie America 2007 & Mrs. Eden Prairie Int'l 2008), Bessie (Mrs. MN 2007), Sarah Moses (owner of The Pageant Shop), me, and Anne Marie Moore (Miss MN USA 2001)









Sarah Moses (L) and I meet Suzette Bryan - Mrs. Georgia America 2007 at the party.












Having fun with my former State Directors, Carl & Faith Schway.