MRS. UNITED STATES 2009 (Day 2) - Las Vegas, NV

This morning started out with breakfast in the buffet where I got to sit by Mrs. NM, Mrs. VT, Mrs. WV, and Mrs. CT. It was fun getting to know these ladies a little better. We truly have a great group of friendly, outgoing, and accomplished women competing. It makes it so much more fun to have such great ladies to share it with!





Breakfast (I am REALLY looking forward to having a piece of bacon after this pageant instead of oatmeal, LOL!)






After breakfast, we headed to the Orleans Theater where we exchanged our state gifts. Some of the ladies had put very elaborate packages together and we got some great stuff! I gave everyone a Salted Nut Roll and a Nut Goody Bar which are manufactured by Pearson's Candy in St. Paul, MN (I have found that everyone seems to like food as a state gift, ha ha). After the gift exchange, we met our choreographer Natalie Carlson and the pageant host Jay Joseph. Once we started rehearsal, Natalie quickly got us going into the production number, and I am happy to say that we learned the entire thing in one day! She is doing a TERRIFIC job and is so energetic, patient, and FUNNY...not to mention a great teacher. A big thumbs up to her (and thank you for not making the dance steps too tricky). I really enjoyed chatting with Mrs. Massachusetts Wendy Jack and Mrs. Missouri Caitlin Corry. Suffice it to say that we all share the same sense of humor--what cool and funny ladies! I also really enjoyed Mrs. California Lisa McCumber Gandarra. She is a really neat (and beautiful!) lady as well.






Mrs. Nebraska and Mrs. Tennessee sitting in front of me at rehearsal.













Group shot before the gift exchange...













With Beth (Mrs. WA) before the gift exchange...love her!











Rehearsals ended at 4:00 and not only did we learn the entire production number, but we ALSO learned the Parade of Gowns. We are movin' and groovin' on this stuff! After rehearsals ended, many of us made the trek to Walgreens and/or the tanning salon before getting ready for our night on the town. I carried a case of water (FYI, the hotel water is NOT very good) a VEEEEERRRRRY long two blocks back to the hotel in 100 degree heat (not sure what I was thinking). These were not "normal" blocks...it was more like 4 or 5 blocks. UGH! But so worth it! When I got back to the hotel, there were two beautiful bouquets of flowers waiting for me...one from my dear friend Sue Jackson and one from my best friend Sarah Moses. WOW! Thank you ladies, you made my day!!! After getting ready, I headed downstairs where we gathered for photos before boarding the tour bus to Caesar's Palace.







Ladies ready for a night out!












Group shot













Posing by the fountain with Mrs. WA and Mrs. VT

















Beth and I having fun at the fountain













Mrs. Arkansas really reminds me of one of my other best friends Kim Falk...and Mrs. Arkanasas's name is ALSO Kim!
















Members of the 5'10" and up club! Mrs. CA, Mrs. AK, and me...

















With Mrs. Nebraska Michelle Strom. We sat on the bus together and she is great! Not to mention gorgeous as you can see! :)