MRS. UNITED STATES 2009 (Day 4) - Las Vegas, NV

Today started with rehearsals where we learned the Swimsuit and Evening Gown walking patterns. We had a nice break for lunch and then back for more rehearsals. We put the finishing touches on our Opening Number (we are dancing to "Baby I'm A Star" by Prince) and then they released us to get ready for Prelims!








Lunch with Mrs. Texas and Mrs. Arkansas











With Mrs. MO, Mrs. IL, and Mrs. RI before the pageant in our red dresses. That "fog" you see is actually a hairspray haze--no lie!












With one of my favorite ladies Beth (Mrs. WA) in the hairspray haze (not that I had anything to do with that, ha ha!)
















With Mrs. Nebraska Michelle Strom in our evening gowns. I love her gown! Beautiful!
















Backstage in evening gowns...













With the incomparable Gaspar Cruz & Dohn Dye...these two are amazing!!!











With Gaspar Cruz & best friend Sarah Moses (owner of The Pageant Shop by Michael's)











My friends and supporters (L to R): Sue Jackson, my mom Bonnie Henderson, me, Donnell Rank, Gaspar Cruz











I FINALLY got to meet Stephanie Hunt - Mrs. United States 2007...she is AWESOME and is someone I've admired for a long time, so it was great to finally connect!










Sarah & I with the "Iowa gals" Michelle Berndt (Mrs. IA) and our client Laura Diers (Mrs. IA America 2008)












With my mom...she is my biggest supporter and I could not do it without her! LOVE YOU MOM!











It was fun to run into Nic Brink (former Mrs. America and Mrs. World) & Diane Ritter (State Director of the Mrs. AZ & Mrs. UT America pageants). These two are awesome ladies!







Some of the beautiful flowers, gifts, and trinkets from my friends, family, and supporters! Special thanks to Sue Jackson, Sarah Moses, Kris Mohlin, my mom Bonnie Henderson, Donnell Rank, Andrea Robertson, Leigh Gettman-Allen, Wendi Russo, Heather Hall, and Tamara Jett for your well wishes...you all mean so much to me and I just want you to know how special you've made me feel!