MN INT'L PAGEANTS SEND-OFF PARTY - NORTH OAKS, MN

Sarah Moses (owner of The Pageant Shop by Michael's and one of my very best friends) and I hosted a Send-Off Party for the Minnesota International titleholders at my house. Luckily the weather cooperated and it was a picture perfect day so some of the kids in attendance were able to enjoy the pool. I'm lucky I even made it to the party because I nearly locked myself out of my car when I went to pick up the balloons. That nearly sent me into panic mode because I had less than an hour to get home, get showered, and be ready for everyone to arrive. But by the grace of God, one door managed to be open (I still don't understand how that happened--luck was on my side).

It was great to see so many Minnesota pageant people getting together to send these three ladies off to Nationals in style. Friends and family of Donnell Rank (Mrs. MN Int'l 2007), Danielle Epps (Miss MN Int'l 2007), and Giselle Ugarte (Miss Teen MN Int'l 2007) gathered to enjoy some great conversation and food while of course giving our good luck wishes to the queens. Donnell modeled her gown from The Pageant Shop for us (the other two girls had their gowns at the alterations shop) and of course looked FABULOUS (FYI, "fabulous" is one of our favorite words in the pageant circle!). Toward the end of the festivities, the ladies opened up the many trinkets and gifts given to them, which was fun to watch (lots of crowned-themed items!). It was a great party and a great way to send these ladies off! GO MINNESOTA!








Kim Dorn (Mrs. MN America 2005) and her adorable baby girl Kayla stop by the party to say hello!











L to R: Sarah Moses (co-host & owner of The Pageant Shop by Michael's), Bessie Giannakakis (Mrs. MN America 2007), Donnell Rank (Mrs. MN Int'l 2007), and me












Party goers enjoying a beautiful summer afternoon.
















Donnell models her national competition gown from The Pageant Shop with proud owner Sarah Moses looking on.









Current and former Mrs. MN International queens at the party (L to R): Donnell Rank (2007), Angela Haseman (2005), Nancy Paradeise (2004), and me (2003). FYI, Angela is pregnant and due in mid-November...congrats!












Giselle, Danni, and Donnell opening their many gifts during the party.










Donnell and I pose with photographer extraordinaire Paula Preston (far L) and Terri Handrahan (far R), who is a long time pageant volunteer and the Mrs. MN Charity Coordinator.