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The Odyssey is a Greek Life newspaper at the University of Minnesota and they published an interview I had with them about my upcoming trip to Nationals. I knew I was going to have my interview in the paper, but I didn't know I was going to make the front page! The publication goes out to all Greek houses on campus which means it reaches over 1,000 students.

To read the article, go to the link below and read pages 4-5.
http://theodysseyonline.com/content/issues/Minnesota/11.15.12/

 
"So...what do you actually do to prepare for pageants?"
I've been asked this questions multiple times and honestly, I would have asked the same thing before I competed. Most people know about the Miss America swimsuit, evening gown, and interviews, but there is so much more to competing in pageants than the 30 seconds on stage.
Since 6th grade, I've competed each year and learned more about myself each time. Although my parents encouraged and helped, they mainly left it up to me to follow through with paperwork, payments, and preparations. Because of my experiences with NAM and pageants in general, I'm now responsible, organized, and a creative problem-solver. So let's break it down.
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NAM forms and packets
  • Paperwork: The not so glamorous part of pageants is all the paperwork that is necessary. From resume forms to Emcee cards, there are always a plethora of forms to fill out. From repetitive but necessary information like name, State, Age division etc. to very important resume questions like "Why should you be the next Miss MN?" each form can take awhile to perfect. NAM makes it fun with colorful magazines and packets (and to be perfectly honest, I get excited when forms come in) but it does take some time set aside to complete. This same type of process was necessary in applying for colleges. As I sat there filling out similar questions, I realized I had been doing the same thing for years now. It gave me a better idea of what to expect and because I had been doing it for so long, I was efficient and got the applications done quickly.

  • Payments: Oh finances. Lovely. I'm not an Accounting or Finance major and like a lot of people, crunching numbers isn't something to look forward to. Back when I was starting out with pageants, I mainly relied on my parents and finding sponsors. Because I wasn't working in 6th grade and didn't want my parents to have to pay for everything, I set out to find sponsors...and found it wasn't as easy as I thought. To be perfectly honest, finding sponsors wasn't something I was excited about or good at. I look up to the girls who sell advertising for the program book and have an extensive list of sponsors because for me, it didn't come as easily. But I kept trying. I stay organized and followed up on calls and finally I was able to get meetings with managers of car dealerships and local businesses. That's a big step for a 7th grader! I learned how to go on meetings, sell, and write thank you notes....which is scarily similar to my current job at the Minnesota Daily. I prospect new clients, go on meetings to learn about their business and how advertising with our paper can increase their exposure, and follow through to get advertisements in the paper. I'm continually learning and refining my skills in this aspect, skills that began all the way back in 6th and 7th grade. Another aspect of finances is to figure out what funding is available for you to use. As I grew up and started working, I would save money to pay of optionals I wanted to enter and put my Christmas money towards paying for state pageants. I would work hard and make sacrifices (No, I won't get a new phone yet. I'll compete in Spokesmodel instead), each year becoming better organized with my finances. At first, I would sometimes miss important deadlines but the State office was always understanding, knowing this was a learning process for myself as well. I quickly learned about writing deadlines down and staying on top of payments, which is something that is so necessary for any stage of life. Paying for college tuition, rent expense, and sorority dues are all big investments and payments but because of NAM, I have learned a way to stay organized and not miss deadlines
  • Preparations: This is the typical prep work people often guess at when it comes to pageants. "What do you do, walk around in gowns?" Well honestly, sometimes yes! Perfecting a formal wear walk is important and I even have a coach that knows the inside tips of competing. How to stand, how to walk, and how to present yourself with grace isn't something that comes naturally for most people. It's not just walking on stage, it's showing the judges how you'd wear the crown you're competing for. Personal introduction is another required competing in NAM where we talk for up to 60 seconds about what makes you stand out, what you're involved in, and who you are as a person! The writing of these is a long and laborious process. Think if you only had 60 seconds to sell a multidimensional product, where would you begin and how would you condense it to catch people's attention? I like writing and editing Personal Introductions because it requires creativity. Interview is something I think I spend the most time preparing for. I admit it: I hold whole interviews with myself in my car. But whether it's crafting just the right sentence in Personal Introduction or coming up with a creative and unique answer for interview, I've found I'm actually really creative! Some of my best and most unique work comes to me at 2am when I can't sleep and  my mind won't turn off. That's when the outside the box thinking occurs, which ultimately helps me stand out in competition. I've used this same type of 2am creativity for group projects, marketing ideas, and problem solving for leadership positions I've been granted.

Needless to say, the preparations for competing in pageants has taught me more than how to stand on stage and look pretty. It's taught me responsibility, self-discipline, finances, and provided an outlet for my creativity. Because of NAM, I feel I am better equipped to face the "real world" (which believe me, as a sophomore in college is pretty scary). I've been able to transfer my talents learned from NAM into real and applicable situations and I know that learning process will never cease.
 
Photoshoot pictures are in! I'm so excited to share some of the wonderful photos Dan Davis and I created. Click to view larger. Enjoy!

Which is your favorite? Let me know in the comments below and that could be the one I submit for the National Photogenic competition!

Throwback Time

So I've been working with Dan Davis for years and have had the opportunity to shoot with him on multiple occasions. When looking at my newest pictures, I thought how cool it would be to see the progression of me growing up so I've put photos of myself by Dan together. These range from 2009 to today. Enjoy!
 
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What a weekend! Going straight from a 5 day week of recruitment practice for my sorority, my mom and I hopped in the car and headed off to Wisconsin State Pageant. It took us a good 4 and a half hours to get up there (but only 3 to get back...hmmm?) Being visiting royalty is one of my favorite experiences of being a state queen. Knowing little girls can't get close enough or talk enough to you while the older girls look up to you and follow your example reminds me of what an honor it is to be a NAM queen. It takes a lot of effort and energy, but when you have Jr. Pre Teens complimenting every aspect of your outfit or connecting with Teens while you learn how active they are in their high schools, it's totally worth it. I had 2 full days of helping out with registration, rehearsals, formal wear competitions, and final pageants.

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I always have time for a photo with a contestant
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Miss queens!
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Some great Vanna White action
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Love little sweethearts like her. Truly a NAM girl: growing, learning, and WORTH IT!
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Proud to be your Miss Minnesota
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With Alyssa, the Iowa Teen
As I've grown with National American Miss since 6th grade, I've expanded my "NAMily" aka my NAM family. When I attend pageants like Wisconsin, I get to see them all! This includes the staff who have been around for years or 2010 queens I met at Nationals and current queens who were at the Minnesota state pageant.
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Linda!
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So blessed to have a great sister queen
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Anna!
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Chatting with Kendra, Miss MN Teen USA and sister queen from 2010
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So sad to say goodbye to Brock who is moving on to great things. Best of luck!
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Ready to help out at rehearsals
Along with queens from across the country, I had fun being glamorous onstage helping with final pageants. Who doesn't like presenting huge trophies and beautiful medals? I was also able to be in the production number dance to You Make Me Feel. It was a challenge because usually queens learn a similar dance at Nationals. I didn't learn it at Nationals or Minnesota so just like the contestants, this was my very first time learning and preforming the dance but I rocked it and had fun dancing my heart out.
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Being announced on stage during the Jr. Teen Pageant
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Helping out at the Pre-Teen pageant
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Production number at the Teen pageant
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Strike a pose!
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Top 15 roses for the Princess division
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Kayla & I helping present medals onstage
*Fun Fact of the weekend* Guess what I forgot...again? For some reason I always forget the white tennis shoes that go with the production number outfit. Luckily mom was there to run out to the mall. It's a running pageant weekend joke because this has happened 3 times now!
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I loved this dance because it combined some of my favorite NAM dance moves
And even queens and staff get a little goofy at times! Here are a few great shots during our down times.
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"The crown is heavy!" best faces
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Typical.
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All tired out after a very long day
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You know, just looking pretty while Brock actually gets to work
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Thanks Wisconsin! Had a fabulous time hanging out with you all
 
How do I even begin to blog about my exciting weekend at the NAM Minnesota state pageant? I was able to help out as the new Minnesota Miss alongside the 2011 MN royalty which included the incredibly energetic Princess queen Chloe, the sweet Jr. Pre Teen Haley, the beautiful Jr. Teen Abby, the talented Teen Alyssa, and of course the fabulous Miss Jackie. I've known Abby, Alyssa, and Jackie for years and they were so much fun to hang out with backstage and in between events. In addition, we had the best of the NAM staff on hand to help out and visiting royalty from different states as well! I was even able to meet Charity, Miss Iowa who will be at Nationals with me.
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Ali & Julie: former NAM competitors and current NAM staff
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Miss Minnesota Teen, Alyssa who I crowned in 2011
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Isabelle, Miss Illinois Jr. Teen and I
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Backstage love from Miss Jackie
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Visiting royalty
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A typical day in the life of a pageant queen: hanging out with queens and staff before running off to help out

My little surprise of the weekend

Throughout the weekend, I was everywhere. I was able to help register all the contestants during registration where my station was to sign girls up for bouquets and boutonnieres. Apparently I did so well (thanks to having a job in sales) that the staff had to go out and get more flowers to fill all the orders! I also helped with formal wear rehearsals for the Princess, Jr. Pre Teen, and Pre Teen divisions. One priceless moment of the weekend happened when the princesses had about 10 minutes before rehearsal started. Each one wanted me to watch them to ballet, cartwheels, or spins. Then about four girls were huddled together and I asked them what they were up to. "We want to play duck, duck, grey duck" one told me. I asked them if they wanted to invite the other girls as well and before I knew it, all 25 little Princesses were in a circle playing the game. I would have loved to join, but 5 year olds hitting my head while I wore a crown...not the best idea.
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Jr. Teen opening production number
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Talking Teen USA results with Christy, 1st runner up to Jr. Teen title
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Grabbing a quick picture with a Jr. Teen contestant
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Introduced during Orientation

 
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Sophie & I know it, do you? MN ROCKS!
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We'll be waiting for you at check-in!
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Let's dance! Get pumped for the Opening Production Number
So who is ready for an INCREDIBLE weekend? I've been counting down in my planner for months and NAM Minnesota state is finally here! Looking forward into this next weekend, I'd love to share some of my thoughts about competing that I have learned over my years at NAM.

  1. Go to win, but also go to enjoy: Ken Maples explained it best my first year with NAM. Only one girl will walk away with the crown this weekend. Only one out of so many accomplished, poised, and energetic girls. Her year will be amazing but eventually the roses will die, the crown and sash packed into a box and scrapbooks put on shelves. It's the memories, experiences, and above all the friendships that never fade. I may not be able to tell you exactly how i placed in casual wear in 2008, but I can tell you that year was when I started to get to know Jackie Bordes and we've been friends ever since. 
  2. Plan and Practice: Follow the advice in the NAM magazines. Make a checklist for packing and double check you have everything! White tennis shoes are something I always seem to forget (and now I have about 4 pair that my mom has bought for me last minute). Practice your Personal Intro, Casual Wear, Spokesmodel, Actress etc. so you're comfortable and ready to rock that stage. Basically, make it easy on yourself so you can enjoy the weekend instead of panicking.
  3. Take care of yourself before: You know you better than anyone. If the best way to relax and get ready is doing yoga, do yoga. If you relax by whipping up come great cookies, get baking. For me it's nails and tanning. It's my time to mentally prepare and get looking my best! If you're looking for tanning, check out my sponsor, Just Julie Marie Airbrush Tanning.
  4. Be confident in yourself: Don't worry about other girls competing in your division. YOU do the best you can and I'll bet you anything you'll learn something about yourself this weekend.

So excited to see you at NAM Minnesota State Pageant!

 
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Today was truly a pageant day: working, hitting the gym, meeting with a sponsor, going to a pageant event, and seeing the boyfriend. It was a busy day! Mainly I want to focus on the exciting send-off party I attended for Kendra Berger, the current Miss Minnesota Teen USA. Kendra was my sister queen as the Jr. Teen in 2010 for National American Miss. She's headed to the Bahamas this next week to compete for the Miss Teen USA title. So exciting! I got to see the dress she's planning on wearing for evening wear. It's stunning of course and she's going to rock it.

So one great story of the day: I was chatting with Linda (NAM staff, pageant mom, and friend) for quite some time in Kendra's backyard. We got up to move seats and I look down at my chair and see this big wet spot. I felt the back of my dress and it was wet too. What was going on? I looked over and Linda's chair was wet too. Turns out the fabric chairs had adsorbed the rain that had come earlier that day. Whoops! It was a bit of a surprise. Even pageant girls have embarrassing moments.

Best of luck to Kendra as she competes this next weekend!

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Thanks Instagram for the new Facebook profile pic!
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Kendra's autograph cards
 
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I'm here to explain in a little more detail exactly how I was granted the honor of being crowned Miss Minnesota in a week. I've already described the differences between pageant systems in my blog Pageant 411: Miss America vs. Toddlers and Tiaras so you know I'm a queen for the National American Miss (NAM) pageant.
I've been competing with NAM since 2005, so that's 7 years for the mathematically challenged. Any other year I'd be blogging about how excited I am to compete and what I'm doing to prepare. However, this year I already know!
The Miss system in NAM is a little different than the typical Princess through Teen age divisions. At the state level, we have a different way of competing.

In April I sent in my application: resume, photo, and essay. I decided to follow one of the given prompts: How do you define true beauty? This was a natural choice for me since Amanda Moreno, the current National All-American Miss was Miss Georgia Teen in 2010 with me when she decided to start the True Beauty movement. Almost all of the 2010 teen queens took a picture with sashes, a white t-shirt, and NO makeup to show that although pageant girls love to get all dolled up with makeup, rhinestones, and super sassy and stylish outfits, we're also down to earth girls who are comfortable in our own skin. In my essay I was able to incorporate a little background of the movement along with my personal journey with NAM. I think I wrote the entire essay in 20 minutes because it flowed easily. When you're speaking from the heart, the words come easily.

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My True Beauty Movement photos
As if spilling my entire progression from a shy 6th grader to confident college aged leader wasn't enough, I also had an extensive phone interview. At the state level for interview each contestant gets one minute with each judge to answer a few questions. In competing for Miss, however, I got to know my interviewer a lot better as we spent almost 20 minutes talking on the phone. What's even better is that I did it all in yoga pants!

So then I waited....and waited. Patience is still a virtue I'm working on so it was very difficult to wait until mid May to find out the results. Early May I was getting pretty antsy to find out how I had placed. What made it even worse was soon all around Facebook I started seeing posts from other states that had found out! Patience I kept telling myself. Each text from pageant friends asking if I knew yet made me even more excited...and nervous.
Finally after I felt everyone from different states had found out, I got the call. You don't know how much a stomach can flip until you see "NAM NATIONALS" pop up on your cell caller ID. Our nationals representative told me I had gotten it! I was to be crowned Miss Minnesota for NAM at the end of July. SO EXCITING! I called my mom right away to share the good news.

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The long awaited e-mail
However, one thing I was confused about was that the representative asked me if I had gotten the e-mail from NAM already telling me. I hadn't. I would know because I had been checking my e-mail constantly for that exactly that news. I searched my e-mail later that day and in my junk mail I found the e-mail I had been dying to receive. In my junk mail! I quickly told my e-mail that nothing from NAM is junk. How unacceptable! What's even worse is that I looked at the date: 2 days previous. I could have known and saved myself all the nervous excitement of the previous days when all the other states had found out. I guess I can understand how "Congratulations, you're Miss Minnesota" could seem like a scam for anyone else, but I'm so incredibly blessed that in my life, it was just the news I was looking for.

So what's next? I officially get crowned by our current Miss queen, Jackie Bordes, after the teen formal wear competition at the Minnesota state pageant. It's just a week away! Then the real fun (and picture intensive blogs) starts. I'll be doing appearances and heading to Nationals in November to compete against the other state Miss queens for the title of National American Miss. *Happy dance*
 
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It's no secret I'm 100% obsessed with National American Miss and everything it stands for.  Recently I've been creeping on facebook and seeing pictures from NAM state pageants. It's getting me so excited for the Minnesota state pageant! There were just some pictures I had to share because I feel they really capture the feel of the state pageants. From glammed up teens to NATURAL princess competitors, these girls look like they're having a great time!

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Newly crowned Miss California Teen wins state title, Casual Wear, and Top Model competitions with a HOT PINK CAST
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NAM is a family event! Two sisters both competing and looking stunning in formal wear WITHOUT makeup
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Love the relaxed rehearsals!
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Behind the scenes work from our National Queen!
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Contestants bond in PJs!
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Miss California Jr. Pre Teen is loving being a state queen! The confidence built through competing in NAM is incredible.
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The 2011 National Queens take time during the National photo shoot to support the True Beauty Movement started by a NAM queen. Click picture to find out more!
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Miss Indiana Princess gets the girls excited and ready to go before Opening Production Number!
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Professional and age appropriate as a contestant heads to Interview
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A contestant shines as she showcases her skills in talent
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A contestant tries on the National All-American crown and banner. Keep dreaming BIG!
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GET EXCITED! Jr. Pre Teens practice Opening Production number in rehearsals

See you at the Minnesota State Pageant!

 
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There's a lot to be said about sisterly love. It's strong, it's real, and it's something I had always wanted. I love my older brother and am so proud of everything he is doing. Wrestling with him on the floor until one of us got hurt or my mom made us break it up when I was younger was one of the best memories with him. But I never had a sister to look up to, to share makeup tips, to watch horribly sappy romantic movies with. Now I have over 100 sisters through my Alpha Chi Omega sorority. I'm so proud of each and every one and look up to many outstanding women in my house.
One really special part of Greek life is getting a Big Sister. There's a special connection that is made with your Big or Little as you become a family. And I just happened to get the most amazing, smart, caring, determined, and dedicated Big Sis out there, Alexis Freisen.
As soon as I found out we had a pageant girl in the house, I knew I needed her as my Big. People say we're a lot alike which I take as the biggest compliment. And when I heard she was giving up her Miss Lakeville Princess title, I knew I needed to be there.

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Visiting Roalty
Getting to Lakeville South High School wasn't exactly the easiest task. I naturally assume any city I've heard of is about 20-30 minutes away from where I live. That's great logic, right? Well not so much as I soon discovered that it's about double that. Getting ready (this includes changing, curling hair, touching up makeup, and downing dinner) took all of 12 minutes. Beat that! When I have a goal, I make it happen.
Driving 40 minutes away, getting a little lost, and battling traffic all without A/C didn't make for a super calm Miss Minnesota. Thankfully Kathy, my roommate from last year, came along with me and we didn't miss much.
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Farewell speech
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Thanking the directors
Watching the contestants compete was fun, but the real joy of the evening for me was watching Alexis deliver her farewell speech. I felt like the proudest little sister ever! I now can understand why pageant moms take so many pictures as they're proud and want to capture the moment. In all the farewell speeches, you could see how much a year of volunteerism, parades, and appearances had shaped and molded the queens. As a queen I feel you always make it your goal to give to others but end up receiving so much back.
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Lakeville Junior Royalty--SO CUTE!
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Newly crowned 2012 Lakeville roalty
One of the cutest moments of the night was listening to the Lakeville Junior Royalty. One little boy liked Pan-O-Prog (the main Lakeville Festival) because he won $2.17. It was a big deal. So congrats to the newly crowned Lakeville royalty and good luck to the Lakeville Queen as she competes for the Aquatennial title.
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Alexis & I, Big & Little

Love you BIG!