Hip, Hip, Hooray - We Love You, Genay!

"They may talk of a comet, or a burning mountain, or some such bagatelle; but to me a modest woman, dressed out in all her finery, is the most tremendous object of the whole creation."
-- Oliver Goldsmith

The Final night of competition at the Miss America's Outstanding Teen Pageant begins in a matter of hours. Please continue to send Genay your best wishes, thoughts, and prayers. I pray that she be filled with joy, contentment, peace, and confidence as she enters that theater tonight. As I sit and type on Allie's laptop in our hotel room, my eyes are brimming with tears. It could be that I've been tremendously busy and entirely exhausted.. but I think I'm simply full of emotion - I'm so excited for Miss Washington's Outstanding Teen!

The last couple of days have been so exciting here in Florida! We saw the final night of preliminary competition, ran into members of the pageant family from far and wide, made treasured new friendships, went to Disneyworld, ate a private dinner at Maggiano's, attended a Gala at the Millenia Art Gallery in honor of MAO and MAOT, had lunch at Planet Hollywood Orlando, and didn't sleep enough. All in all, this week has been Awesome! As much as I've loved my time in Orlando, I'm anxious to head home and leave this humidity behind. It seems I'm in need of some much stronger hair products for my next trip this far south. My wish shall be granted at about o-dark-thirty in the morning. (haha.. that's a clever little turn of phrase I've picked up from Sally Lynch). I miss everyone at home and know your hearts and thoughts are here in Orlando with all of us. As usual, I don't have much time to sit and chat, but wanted to leave you all with another sampling of photos. I've been sitting at this desk for about an hour putting the albums and this blog together but I empathize with everyone back in Washington who wants details. I can tend to be an instant gratification kinda gal myself. I must now commence the beautification process for tonight's show.

Much love to everyone. Pray for a safe trip home for all of us and we'll see you soon! And one last time - just for good measure: Good Luck, Genay! Not that someone as talented, pretty, and sweet as Genay needs luck, but I 'spose a little bit couldn't hurt...

Cheers for now having a Miss America date,

( oh - did I forget to mention that little detail..? We Have a Date and Location!! Woo!! Sorry to titilate, but I must first check with the powers that be that its safe to release the info. Check back soon... aka, tomorrow for the latest! )

elyse*


Photos from Prelims:
http://plu.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2023238&l=2fb26&id=44902634

Photos from the last few days' events:
http://plu.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2023240&l=20d80&id=44902634