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Keith
Tuesday, February 2, 2010

We're home and trying to catch up on our lost sleep from last week! It was an exciting week-thank you Kristen!-but a long one as well.

For those who have never been to Miss America, you should try to attend it at least once. We have a great time meeting people from other states, and it's great to watch the contestants from other parts of the country compete.

And for those contestants who are serious about becoming Miss Texas-just be prepared! It's a very tough week for the contestants. They keep you going from early morning to late at night the entire week. I'm sure Kristen has a few stories to share about the schedule! Let's just say that it is truly a survival of the fittest-a strong argument for the physical fitness aspect of the competition. If you aren't healthy-you won't be able to make it through the 10 day schedule and definitely not through an entire year of constant travel. The judges made an outstanding choice this year-and I know we'll all be proud of Caressa as she represents the organization for the next twelve months.

Now it's time to focus on the 2010 Miss Texas Celebration and the search for the next Miss America!

Ron
Sunday, January 31, 2010

Wow! We are so proud of Kristen! Top 10 at Miss America!!!

If you didn't get to watch the telecast, it was very exciting. After the contestants introduced themselves, the contestants receiving the most votes in the public voting were announced. Next were the 11 contestants selected by the judges. We anxiously awaited to hear "Miss Texas" and of course we all leapt to our feet cheering in excitement when they called Kristen's name. After that, the remaining contestants voted on one final spot in the Top 15.

Next up was swimsuit. Kristen looked amazing! The field was then narrowed down to the Top 12, so we had to wait in anticipation to again hear "Miss Texas". Again, we leapt to our feet and cheered. The contestants then competed in evening wear, and again Kristen looked wonderful. At that point all 12 contestants came out in their talent outfits and waited on stage as they called out one contestant at a time who immediately performed her talent. Only the Top 10 performed their talent and Kristen was the 9th to be named. You guessed it--more leaping and more cheering. Her talent was incredible and we were all extremely pleased. The final elimination narrowed the field down to the Top 7 and as each contestant was called, she was immediately asked her on-stage question. The anticipation built and we continued to hope to hear "Miss Texas" again, but it was not to be. We were all thrilled for Kristen and so proud of her and her accomplishments. She is truly an amazing young woman who has touched so many people. I only see continued success for her!

We were also excited for Nicole Miner, Miss New Mexico, who finished in the Top 7. Nicole is one of Kristen's friends who also attends the University of North Texas. Nicole also competed in our local pageant, making us wonder if we are the only local to have two contestants compete in the same local pageant and go on to represent two different states and both place in the Top 10 at Miss America the same year!

So now it's home to Texas! Kristen will continue her duties as Miss Texas and we will begin preparing for the Miss Texas 75th Celebration in July!

Great job Kristen! We love you and are very proud of you!

P.S. We will post additional pictures as we receive them, so continue to check back for additional updates.

Keith
Friday, January 29, 2010

As Kristen reported at visitation last night, the competition is for all intents and purposes "over".  Three nights of prelims will result in the naming of the Top 15 (four of whom will be selected by America tonight during TLC's "Miss America: Behind the Crown".  Making it to the final competition is just icing on the cake for the contestants who have worked so very hard to reach their goal of being Miss America 2010.  If you watch the show tonight, please text in your votes for Kristen if she is one of the twelve selected by the other contestants to be included in the public voting.  Even though we know she'll be in the Top 15 on her own merit--it will be nice to show her our support in a different way. 

I couldn't be prouder of our Miss Texas.  Kristen has done a tremendous job this week--onstage and off.  It's now up to the judges, so we'll just try to sit back and relax until the final competition tomorrow evening.  Key word is "try"! A group of us are going to Beso tonight.  This is Eva Langoria's new restaurant in the Crystal shopping center in the new City Center.  If you haven't been to Vegas in the past few years, you really need to journey back.  The landscape has been changed dramatically with the opening of the new multi-tower, multi-use facilities in this huge city within a city.  After dinner, we plan to drop by the Aria resort and casino to listen to Danny Wright play at Club Moderno.  It's his birthday today, so we want to wish him a Happy Birthday!  Danny provided the piano for Kristen's background music for talent.  The addition of the piano was perfect!  Thank you, Danny!

Our own Miss Fort Worth 2010, Ashley Melnick, and her mother arrive this afternoon.  She will join several other local Miss and Teen titleholders as they try to get a small taste of what it might be like to compete on the Miss America stage next January.  We are so lucky to have two wonderful titleholders again this year.  Rachel Callicutt, Miss Teen Fort Worth 2010, is busy with school, but is cheering for Kristen back home!  And she better be practicing that fiddle, too! ;-)

I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has been a part of Kristen's journey in the Miss America system.  Her growth and success has been phenomenal, and is due in total to every person who has touched her life in one way or the other.  Regardless of the result tomorrow night, we all know that Kristen is an unbelievably gifted, talented and genuine young woman.  America would be VERY lucky to have her as their Miss America 2010!  Good luck Kristen!!!

Ron
Friday, January 29, 2010

The preliminary competitions are over and we couldn't be prouder of Kristen! She has performed wonderfully all week and looked equally as wonderful. Unfortunately, only a few contestants are recognized as preliminary winners. We congratulate this year's preliminary winners!

Mimi Pabon, Miss Puerto Rico, winner of the Tuesday night preliminary Lifestyle and Fitness award.

Miss California, Kristy Cavinder, winner of the Wednesday night preliminary Talent award for her Ballet en Pointe performance to the Slave Maiden Variation from "Le Corsaire."

Kristy Cavinder, Miss California and Alyse Zwick Miss New York

CC Barber, Miss Oregon, winner of the Thursday night preliminary Lifestyle and Fitness award.

Miss Virginia, Caressa Cameron, winner of the Tuesday night preliminary Talent award for her Vocal performance of "Listen."

Caressa Cameron, Miss Virginia, and Mimi Pabon Miss Puerto Rico

Alyse Zwick, Miss New York, winner of the Wednesday night preliminary Lifestyle and Fitness award.

Miss Michigan, Nicole Blaszczyk, winner of the Thursday night preliminary Talent award for her for her lyrical dance performance to "Lifetime."

Nicole Blaszczyk, Miss Michigan and CC Barber, Miss Oregon

Ron
Friday, January 29, 2010

Only a couple of pictures from Thursday night visitation, but will be adding more as we receive them. Kristen has been blessed with a very large group of family and friends who are here to cheer her on!

Ron
Thursday, January 28, 2010

We received some additional pictures from Wednesday night's preliminary competition and visitation. People continue to tell us that Kristen was their pick to win talent last night! We're very proud of Kristen and know that she will do very well. Looking forward to the final night of preliminary competitions tonight.

Kristen performs in talent.

Kristen with her cousins who came to cheer her on.

Carol and Kristen

Kristen and Larkin

Kristen visits with some of the Texas delegation.

Reilly Johanson, Miss Teen East Texas, Kristen, and Jordan Johanson, Miss Irving

Sabrina and Kristen

Keith, Kristen and Ron

Kristen and her aunt.

Taylor Lowery with Hunter, one of Kristen's cousins

Sabrina and Kristen

Kristen and Taylor

Kristen with her grandmother Margot

Kristen with George and Carol Garlick

Keith
Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Overwhelming is the word that comes to mind when I think about the level of support that Kristen has here at the Miss America Pageant.  Night two of preliminary competition is over and the Texas contingency is growing by the night.  Folks from all over Texas, Virginia, Washington and many other states are with us to cheer on our Miss Texas.  More are scheduled to arrive tomorrow—and even more for the final competition on Saturday.  Needless to say, Kristen is loved by many.  I feel lucky to have been introduced to such a loving family and group of friends.

Kristen performed her talent selection tonight.  She was the very first contestant onstage and did not disappoint.  She sang beautifully and did what she does best—convey the emotion and meaning of the song to perfection.  She looked beautiful as well.  Although California won the preliminary talent award, I know that Kristen was deserving of the award as well.  However, I think she will settle for the crown over being a preliminary talent winner any day.

The experiences we are having this week are the reason we do what we do.  People ask me all of the time, "How much do you get paid to be the Executive Director of the Miss Fort Worth Organization?"  I usually laugh loudly before responding, "More than I make at my real job—it's just not in dollars and cents."  We volunteer our time, energy and talents for the opportunity to meet people like Kristen, her family (and it's a large family), Kristen's friends and supporters from Washington, and little miracles like Sabrina—Kristen's Lone Star Princess.  You can't put a value on something like that. 

We are looking forward to the final preliminary competition tonight.  Kristen will compete in onstage question tonight.  Now on to the casino to lose more money!!! 

Kristen is greeted at visitation by her Sabrina, her Lone Star Princess.

The Miss North Texas gang: Bobbie, Keith, Kristen and Ron.

Taylor Lowery, Miss Teen Texas 2009 with Kristen's cousin Hunter.

The Texas delegation awaits for Kristen to arrive.

Sabrina shows Kristen the "Vote for Miss Texas" sign that she made for Kristen.

Sabrina and Kristen

Kristen signs an autograph.

Ron
Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Kristen looked amazing last night! Although Miss Puerto Rico won her swimsuit group, we all felt it was a close group and that Kristen must have placed high! Her evening gown was stunning on stage. We're at the talent rehearsals this morning! She just completed her first run through and sounded incredible! Looking forward to the actual performance this evening!

Kristen on stage during the opening number.

Ron, Kristen and Keith

Wayne, Lenice, Kristen and Peter

Who called security on Jean and Kristen?

Danny, Ed, Kristen, Keith and Ron

Donna, Kristen and Mike

Dot and Kristen

Keith and Ron

Kristen and Keith

Kristen and Carol

Kristen and Larkin

Kristen, Jim and Sherry

Kristen with Lois Elaine Smith-Zoll, long-time Miss Washington volunteer who was also instrumental in Kristen's involvement with the arts.

Ron
Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Kristen had her interview this morning. She seemed very excited afterwards and looked great. We were able to snap a few quick pics of her as she walked by us before and after the interview. Also received some photos of Kristen from rehearsals over the weekend. This afternoon will be the rehearsals for swimsuit and evening gown.

Kristen walks by us on her way to her interview.

Kristen is all smiles as she leaves interview.

Kristen waves to us as she leaves interview.

Kristen during one of the weekend rehearsals.

Kristen and a couple of contestants take an exercise break during rehearsal.

Kristen's family waits during her interview: Lenice, Peter, Cora, Jeri, and Wayne.

Kristen leaving interview.

Kristen's Mother, Lenice, and Dot Stewart, Executive Director of the Miss Tri-Cities Pageant in Washington wait during Kristen's interview.

Kristen during one of the weekend rehearsals.

Keith
Sunday, January 24, 2010

My flight landed in Vegas this morning at 7:30 and was in the hotel room by 8:15!  First time that's ever happened in Vegas.  Traded text messages with Kristen on my taxi ride to the hotel—she is having a great time and was off to a long day of rehearsals.  After unpacking, I strolled over to the Planet Hollywood Resort and helped Ron make some signs for the pageant.  Hope to get a glimpse of our Miss Texas some time today!

When I checked in at the airport this morning, I was given the option to upgrade to first class.  Now it's important to note that I am no longer AAdvantage Gold, so it was strange that I was given the option at the self check in kiosk.  I took it as a sign of good luck—a great way to start off the week in Vegas watching our Miss Texas capture the crown of Miss America 2010.  From all the photos Ron has been posting, it's clear that she is relaxed and having a wonderful time.  We can't ask for anything more.

Ron
Saturday, January 23, 2010

This afternoon was the appearance at the Fashion Show Mall. As each of the 53 contestants were introduced, they took their turn walking the runway. Kristen again looked wonderful and radiant today, showing lots of personality on the runway. The contestants' day was mostly filled with rehearsals. They will be in closed rehearsals again tomorrow.

Kristen makes her entrance on the runway.

Kristen waves as she walks back up the runway.

Miss Tennessee, Miss Texas and Miss Utah ready to sign autographs following the runway event.

Kristen walks by us on the runway.

The contestants take one last walk down the runway.

All of the contestants on the runway at the conclusion of the show.

Ron
Friday, January 22, 2010

I arrived in Las Vegas this afternoon and was able to make it to the Venetian Resort and Hotel Casino to see the contestants take gondola rides. Kristen looked wonderful and I was able to chat with her briefly as she was about to board her gondola. She said she is having a great time and that things were going great! She was all smiles and excited about finally being at Miss America!

Kristen with Miss Delaware, Miss Pennsylvania and Miss Minnesota as they prepare to board the gondola.

Kristen waits to board the gondola.

Kristen waves as her gondola passes under a bridge.

Kristen makes her way towards the gondola.

Kristen waits to board the gondola.

Miss Pennsylvania, Miss Minnesota, Miss Texas, and Miss Delaware at the conclusion of their gondola ride.

Ron
Thursday, January 21, 2010

It's finally here! Kristen is on her way to Miss America!

Keith and I picked Kristen up at 5:00 A.M. this morning. We allowed plenty of time to pack her stuff, and it proved to be a challenge. But, we managed to get everything in the car and made our way to the airport. Thinking we would save time, we stopped at curbside check in and unloaded all of the luggage. Kristen proceeded to the baggage agent but learned that they could not check more than 5 bags for a single passenger at the curbside check in (She had a total of 6 checked bags.) So we reloaded the luggage and drove upstairs to the regular check in, unloaded and proceeded inside. The ticketing agent asked how many bags and Kristen told her 6. She was a little surprised, but not nearly as surprised as we were when she told us how much the extra charge would be for the luggage! Let's just say it was more than the cost of the ticket! (Note to self—consider shipping luggage overnight via FedEx or UPS if you ever find yourself traveling with more than 2 suitcases!)

We got all the luggage tagged and delivered to the TSA screening area when one of the gate agents approached Kristen and asked if she was Miss Texas and if she had any pictures that he could get for his son. Of course she did, so she signed the picture and then one of the TSA agents came up and asked if he, too, could get an autographed picture! It's really true--you are always Miss Texas when you are out and about!

Kristen made it through security and was then on her way! She looked fantastic and is anxious and ready to get to Miss America! We will be blogging and posting pictures throughout the week, so continue to check back for updates!

Keith, Kristen and Ron at the airport

Part of Kristen's luggage

The car is finally loaded!

Kristen in the security line.

Wayne, Kristen and Lenice at the airport

Ron works to get the last bag loaded in the car.

How much did you say it would cost for 6 checked bags?

And, she's off! Ready to take Miss America by storm!