The only way that I can describe the last couple of days is as a total whirlwind! We've accomplished as many tasks and have been presented at as many events as some of us laid-back graduates would have done in about 3 months of a summer. But I'm extremely grateful for all of the planning and logistical organization that has gone on in order for us young women to be able to experience all that we have in the last 5 days (has it only been 5 days??).
    The title of this blog does refer to our awesome experience on Tuesday/Wednesday at Camp Grace. After some testing rope courses, water fun, and interacting with the numerous arthritic child-campers, we all spent the night at the Camp in a huge air conditioned lodge on cushy air mattresses. Not exactly the camping that some of us Northwestern girls are used to (you've got my back, Wyoming). But how fun!
  Then on Wednesday, we were all whisked off to start rehearsals with our famous DVD choreographer Gia and her assistant Lindsay. I don't want to give away any of the surprises of the routine...but it's going to be incredibly entertaining! Especially if you watch my uncontrollable facial expressions as I watch the amazing dancers around me to get a clue as to what move is coming next. But in seriousness, all the routines should turn out magnificently and I'm excited to see the final product already! After rehearsals we had a fun pajama party with our Girl Scout troops (shout out to Tara and Maygen), who accomadated me with sisterly fun and about a dozen boxes of cookies. Even though I reminded them that I do have several gowns to fit into by the end of next week.....I'm enjoying some Samoas as I write this blog.
  Today we had an awesome opportunity to work with the Junior League in the community of Mobile, my group specifically with Penelope's Closet, an organization focused on benefitting local victims of domestic violence. It was a touching experience and I really loved it. We had another 5 hours of rehearsal this afternoon, then topped it off with a great evening spent on the 29th floor of the tallest building on the Gulf having dinner with our State Sponsors! It's truly remarkable how much Mobile really opens its arms to America's Junior Miss, and I'm certainly reaping the benefits of it!
  Well, while I'm exhausted and dreading a 5 am wakeup tomorrow, I'm LOVING my time here at AJM and with all these unbelievable girls. Love you family and miss you all!
  In the spirit of Junior Miss,
      Madison Leonard
        Idaho