This experience has been a whirlwind...and it has only been 4 days!  I just got back to my wonderful host family, the Estis's.  My host mom is making cookies and nachos right now!  Last night, the Junior Misses went to Camp Grace, where we did tons of team building activities like the ropes course and an inflatable obstacle on their manmade lake.  You can only imagine how good it felt to get into that lake after being in the intensive (yet wonderful!) heat of Mobile. 
The Junior Misses were also fortunate to be able to spend time with campers of Camp MASH (Make Arthritis Stop Hurting) during our stay at Camp Grace.  Many were amazed to find out that there are many children who suffer with arthritis on a day to day basis.  I personally was stunned by their energy and drive to overcome any obstacles, both physical and mental, that they have been presented with in life thus far.
All 50 of us slept in the same room on inflatable mattresses last night.  It was the biggest slumber party I have had to date! 
We had breakfast with the campers in the morning, and then we departed for Spring HIll Baptist Church for rehearsal.  We were introduced to Ms. Gia Solari, who is our extremely talented choreographer for National Finals.  I think you all will LOVE the opening number - I know I do!
The Girl Scout Pajama Party was the event of the evening.  My Girl Scouts were super sweet and talented.  There was a massive tee shirt signing party.  We shared pizza and ice cream on sleeping bags.  I taught one of the scouts how to do the electric slide - I will never forget her ear-to-ear smile after the dance! 
I am having (literally!) the time of my life here in Mobile, AL.  All of the other contestants are so easy to relate to and are super down to earth.  Thank you all for your support, and I will do my best to keep this blog updated (I guess time really does fly when you are having fun!).
All the best,
Kristi