Well, my day began at 4:15am, at which point I pretty much slept through my first two flights before finally arriving in Mobile at 11am! I sort of assumed that my arrival would be inconspicuous but boy was I wrong! I was welcomed by America's Junior Miss 2009, Michelle Rodgers (who happens to have a great last name! :]) who was so sweet and knew me by name! And the gorgeous Mobile Azalea Trail Maids, I'll post pictures below but basically, they are the epitome of a Southern Belle! They are the brightest, smartest and most courteous girls in all of Mobile and they serve as ambassadors for the city. *Random Fact* The Junior Miss Organization was founded based on the ideals held by the Azalea Trail Maids, they inspired the idea of Junior Miss!
And finally at the end of the ribbon lined tunnel of Trail Maids were my wonderful host family the Dekle's and my fabulous roommate, Alyssa (Delaware's Junior Miss)! Mama and Papa D and their 4 awesome children: Erica, Emilie, Anna and Adam and although they already had so many children of their own, they were quick to welcome Alyssa and I into their family! They gave us our own little getaway in the basement, perfect headquaters for the hectic days ahead! (or so I hear...)
After eating an AMAZING lunch at The Original Oyster House we quickly 'prettied up' for the arrival ceremony.
The arrival ceremony is the Junior Misses big introduction to the city and the press and I was really nervous! We were welcomed by the President of the City Council who was one of the founders of Junior Miss and goes to church with the Dekle's! (I'm convinced that the world becomes somewhat smaller when you're a junior miss!)
We had to walk down a big flight of stairs and I was so scared I would trip! But my ROTC escort David assured me he would catch me...unless he tripped first!
After the ceremony I got to meet the Girl Scout Troop that has adopted both me and Colorado's Junior Miss! Isabella was so sweet and gave me such a pretty rose! :) I was also warmly welcomed by my States Club Sponsor, Mrs. Tindell, she was so kind and eager to learn all about me.
All in all, it was a wonderful first day and I'm so excited for the rest of this experience! I didn't really get a chance to talk to the other Junior Misses apart from a little break we got together before the ceremony but I know that in the days to come I'll get more of a chance to get to know each and every one of them! Shout out to my Texas Fan Club who I'm sure is tuning in, thanks for the love and support! I'll do my best to make you proud! :)
Well, I'm going to go get some beauty rest before tomorrow's crazy schedule! Goodnight!