MAY 22, 2006
EXTENSION GENERATION HAIR EXTENSION PARTY
Our last event before our blocking rehearsal was a fun "hair extension" party held at The Extension Generation. They are the pageant's biggest sponsor and award the new winner a year's worth of hair extensions valued at $5,000! We were able to get free hair extensions if we wanted them, and while I didn't get any myself, a number of the ladies did and they looked awesome! It was sad to realize that it was our last get-together and we all agreed it had gone way too fast!

PHOTOS:
1) Debbie Rapp (Mrs. Taylors Falls) gets some extensions!
2) Tami Theis (Mrs. Shakopee), Amy Stromberg (Mrs. Dakota County), Ashley Zornes (Mrs. Richfield), & Me
3) Group Shot

MAY 20, 2006
"THE BIG COCKTAIL PARTY"
The highlight of our contestant events was "The Big Party" held at the Embassy Suites in downtown St. Paul. This was a fabulous cocktail party hosted by directors Faith & Carl Schway and they truly rolled out the red carpet for us. We were all dressed to the nines and some of the contestants from Wisconsin were even able to make it, which made the event extra special. My camera completely finked out on me, but some of the other contestants graciously sent me photos of the event. What an amazing evening!

PHOTOS:
1) L to R: Katina Schroeder (Mrs. Savage), Lindsey Kurhajetz (Mrs. Minneapolis), Kim Dorn (Mrs. MN 2005), & Sarah Tichich (Mrs. Wright County)
2) Me with Lori Miller (Mrs. Rochester), one of the most fun girls I've ever met!
3) Group photo of all contestants

MAY 14, 2006
RACE FOR THE CURE

Race for the Cure was our next group event, which was held on Mother's Day at the Mall of America. My husband and I had been planning on bringing our 18-month-old Ava, but decided to let Gramma & Grandpa babysit b/c it was just too chilly outside. We enjoyed the walk and it was for a great cause. Sarah Tichich (Mrs. Wright County) walked with Matt & I for quite awhile and we discovered we had a number of friends in common. It was a great way to start out my second Mother's Day!

PHOTOS:
1) Tami Theis, Me, Kim Dorn (Mrs. MN 2005), Katina Schroeder
2) Standing outside IHOP after a successful walk!

MAY 10, 2006
GLITZ COCKTAIL PARTY
Our third event was a glamorous cocktail party held at the Glitz! store at the Mall of America. We dressed to the nines and were treated like royalty with champagne and hors d'oeuvres generously donated by Glitz management. Getting ready for the party was a bit tricky as we'd been moving into our new house all day and it was quite a chore even locating my hairdryer, much less getting all glammed up! We had a great time but I was exhausted after moving boxes all day!

PHOTOS (Top to Bottom):
1) Mrs. MN 2005 Kim Dorn & I
2) Me, Sarah Swenson (Mrs. Center City), Melissa Hursh (Mrs. St. Paul), & Katina Schroeder (Mrs. Savage)
3) Group Photo
4) Lindsey Kurhajetz (Mrs. Minneapolis) & I
5) Lori Miller (Mrs. Rochester), Me, Tammy Theis (Mrs. Shakopee)

MAY 7, 2006
PANERA BREAD BRUNCH
Our second event was the Panera Bread Brunch held in Eagan, MN. We learned more about what to expect on Pageant Weekend (this was the first time that Minnesota was hosting the Wisconsin & Iowa pageants), and many questions were answered by directors Faith & Carl Schway. We all got to know each other even better and the fun was just beginning!

PHOTOS (Top to Bottom:)
1) A few contestants & husbands pose for a photo
2) Thank you Panera Bread of Eagan!
3) With good friend Tami Krause (Mrs. MN America 2003)

MAY 6, 2006
Mrs. MN NIGHT @ THE TWINS GAME
Prior to the actual Mrs. Minnesota America 2006 pageant were a series of parties that allowed the contestants to get to know each other better. Many laughs were shared and new friendships made. Our first get-together was "Mrs. Minnesota Night" at a Twins professional baseball game, where each contestant's name and title were even displayed on the Jumbo-Tron screen at the Metrodome! The reigning Mrs. MN 2005 Kimberly Dorn threw out a perfect first pitch and a fun time was had by all.

PHOTOS (Top to Bottom):
1) My husband Matt & I sitting in the stands with Lori & Todd Miller (Mrs. & "Mr." Rochester).
2) Mrs. MN America 2005 Kimberly Dorn and myself
3) "Mrs. North Oaks 2006" on the Jumbo-Tron screen

Welcome! I'm a first-time "blogger", and look forward to sharing a photo and online journal of my year as Mrs. Minnesota America 2006. It is an honor and privilege to represent the married women of Minnesota, and I will do my best to make our state proud. I hope you enjoy the experience along with me.

(Photo by Scott Hedblom)