MAY 12, 2007 "MRS. MN AT THE TWINS GAME" (MPLS, MN)

MAY 12, 2007 (MINNEAPOLIS, MN - METRODOME)

An annual tradition in the Mrs. Minnesota pageant is the "Mrs. Minnesota at the Twins Game" event. All of the contestants and their families are invited to a Twins game (this year we played the Detroit Tigers) and the reigning queen (ME!) gets to throw out the first pitch. I had big plans on practicing in preparation for the big event, but alas never even threw a practice pitch. Luckily my arm came through and I got it about three feet from home plate. And it was a straight throw, which is good!

Prior to the game, my husband Matt had a big surprise waiting for me. My parents had met us at our house and we were all planning on driving down to the game together. Matt had been fishing for a few hours that morning, so his car was still hooked up to his boat (in addition to his real job, my husband fishes in professional walleye tournaments). I was confused as to why we weren't going out through the garage (where my car is), but then as I walked out the door, there was a big stretch limo waiting for us! How cute is HE!?!? He was so pleased with himself for pulling off the surprise, and we all enjoyed the ride down to the Metrodome. I got a kick out of how all the people milling around were craning their necks to see what "celebrity" was getting out of the limo (I think they were expecting someone a bit more "famous" than little 'ole me--ha ha!). Anyway, I was just really touched that Matt was so thoughtful and it will be a memory I will always remember.

It was great to see many of the contestants, husbands, and kids, and I think everyone had a great time, even though the Twins lost. And I didn't even embarrass myself too badly with my pitch! My dad said that since they lost the game, I am technically the "losing pitcher." Oh, well, I'll take it because we had a blast anyway! :)

PHOTOS:
1) Matt & I and our limo driver in our driveway with the stretch limousine surprise!
2) Matt & I enjoying the limo ride to the Metrodome
3) Me throwing out the first pitch (yes, it's a blurry photo but it's the only one I have)
4) Walking off the pitching mound with Twins mascot T.C. Bear on the Jumbotron
5) With T.C. Bear
6) My parents Bonnie & Rick Henderson with Matt & I just after the first pitch
7 & 8) Group shots of some of the contestants and their families
9) L to R: Barbara Kasier (Mrs. Woodbury), Wendi Russo (Mrs. Eden Prairie), and I enjoying the game
10) Some of the Larkin Dads (who are a crowd favorite--they perform each year at the Mrs. MN pageant) worked at the Metrodome and recognized me from last year...they are the NICEST guys ever!
11) With my mom Bonnie
12) Matt and my dad Rick entertain "Mr." Eden Prairie