More photos!!

Sorry it's been a couple of days; I've been traveling. The girls have started rehearsals (Prelims are MONDAY!!!), and their schedule has still been CRAZY! Here are a bunch of photos from the last few days.

DON'T FORGET to go to www.missusa.com and vote for Alicia-Monique and Laura!!!

All Photos courtesy of MISS UNIVERSE, LP, LLLP

A Few more photos...

From Registration and the Liberace Museum.

Laura in her Sherri Hill Evening Gown from Crown Chic and Stefanie Somers earrings

ALWAYS fill in your lips after applying lip liner! :)

And you thought only girls wore sparkly shoes!

Yep, we're in Vegas!

Evening Gown and Swimsuit Photos!

All photos courtesy of MISS UNIVERSE, LP, LLP

The NEW MISS USA website is up! http://www.missuniverse.com/missusa

Both girls are wearing gowns by Sherri Hill, provided by Crown Chic. Custom earrings by Stefanie Somers.

April 7th

Hi Everyone! Here are some more photos from Vegas. Yesterday the girls did some shopping at Town Square, then went to Margaritaville for some food and fun. Alicia-Monique recorded her intro for the telecast, and Laura had a couple of hours to work out, make phone calls, and get to bed early!

This morning, 1/2 the girls had a tour at Red Rock Canyon, 1/2 (including Laura) will be going to a couple of museums. Not quite your "normal" museums, though, because they are in Las Vegas! They'll be visiting the Liberace museum and the Neon museum. Tonight they go to dinner and then to see Ka by Cirque du Soleil!

Here are a few more photos from yesterday. All photos courtesy of Miss Universe, LP, LLLP

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April 6th

I spoke with Laura this morning! She's doing great, as is Alicia-Monique. Last night, Laura filmed her intro for the MISS USA broadcast (April 19th, 7pmEST) and didn't get to bed until 1am! Yikes! You will LOVE their intro outfits; very Las Vegas. Think 2-piece, sparkly, feathers...

The competition swimsuits are white and the "fun" suits that they take photos in are green.

Today, the girls are doing a little shopping. Tonight, Laura will be having fun at Margaritaville, and Alicia-Monique will be filming her intro.

And, what you've been waiting for...a gazillion more photos! Courtesy of Miss Universe, LP, LLLP and Alicia-Monique.

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More photos!

April 5

The girls have been extremely busy! Last night they had their official welcome at Planet Hollywood, then went with Crystle Stewart, MISS USA 2008, to dinner at Buca di Beppo. Today, Laura had a pajama brunch and Alicia-Monique attended a charity luncheon. Tonight the girls will be at Fashion Show Mall for a short appearance, then dinner. Laura will be filming her intro and was told it will run until 1am! Goodness!

Photos courtesy of Wire Image and Georgina Vaughan, Miss NV USA.

April 4

Hi Everyone! Here are some photos from today; the contestants went to the Nevada Cancer Institute's Bottle of Hope program and created unique covered chemotherapy bottles to be auctioned off to raise funds to continue the program.

Laura April 2nd

Thanks to Laura's AMAZING mom, Angelina, here are some photos from Laura's unofficial day 1.

relaxing at the end of the day

Settled in!

Looking stunning in her Diane Von Furstenberg dress.

Planet Hollywood!


With Miss Florida USA

Welcome to MISS USA!!!!

Is she jumping on the bed? I believe she is!

Registration!

Ah, the joys of Day 1. Fittings, makeup, hair, photos, more photos, hurry-up-and-wait, more photos, interviews...IT'S MISS USA!!!! Laura and Alicia-Monique are having a BLAST, and, as you can imagine, are exhausted after a VERY full day. I hope to have photos soon, so sit tight!

A rarity for most 22 year olds, they're in bed before 10pm on a Friday night! Smart girls. I'm not sure what time they start tomorrow, but I can guarantee you they'll be up earlier than most of us. Me, especially. This old girl is taking her cue from her titleholders. Goodnight, and I'll post more tomorrow.

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Unofficial Day 1!

Both our gorgeous girls are settled in their room, unpacked and ready to go. Today they filmed a couple of interviews, and tomorrow at 7am they start Registration! I got a text from Alicia-Monique: "I am having soooo much FUN!!!!!" As it should be :).

When I hear more details from the girls I'll post. Don't forget to leave comments for them after each post! All you have to do is click on the word "comments" at the end of the post, and leave some encouraging words!

Britt

MISS USA 2009

Hi Everyone! Laura and Alicia-Monique are headed to Vegas today for the 2009 MISS USA PAGEANT! I will be posting info and photos of their journey. Today they and their respective Mamas (Angelina and Normalicia) will get to Vegas, check in, roam around, have a little mother-daughter time and try to REST, because the fun starts TOMORROW! Yes, official registration is actually the 3rd, but since our girls will be there early, they will start a couple of things on the 2nd. They will be filming 2 video segments, one for NBC and one for the missusa.com website.

Then, on the 3rd at 7am, they begin Registration. This is quite possibly the most exciting and exhausting day other than competition. The girls will turn in their MUO paperwork, receive their sash, get fitted for swimsuit and swimsuit shoes, get their opening number outfit (no, I have no idea what these are yet!) and shoes, take photos in their swimsuits and evening gowns, and get their FADILS! This year will be very different and glamorous for the Fadil shoots. You will LOVE it!

As always, please leave comments for the girls on this blog. They will read it, and we want them all to know how much support they have from all over the world. They have both worked tremendously hard for this once in a lifetime opportunity, and every little bit of encouragement helps!

If you would like to send a CARD or LETTER to the girls, here is their address:

PLANET HOLLYWOOD RESORT & CASINO
Contestant’s Name & State

c/o Miss USA 2009 Production Office
3667 Las Vegas Boulevard South
Las Vegas, NV 89109
(702) 785-5004

PLEASE DO NOT SEND FLOWERS or bulky gifts. If you could see how much STUFF the girls try to fit in their hotel room, you would understand that space is at a premium, and they DO NOT have room for flowers. If you ignore this request and send them flowers, I promise you that they will still love them, but they will have to leave them outside their room. That will make them feel guilty and sad, and we don't want that. So please, send a gazillion cards and notes, and save the flowers for when they get home.

I will do my best to post photos, info and messages from our girls as often as possible. Thanks for being part of our blog!

God's blessings to all of you!

Britt

Preliminaries!

Oh, all that hard work, time in the gym, shopping, planning--all for one night! The prelims were held in the grand ballroom at the Atlantis, and there was quite a crowd! One big surprise for Kate was Jessica (our pregnant Utah assistant) and her husband Tyson made it to the bahamas! It was awesome to see Kate's face when she saw Jess sitting next to me!

Both girls looked AMAZING in SS and EG. I think Ashley has the BEST white gown (there were a gazillion of them) and Kate's gown is a definite standout. I saw them both after prelims and they are so happy with their performance. Interviews are happening as I post this, and then that's it! The Finals start at 8pm EST. I have a GREAT feeling about our girls! :)

Photos from last night, all courtesy of MISS UNIVERSE, LP.,LLLP.

Thursday, August 14

Hi Everyone! Today started with rehearsals, then the girls got to go to the Atlantis Aquaventure (which looks like something from a Lara Croft movie from the outside). Then more rehearsals this afternoon and evening. There is a brief visitation tonight which I won't be able to make because I overdid it on my foot (again, don't tell my doctor), so I'm elevating and icing. I did get to see the girls for 2 seconds as they were on their way to lunch, and I have to say THEY ARE BOTH SO GORGEOUS! The best part is that they're even better on the inside.

Ashley's family is already here and Kate's hopefully got in today. This is a beautiful resort, and I hope everyone is enjoying themselves! There are several people from both AZ and UT coming to cheer the girls on, which I think is so cool. There will even be a few surprise visitors for the girls!


I've posted the girls' evening gown photos on the left. Ashley's is an original A Renee Design from Crown Chic and Kate's is a custom Sherri Hill from Crown Chic. Both girls are wearing custom earrings from Stefanie Somers. And of course they're photographed by Benizo.com. Oh, we LOVE our sponsors!!!!


Please keep leaving comments! I always let the girls know what you have to say!


Love,


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Welcome Dinner

Y'all have been sooo patient...

Arrival photos courtesy of MISS UNIVERSE, LP,LLLP

RECEPTION AND DINNER!

It was great to see the girls tonight. We were very fortunate to have a private reception with all the contestants, state directors and the wonderful MUO staff at the Aura nightclub at the Atlantis. The hotel provided non-alcoholic fruity drinks for everyone - I'm sure there's gonna be some negative chatter when people see photos of the girls with their "drinks" but let me kill any rumors before they start - NO ALCOHOL! :) They didn't even serve alcoholic drinks to the adults.

The contestants had some "fun" time today; photos ops where they were broken into several groups and taken all over the Atlantis Resort. Then they had rehearsals with Choreographer Kent Parham. where they learned the Opening Number! From what I understand, the music doesn't have words and the dance is FUN! Yea Kent!

Tonight was the private reception, then the Welcome Dinner. The dinner was fantastic in that the contestants could all sit with their families (or director!) and had plenty of time to eat, relax and take a gazillion photos. Kate and Ashley are having a GREAT time, and asked me to send their love to all of you!

Tomorrow is more rehearsal, then the girls get to enjoy the Atlantis Water Adventure. I'm taking my completely black and blue foot to Dolphin Cay and get to SWIM WITH THE DOLPHINS! Don't tell my orthopedic surgeon. shhhhhh...

We'll have time to visit with the girls tomorrow evening. Patrick is taking official MUO photos (LOVE him!) so I'll post those when they're available. Thanks for the comments for the girls! They love hearing from everyone!

God Bless,

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Bahamas, Man!

Traveling cross-country is hard. Traveling cross-country via a red-eye AND with a broken foot is NOT something I'd EVER recommend. But I wouldn't even think of not being here! We finally got to the Bahamas, chose the wrong line to get through Customs (EVERYONE got through before we did), got to the Atlantis only to have to wait for the room. No biggie, right? So Colin and I got some lunch, and as we were enjoying the beautiful outdoors, it started raining. Okaaay, move it inside. It started pouring! Everyone from the pools started running for cover. We finally got into our gorgeous room after only a little drama and now Colin's taking a quick nap before we meet up with the girls at the Welcome Reception.

Photos? Don't have them yet! I will tonight!

The Atlantis is a beautiful (and HUGE) resort. If you have kids, you'll love it. If you're like me and want a paradise vacation to be sans little ones in floatie wings, choose another location. Thankfully I have yet to see any dude in a Speedo. We're here until Monday, though, so I'm sure that will change! Thanks for all the well-wishes regarding my foot. I've done a ton of walking today, and it's fairly swollen. The creepiest part is the color, er, colors, really--it really looks like some prop you'd see on CSI. Icky. I'm still swimming with the dolphins tomorrow. :)

I can't get the email on my iPhone to work here. Any of you techies out there, please help me out!

Love to everyone, and PHOTOS TONIGHT!!!!!

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Ah, Sky Harbor Airport!

...And I had to take off my stupid brace to get through security. I could've given it a shot (and I would've been fine, they told me after they x-rayed the darned thing), but I didn't want to take a chance and get "WANDED". Sheesh. It gave me a chance to see the beautiful black and blue patterns over my ENTIRE foot. Oh well, I had as much of a pedicure today as I could, so at least my polish will match the rest of my foot!

I know I promised photos of the girls in Evening Gowns, but I don't have the one of Kate from the photographer yet, so I'll wait until I have one of both of them to post.

They're both in the Bahamas now, and I get there at noon Wed. Colin and I are waiting to board our plane for the red-eye to Charlotte, then the flight to Nassau. It is exciting to finally get this amazing pageant underway, but it was SO HARD to leave our woofers! Especially since our 8 year old lab, Jaycee, is new to our family. I know Kyle is going to take incredible care of them, but you know me...If you're in our neighborhood, please stop by and love on the pups for us!

Please keep praying for our girls and for calm weather! I have my camera (woo hoo!) and will upload photos as soon as I can.

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MISS TEEN USA 2008!

Ashley and Kate are on their way to the Bahamas for 5 days at the Atlantis Resort culminating in the crowning of MISS TEEN USA 2008. While the pageant is not televised, I'll be there beginning the 13th to blog, add whatever photos I can, and keep everyone updated on their (albeit quick) time there. Tomorrow I'll be posting a couple of photos of the girls in their evening gowns (YAY) that we had taken before they left. I don't know if there will be professional photos taken once they get there or not.

Many of you have expressed the desire to send cards/gifts to the girls while they're there. Due to customs regulations and the short time they're there, we're not recommending mailing anything. You can, however, leave them messages on this blog, pray for them, and possibly contact the Atlantis about sending faxes. If there is a charge to the girls per fax, I would suggest sending them after the pageant so they can still have the keepsakes.

My husband and I are leaving Tuesday night on the redeye and will get to the Bahamas around noon on Wed. To add more drama, I broke my left foot leaving Ashley's Send-off Party on Saturday night and am in a cast. This afternoon I go to the orthopedic surgeon and HOPEFULLY get a walking cast, because I'm convinced that crutches are evil instruments of torture and death. So while I won't be able to swim with the dolphins (sniff!), go snorkeling, or do any fun water stuff, I'll be scooting around the resort in my power scooter. I'm not kidding. I'll do anything to support my girls!

Ashley is wearing a custom gown from A Renee Designs, and Kate is wearing a custom Sherri Hill. Both young ladies have custom earrings from the Stefanie Sommers Collection. Watch for photos tomorrow!!!!

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Prelims!

I have to say that I am SO PROUD of both Kimberly and Julia! They have worked so hard and all their efforts really paid off last night at the Preliminary Competition. Today they had Interviews, so all the scores are in! They'll go through the rest of this week with NBC Production rehearsals...then the BIG night on Friday! Don't forget to tune in to NBC to watch the 2008 MISS USA Pageant!

Check out the videos!!!

SWIMSUIT:

Kimberly

Julia

EVENING GOWN:

Kimberly

Julia

More photos!

I'm in Vegas!

And I got to see both Kimberly and Julia last night! Let me tell you how AMAZING they both look! And they are both having a great time and were so excited for Preview this morning (which both girls said went very quickly but they did very well). They were first in their evening gowns then in swimsuits. Kimberly just LOVES the competition swimsuits!

When I got to Planet Hollywood, I could see in the Extra Lounge they were having an autograph session with Rachel Smith and several contestants. Julia was one of them! She looked quite breathtaking in a white cocktail from La Belle Boutique (thank you ladies!). Then I went downstairs to the buffet and got to say hi to Kimberly. I can't believe it's almost here!

Kimberly texted me this morning when they got to see the theatre for the first time. She says it's just amazing! I'll get to see it for myself when they open rehearsal to parents and directors at 1:30.

Tonight's the night! 2/3 of their score will be determined with Prelims, then Interviews Sunday morning will finalize the Preliminary competition. WOW!!!!

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Photos from rehearsal

Hi Everyone! Kimberly and Julia have been hard at work in rehearsals, and they say they have everything down for the final show! They'll do some tweaks for Prelims tomorrow.

Speaking of tomorrow, I'll finally be there! Julia's mom got to Las Vegas today, and Kimberly's parents are going up as well. I can't wait to see them both and tell them how proud we all are of them!!! I can hardly believe it's been over a week already and that prelims are actually 2 days away!

The schedule is still so busy--after dinner tonight the contestants went to La Reve and then Tryst night club. I'm tired just thinking about it!

I'll have my camera and take photos for you all. Please leave your good luck comments after this post and I'll show them to the girls! Just click on the word "comments."

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Habitat for Humanity, Stomp and Rehearsals begin!

Hi Everyone! I got to speak with both Julia and Kimberly yesterday and they both are having so much fun! Their schedule has just been crazy, but they're both getting rest and really enjoying themselves.

Rehearsals began today, and they'll last through Friday. Michael, the choreographer, has told them that if they get the patterns and learn the movements then he'll let them out of rehearsals early! Everyone is very exicted about the "fashion show" feel of the show. If I remember correctly, "Paralyzer" is the swimsuit song and Rihanna's "Umbrella" is for evening gown. The opening number is also a Rihanna song, "Shut Up and Drive." I'm typing this with the caveat that I am admittedly stuck in the 80's/90's music timewarp but do know the Finger Eleven song (and even have it on my iPod), but just heard "Umbrella" for the first time yesterday. I guess I need to catch up with today's music. I was seen in public today singing along to a certain Sir Mix-a-Lot song. :)

Here are some photos of the girls at the Habitat for Humanity event, as well as at "Stomp". Enjoy! And no bashing of my musical taste!

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Photos from the Rio

Our girls have been on a whirlwhind of activities and appearances! They most assuredly need your prayers and well-wishes to keep their energy up. They start rehearsals Tuesday, and from what I understand, the show will be very runway and hot/sexy. There won't be any dancing and the walking probably won't incorporate a bunch of turning. Yea! Our girls can just strut their stuff!

The Celebrity judges have been announced. The judges are: Heather Mills, contestant on season four of "Dancing With the Stars"; Rob Schneider, star of "I Now Pronounce You Chuck & Larry"; Joey Fatone, host of "The Singing Bee"; Kristian Alfonso, entrepreneur and star of NBC's "Days of our Lives"; Olympic gold-medal swimmer Amanda Beard; Christian Siriano, this season's winner of Bravo's hit show "Project Runway"; San Diego Chargers linebacker Shawne "Lights Out" Merriman; celebrity hairstylist Ken Paves; Kelly Carlson, star of "Nip/Tuck"; and Vanity Fair's celebrity journalist George Wayne.

Rock band Finger Eleven will perform their hit song "Paralyzer" live at this year's pageant. Following hitting number one on the rock and alternative charts, the song also became a crossover smash on the contemporary hit radio charts, selling over two million digital downloads and 500,000 ring tones. As previously announced, Donny and Marie Osmond will host the live telecast of the 57th Annual Miss USA Pageant from the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in one of the world's most electrifying cities, Las Vegas.

ARE YOU GETTING EXCITED??????


Here are some photos from the Rio and the random Chippendale guys.

More photos!

Here are the Fadil's (in their opening number dresses) and their swimsuit shots! WOW!! Last two standing! :)

I spoke with Kimberly this afternoon; she's having so much fun. Today she was part of a group that did some video taping on a yacht (and Kimberly got to be the skipper for a little while!) and out on a golf course. She said it was so cold this morning on the lake and still cold on the golf course early this afternoon. Last night they had a fun Hawaiian themed dinner--here are a couple of pictures!

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Evening Gowns

The moment you've all been waiting for...Evening Gown Photos! Kimberly's gown is actually purple, but because the material's taffeta with a neat sheen to it, it photographs blue. Don't they both look BEAUTIFUL???? :)

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March 28th, Day 3

Today the contestants got to see the dolphins (you can do just about anything in Vegas!), this afternoon they had their official orientation and another dinner out this evening. At 6:30am they had their official swimwear photoshoot at the Planet Hollywood pool I'm amazed at how great Julia and Kimberly look at 6:30 in the morning!

They are both doing very well. I spoke with Kimberly today and she is having a really good time. She has made fast friends with Maine and Virginia, and smart girls that they are, they're sharing internet time! Kimberly will try to get me some photos when she can. In the meantime, in today's Arizona Republic there was an article on Kimberly and her sendoff party. Read it by clicking here.

Videos

They'll be up on the MISS USA site later but for now, here are links to our girls' videos! They both did a GREAT job! LOVE IT!

Arizona

Utah

Pictures!

WELCOME TO LAS VEGAS!

Here's Kimberly introducing herself to Las Vegas!

I spoke with both girls today, and they are having so much fun! The line for photos and interviews was really long for Kimberly today, but hopefully she got everything completed. Julia was fortunate to get everything done on Wednesday.

Tonight, the MISS USA contestants had dinner at Koi. Here are some photos!

If you would like to send a card, note or gift to Kimberly or Julia, please use the following address:


Kimberly Joiner MISS ARIZONA USA or Julia Bachison MISS UTAH USA
c/o MISS USA PAGEANT
Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino
3667 Las Vegas Blvd South
Las Vegas, NV 89109
702-785-5555


They would LOVE to get encouraging messages from you! So please send those cards and letters! While flowers are a lovely idea, please keep in mind that they have very limited space in their room.



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Julia's sendoff party!

Our gorgeous Julia was sent off to MISS USA in style, thanks to the Ivy Lane Reception Center in Ogden and all of Julia's extended family and friends. We're so proud of you, Julia!!!

REGISTRATION!!!

Yes, the fun has begun, and the 51 contestants are now in Las Vegas, trying to get through all the activities of Registration!

Each young lady gets fitted for her opening number outfit (by Sherri Hill), hair/makeup, on-camera interviews for the internet, SS photo in their green "fun" ss and sarong, evening gown photo, YMI jeans/tanktop photo. The competition swimsuits by Syrup Swimwear are black and Nina is once again the shoe sponsor. Kim and Julia both LOVE their Sherri Hill opening # dresses, and the opening will once again be very "runway" with a new choreographer. The fittings/photos will continue until 10pm tonight and go again tomorrow until each contestant is finished.

Thursday and Friday they'll have their Fadil photo shoots which will be PHENOMENAL! I can't wait to get my hands on some photos to share with y'all, but for now, we'll have to wait. The girls need your prayers and love--the next few days will be very very busy!!

Britt

LAS VEGAS, BABY!

Kimberly and Julia both got to Vegas Tues, got settled in to their room and now are in the middle of registration! They will get fitted for their opening number dresses, swimsuits, shoes, get photos taken in their gowns and swimsuits, get their Fadils taken (I don't know the theme yet, but it's suposed to be FUN!), complete their on-camera interviews and get some of their sponsor gifts! It will be a very full day for them, but they should be finished with everything today; even before some of the contestants arrive!

Don't forget to post your comments here! Just click on the word "comment" after each post to leave a message.

Britt

Kimberly's send-off party!

Many thanks to El Paso Barbeque for sponsoring Kimberly's send-off party! Here is a link to a news video... Click Here.

Media coverage!

Before our young ladies head off to Las Vegas, they've been making the rounds, appearing on several radio and TV shows! Below are some links to check out AZ and UT live!

Kimberly:

Read Across America Day

Photos from KNIX

On the radio with Ben and Matt

Sonoran Living


Julia:

Fox News

In the Deseret News

More to come!!

Britt

Our new blog!

Welcome to the new blog site for Casting Crowns Productions, Inc., producers of the MISS USA and MISS TEEN USA state pageants for Arizona and Utah! I'm so excited to launch this blog right before Kimberly and Julia leave for the MISS USA Pageant in Las Vegas. Bookmark this page, as we'll have lots of photos and info on the girls during their time at MISS USA. Comments are welcome!



Britt