For the third year in a row I had the incredible privilege of attending the Miss America Pageant in Las Vegas. On Tuesday afternoon my mom and I headed to Vegas and were met by Danny at the airport. After checking into the hotel we enjoyed a nice dinner at P.F. Chang's with Danny and then headed to the first night of preliminary competition. Ashley did an incredible job on her talent night. I was such a proud best friend. All of the young ladies on stage were gorgeous, talented and intelligent and I am so glad I was not a judge! 

The next day we browsed the trade show and did a little shopping before eating a fabulous dinner at KOI and attending the second night of prelims. The highlight of each of my days was getting to see Ashley... even if it was only for approx. 3 minutes! I kept telling her that she look like such a celebrity all week... which she really did! I am used to the fresh faced Ashley in workout clothes so seeing her all dolled up and tan was just incredible! She handled her on stage question with poise and grace and once again we were all very proud of her. On Thursday we got to go and see Danny perform on the Dennis Bono Show. He was fabulous. I just love listening to him play the piano and it was so nice to be able to spend some time with him. He is also the best chauffeur ever!

 Ashley competed in swimsuit and evening gown on the final night and was in a very tough group. She was ripped and super thin and all of her hard work was evident! WAY TO GO ASH!!! I was confident that she would be competing again on finals night. On Friday me and my mom got to do our favorite thing... shop! 

We finished off the evening with dinner at a fabulous Italian restaurant followed by Cirque de Soliel's Love with my dad, mom and Danny. I LOVED the show! We were on the fourth row and it felt like we were a part of the show. I have honestly never seen anything like it. There are no words to describe it!!! It renewed my love for Beetles music. Finally on Saturday we went to finals and I am not sure I have ever screamed so loud as I did when they called Ashley's name into the top 15. She was absolutely phenomenal!! I am so proud of her for all of her accomplishments and I know she will continue to be an incredible Miss Texas. Selfishly, I am glad to have my best friend 30 minutes away instead of on the other side of the country! I know God has amazing things in store for this amazing woman and I can't wait to see His plan unfold for her! Being at Miss America makes it so real that I could possibly be on that stage next year and I hope and pray each and everyday that if it is in God's plan for me that I will be!

Congratulations to our new Miss America, Teresa Scanlan! What an inspirational young woman.