We have arrived!

Hello! The first day of actual Miss America events are COMPLETE! All the contestants arrived today by 2 p.m. and we “got the party started”! This morning, I had my first fitting with the Miss America wardrobe team in our big white tent (the one you see the contestants running in and out of on national television). It was such a rush to be inside the room where all the magic is made! The quarters are tight but each woman has her own space and I know that everything will flow smoothly. I tried on each of my competition outfits, as well as the new outfits sponsored by Express! The wardrobe team works so quickly and was incredible in their patience and flexibility!

After fittings, I got my room assignment! Here’s the big news we’ve all been waiting for! (Drum roll, please!)…The fabulous Miss Washington is my roommate! Brittney is an incredible woman with all the character and class in the world! Plus, she’s 24 like me so we’ll be going to bed as early as we can! J We’re so excited to lift each other up and support each other through this exciting adventure.

Matthew helped me to move into my new room and we got absolutely EVERYTHING unpacked! Garment bags, dresses, rehearsal outfits, “casual” outfits, shoes, jewelry, all assembled with care and precision! I pressed all the shirts and outfits so that if I am in a time crunch, I can just grab and go! Unfortunately, as I was pressing the last shirt, I burned my arm (woops) so please pray for quick healing! J

All of the contestants met downstairs at 3:30 for the official Miss America arrival ceremony. We wore our new Express outfits and looked absolutely FABULOUS! Watch out for the beautiful picture on their website and on the Miss America website, too! We took lots of pictures, then headed up to our rooms to change for dinner and meetings. I was able to get in a quick phone call home and was so excited to talk with my mom and sister, Stephanie! I am so incredibly thankful for my family and for ALL of you supporting me! Your texts, emails, messages, and phone calls mean the world to me and encourage me so much!

Dinner was pizza (hahah) and salad! There was much salad consumed. I had a delicious vanilla protein shake before dinner and a wonderful salad at dinner! The different organizers and heads of the Miss America organization spoke with us about safety, organization, scheduling, production, and encouragement to get through the week. One beautiful saying tonight by Sam Haskill was that if we know who we are, stay true to that, and maintain that knowledge, we will succeed! It’s so vital that I spend time in quiet reflection like this to stay grounded in who I am and what I believe in!

It was AMAZING to see my Miss America sisters again! It seems like Orlando (the Miss America’s Outstanding Teen competition) was forever ago, but we all picked up right where we left off! It is going to be an amazing 10 days with these women and although we might be exhausted by the end of it, I am so deeply grateful and humbled to be a part of it all! Thank you for helping me to get this far. I praise God every quiet second I get for opening the doors that brought me to this point and for continuing my strength and energy! I am headed to bed for an early appearance at IHOP tomorrow morning! Love you all!