AJ Was a Semi Finalist for Miss Florida Junior Teen

We have just been through a very exciting and hectic weekend.

 

We do not know how NAM (National American Miss) got my eldest granddaughter, AJ's name but they said someone from school usually submits them. But anyway, AJ was asked to compete for Miss Florida Junior Teen. Her mom checked it out to make sure it was legit and it was, so they both decided she could try it out. Even if she does not win, it would be a very good experience for her.

 

 

The pageant was held at the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress Hotel in Orlando. It was a 2-day event, Aug. 3 and 4.

 

 

We were welcomed by a glass champagne upon checking in, which was nice.

 

11 was AJ's official number.

 She was given participation ribbons and an official NAM star after registration.

 

 Even Baby Myla got to go.

 The outfit below was what AJ wore for the casual wear competition. Each category was assigned a certain percentage, the highest being 30% each, which were for the personal introduction, the long formal gown entry and interview by the judges.

Please watch the videos I loaded at the end of this post if you want to see how she performed. They are very short.

We were really all so pleased with how well AJ performed. It was her first experience and the preparations of the pageant was put in the back burner for a long time, after Rea's diagnosis. Thanks to my youngest daughter, Tina, daughter in law, Becky and Rochelle's friends, who took turns in assisting her in finding the pageant outfits and help with preparations, since Rochelle was always with Rea in the hospital and could not keep up with everything that had to be done.
 

 

This was the view from the hotel room. It was simply breathtaking!

 The pool was one of the nicest that we've ever been. We used to take AJ here when she was younger and she loved the water slide. This time however, she was unable to go swimming because of her tight schedule, but I got to enjoy the pool with the little girls.

 So nice to just lounge and relax after swimming.

 This was while waiting for their turn to go on stage for the personal introduction. They wore a business attire per instructions.

 I loved AJ's choice of outfit, It reminded me a retro 50'ish in a conservative style.

 She had to change fast into a long gown right after so her mom and best friend, Sierra, lent their helping hands.

 The final main event came on the second night.

 All the girls performed a group dance.

 AJ is right there in the center although only half of her body is visible.

 20 semi finalists were selected and AJ was one of them. We were all so excited when her name was called. This was all we could hope for for a first timer.

 

The one in blue in front of AJ won the pageant.

 There were 200 contestants, 100 in each division and 20 semi finalists were chosen from each division.

 Below was the reigning Miss Florida Jr. Teen who was to give up her throne that night. In her speech, she said it was on her 6th try when she finally won.

 I thought AJ really did great. I know I would never be able to do what she did, lol!

She came home with 3 trophies, one for a spirit award but I am not sure what the other 2 were for.

 

Rea's surgery was postponed for a week, which worked out well because we were able to bring all the kids to Orlando to watch the pageant. They were so excited every time they saw their big sister on stage. And all the adults got to go too, since no one had to stay in the hospital.

 

Below are 3 very short videos. Please feel free to watch them.

 

 

 

Congrats for a job well done. AJ!

 

Thank you all so much for your visits!