The Walk to End Alzheimer's and Nisswa Fall Festival

On Saturday, I walked in my fifth Walk to End Alzheimer's in Brainerd. I was feeling very blessed that day as my Dad was able to attend this year again. In 2009, he was diagnosed with early-stage Alzheimer's and has since progressed to not being able to drive or be left alone. The same year he was diagnosed, we were honored as the Honorary Chair family for the very first Walk to End Alzheimer's in Brainerd. As a family, we haven't missed a walk yet! Each year I participate in the Walk, I become a bit more grateful that my Dad is able to be there. I certainly cherish that time because I know that there will come a day when he won't be able to come to the Walk. That time may be next year or it may be in ten years.

I've been blessed with incredible family and friends who are so supportive! All three of my sister queens were able to make it to the Walk that day along with three of the Miss Brainerd Lakes Princesses and my director, Cyndi. I couldn't have asked for a more perfect day! God has blessed me with some incredible people in my life :) Thanks to those who have supported my family and I on this long and hard journey with Alzheimer's disease.

After the Walk, we headed to Nisswa for the 40th Annual Fall Festival! We spent the day walking around, shopping, eating a bit too much, and chatting with the people of Nisswa. All four of us queens and a Miss Brainerd Lakes Princess, Andi, participated in a chalk drawing contest and ended up winning! It was such a fun day that ended with the four of us presenting the awards for the BBQ contest. It was a great kick-off for fall :)

Blessings,
Bailey

Mounted Eagles Walk and Roll and Miss Moorhead!

Saturday was a very busy day for me! It started with the Mounted Eagles Walk and Roll in Pequot Lakes, MN. Mounted Eagles is an organization that provides horse rides to people with disabilities in the Brainerd Lakes Area. Molly, Miss Brainerd Lakes' Outstanding Teen and myself started the walk/bike ride with a countdown. It was so great to be there and meet some of the individuals who participate in events at Mounted Eagles. They have such a personality and live their lives to the fullest. We could all learn a few things from them! Two particular guys stood out, David and Danny. They had such kind spirits! It was fun seeing them smile when we asked to take a picture with them. Such excitement!

After the walk started, Molly and I headed to Moorhead, MN for the Miss Moorhead and Miss Moorhead's Outstanding Teen pageant held at MN State University right in Moorhead. This was our first official local pageant as the new Brainerd Lakes titleholders and marked two weeks since we were crowned. I was happy to see a lot of the ladies that I haven't gotten to see for a while! It's always so much fun to go to local pageants like this and see everyone :) It's a happy reunion!

As I begin another week of school, I'm already looking forward to what this next weekend has in store! I will be volunteering the NEDA (eating disorder) walk at the Mall of America on Sunday then back to Brainerd for a Miss America viewing party at a friends house! I'm excited to cheer on Rebecca Yeh, our Miss Minnesota 2013! She has been such a beautiful representative of our great state and whether or not she is crowned Miss America on Sunday night doesn't make her any less of a titleholder. We love our Miss Minnesota!

Blessings,
Bailey