Trendy Xchange Grand Opening

Another exciting grand opening happened in Provo a few weeks ago. A clothing store called "Trendy Xchange" opened by Sally's, 24 Hour Fitness, and across the street from Shopko and Movies 8.

Waiting with a group of girls for the store to open.

Presenting the "first dollar" to the store owners

A little shopping after the store opened :)

Madhatter Tea Party

This event was also put on by the Dollhouse Festival, but was geared towards little boys and girls. The attendees were invited to wear their favorite hat or costume. It was a wonderful tea party for an even greater cause. All the proceeds from the Dollhouse Festival help abused children in the Provo, Utah area get the help they need to overcome the trauma they have experienced with abuse.

With the Madhatter

This little boy was dressed up as a Pirate Clifford The Big Red Dog. He was darling and so sweet.

Dollhouse Festival Auction and Dinner Gala

I was asked to entertain on the harp during the silent auction and hor'derves hour of the Dollhouse Festival Auction and Dinner Gala. The Dollhouse Festival is a friend of Children's Justice Center in Provo, Utah. All the proceeds from the Dollhouse Festival help abused children in the Provo, Utah area get the help they need to overcome the trauma they have experienced with abuse. I was thrilled to volunteer my talent for such a worthy cause.

Before the Gala

With an incredible dollhouse that was part of the live auction. It was a replica of the White House. The inside even had tiny replicas of the oval office, the dining room, the Lincoln bedroom and a President Obama doll walking in the front door (if you look closely you can see his back in the picture above.)

Make-A-Wish Magic

I absolutely love being a Make-A-Wish volunteer. There is no greater feeling than watching a child declare their wish and helping it come to life.

I was asked to dress up as a princess and surprise Birkley at the party held to unveil her new "wish" playground. She wished for a swing, but as always Make-A-Wish volunteers went above and beyond and got Birkley an incredible playset complete with swings, a super fast slide, rock climbing wall and tire swing.

Birkley was so sweet and loving. She showed me all around her playset. She had me climb up onto the top and go down the slide with her and then I pushed her in the swing while she kept saying, "higher, higher."

All of her friends and family came over to support her and play with her. It was a big party celebrating Birkley and her bravery. I am so happy that I was able to be a part of her wish.

Swinging with Birkley

This little girl dressed up as Snow White to come to the party and when she saw me she ran as fast as she could screaming, "mommy, mommy, it's a princess! It is a real princess!" then she gave me a huge hug. these are the moments that I hope I never forget.

Here I am explaining how to use "fairy dust" to make a wish. Once they have a wish ready, they close their eyes, I count to three, and then sprinkle the sparkly, fairy dust over them and then they blow the extra out of my hand. So fun!

Birkley was showing me inside the playset.

About to go down the slide with Birkley.

With all the kids at the party.

With the wish granters and Birkley on her dream playset.

Lakeview Park Grand Opening

This was an incredibly fun event to be a part of because of how many community members and especially children came. Right after the ribbon was cut all the kids swarmed the playground. It made me remember how much a I loved going to the park as a child. In fact the little kid inside me became so persistent that I had to test out the slide. I give it a 10/10.

After talking to these cute kids for a little while the little girl in the black ran back to her mom yelling, "Mom, I talked to a princess and she was nice." It made me smile. I love my job!

I received my first engraved, commemorative tennis ball.

My wonderful cousin Janet is a cookbook author and was giving a presentation at the South Town Expo Center and asked me to come assist her. Her presentation was all about crockpot cooking. I think my roommates are going to enjoy all the tips and tricks I learned.

My cousin, Janet, and I

Gooooo Cougars!

I bleed blue and am a Cougar through and through. Being a part of the BYU homecoming parade was a blast. It was soooo cold, but my sparkly boots kept me warm.

a special thank you to Amy for making my one of a kind outfit :)

with the Miss Orem Royalty

Golden Shovels and Hard Hats

There are so many exciting events happening in Provo right now and one of them is the new Provo Rec Center. Today I had the opportunity to help break the ground so construction could begin on the state of the art Rec Center. It will be such a wonderful asset to our community when it is finished.

Breaking ground for the Provo Rec Center with ceremonious gold shovels

Skippy and seasoned ground breakers... those darling, little children loved to dig...

Who wouldn't when you are using a sparkling, gold shovel? If I had one of those maybe I would get out into my garden to weed more often!

Being Miss Provo is a balancing act... :)

Our firemen in Provo are incredible. They truly are heroes. They showed Melanie and I all the "bells and whistles" that the fire engine had. Then they let us "drive" around. Ok, it was just pretend, but the fun was real.

After our tour of the engine, we were awarded our honorary fireman (sticker) badge.

Only YOU can prevent forest fires... oh wait that's Smokey the Bear...

Pie Eating and Pioneers

When I was asked to judge Provo City's Pioneer Day Pie contest, I did not hesitate for a moment before saying, "YES!"

I judged along side Mayor Curtis and the chef at Communal restaurant in Provo.

There were many delicious pies, like cherry, apple and peach. And some very creative and interesting pies, like raisin and bean.

exchange students from China

the amazing Provo City employees who made the Pioneer Days celebration so incredible

Topping Ceremony

What is a topping ceremony you ask?

It's ok. I did too!

Here is what happened: At the topping ceremony for the Utah Valley Convention Center we signed the final beam to be put in place and then they moved it across the street and hoisted it all the way to the top and secured it into place.

As I have said before I am so grateful for the opportunity to be Miss Provo. I love all the once in a lifetime experiences I have been a part of during this exciting year.

Signing the beam

being a part history making in Provo

With Sherrie Hall-Everett, Provo City Councilwoman

America's Freedom Festival Parade at Provo

I love the 4th of July. I feel so lucky to be Miss Provo because celebrating the 4th of July in Provo is second to none.

We were invited to a VIP breakfast before the parade started. We met a lot of Utah dignitaries like Governor Herbert, Senator Hatch, Coach Dave Rose, and BYU President Samuelson.

The Grand Parade has so many fun and exciting entries. We had a lot of fun walking around meeting everyone while dropping off "thank you" goody bags to all the royalty floats.