Hi All!
This is baby Savannah; she was born at the Bemidji Animal Land this summer. Animals are a huge passion and love of mine. Growing up I wanted to be a veterinarian or zoo keeper. I am very fortunate that the owners of Bemidji Animal Land are relatives of mine, and that every summer I get some hands-on-behind-the-scenes time with the animals. Playing with Savannah was priceless! A hole in my flip-flop and a few scratches was totally worth it!
Having the opportunity to work out there, while attending college in Bemidji, opened my eyes to my love for animals again. Is it strange that cleaning cages, listening to screeching birds and cleaning up after a 50lb bull dog all day was fun for me?! Maybe someday I will do something in the animal science field.
Karlstad, MN held their annual Moosefest celebration on August 13th. The town is busy with a parade, food vendors, flee markets and activities through out the weekend. My Mom's side of our family is from Karlstad. It was fun seeing the bunch of them! Check out this good looking group!
One of the afternoon activities was a "Jail." Donations were given to have people put into the jail, and later to bail them out. All the donations were given to the Hopes, Smiles, and Dreams Organization. This organization is for children with life threatening illnesses. It gives the kids tickets for the Kickin' Up Kountry concert held in Karlstad. They have a full day of fun.
My little cousin Ross decided to donate to keep me in jail! He though he was pretty funny.
Up, Up, And Away!
My very first hot air balloon ride!
This baloon is in honor of Missing in Action War Victom Heros.
It was very cool to have my first hot air balloon ride this year as Miss Marshall County, as a big part of my year is working with the Children's Miracle Network. And of course, the Children's Miracle Network logo is the Balloon.
I have been working closely with the Miss Middle River Pageant, September 24th, 2011.
A few of the contestants and I at the Newfolden Newfest Celebration.
Miss Moorhead/Miss Red River Valley Teen Pageant!
Katie and Katie :)
Congratulations Ali!
Beauty and Fun!
Where were you on September 11th?
I was in the 5th Grade music class and I will never forget watching it on the tv.
Then, I really didn't understand what was going on. But now, it is a piece of history that I will carry forever. Someday my grandchildren will ask me about this day. Newfolden MN, hosted a Remembering September 11th program. How incredible it was! The speeches left me speechless, and how they reenacted the day left me breathless. With planes, fireworks and hundreds of motorcycles, this will be a day I will never forget.
