The 2010 International Queens at the VA International Pageant

With my beautiful brunette sisters!

With my beautiful brunette girl, Miss Magic!

Jason, Halle Grace and I took a road trip to Glen Allen, Virginia for the VA International Pageants this past weekend. We endured 3+ hours of bumper to bumper traffic in route; however, it was well worth the traffic jam because we had an amazing time. We arrived in VA around 11:45pm on Friday evening and Halle-Grace was already fast asleep! Thanks to DeShawn, the amazing VA International director, we were snuggled away within minutes in our comfy suite! I cannot express how impressed I am with every member of the International family! CLASS ACT…doesn’t begin to explain these amazing individuals.

I had the pleasure of meeting DeShawn back in 2008 and admired her from the start! She’s an exceptional woman, an impressive former titleholder, and a dedicated director. She loves the International system and believes its mission! Thank you De for all that you do!!!

Mr. International, Jason Devine had a very specific duty this weekend. He served on the judges’ panel and took his task VERY seriously! He truly enjoyed meeting all of the Miss & Mrs. Delegates in interview and learning more about their platforms. In his words, “the ladies were very impressive. It was NOT an easy job.”

My loves…Jason & Halle-Grace

On Saturday morning, Halle-Grace & I had fun preparing for the day’s activities.

She gets SUPER excited about pageants and was thrilled to meet Tamika Mills, Miss VA International 2010 and Heather Thompson, Mrs. VA International 2010. These ladies were kind enough to treat us to lunch! Miss Magic was so excited to be in the presence of “queens”.

Miss Magic and Heather

Pageant night was a true “family affair” and reunion. I was able to spend time with my International sisters, Ashley and Juliana, catch up with friends, and it is always a joy to introduce Little Miss Magic to everyone. She continues to sprinkle her “fairy dust” everywhere she goes…

And kisses too…

International Title Holders

I love these ladies…Joy Pfizer, Mrs. VA Intl 2008 and now the Director for the NC & SC International Pageants and Deanna Linz, the current Mrs. Northeast International

Halle-Grace truly loves people AND pageants…and she’s now becoming incredibly spoiled by both Juliana & Ashley. Juliana presented her with a Mickey Mouse diamond necklace and earring set and Ashley shared all of her gummies with her AND allowed her to try out her pink camera! Thank you ladies for being so patient with Miss Magic…but you don’t have to spoil her to PIECES! Haha!

My sister queens with my little princess…priceless!

Miss International & Miss Magic sharing gummies!

At the end of a FABULOUS pageant, Rebecca Crosen, was selected as the new Mrs. VA International and also won the overall community service award. Rebecca is quite an amazing woman with an inspiring story of perseverance to boot. Rebecca will share her story of survival as Mrs. VA International. She plans to continue educating and encouraging others to give the gift of life through her partnership with the American Red Cross and It's Hip to Give.

Deshauna Barber captured the Miss VA International title…such an impressive young lady. A student and member of the US Army Reserve, she will spend her year as Miss VA International supporting her platform “Support our troops”.  And the ever so adorable Jessica Riker captured the Preteen VA International title. The state of Virginia is in for an amazing year with the new titleholders!

The International Queens & Miss Magic with Mr. Marcellus Shepard, the emcee with the smooth radio voice, who is also the supportive husband of the beautiful DeShawn Shepard.

Capture every moment…and make it count!

Until next post, remain blessed!

Shannon