California International Pageants

We had the MOST amazing time at the California International Pageants. Eddie Peterson graciously invited not only Mrs. International…he extended a warm welcome to Mr. International and our princess, Halle-Grace. Eddie is an amazing state director, friend, mentor, and he’s just plain hilarious…and I LOVE people with a sense of humor! During the Mrs. International Pageant in July, Halle-Grace spotted Eddie and she knows fun when she sees it…

Halle-Grace immediately liked Eddie and before the week was over in Chicago, she was telling him, “you don’t know my life”! It was hilarious! For those of you reading who are thinking, WHAT did she say to an adult?? You MUST hear one of Eddie’s motivational talks. For now check out http://www.youdontknowmylife.org/ then join the International Family…see all of the fun you are missing??!!

From the moment we landed in California, we were treated like a royal family! Eddie had a stretch limo lined up for the Devines to transport us to our home away from home for the next 4 days!

We checked into our fabulous suite for the weekend and found the most beautiful arrangement of flowers waiting for us!  Eddie, thank you doesn't begin to express our gratitude!

The weekend started off with a contestants orientation where I was able to share my platform Building Families Through the Miracle of Adoption, with more than 80 contestants! Anytime I can share my story, I get very excited and sometimes a little emotional.  Halle-Grace has truly changed our lives and completed our family and I want to share our Joy of Adoption story with everyone! 

I would like to thank the 2010 CA International Queens; Ashley, Dedria, Gretheel, and Claire for their dedicated year of service to the state of California, and welcome the 2011 titleholders into the International family; Tiffany Ellison, Mrs. CA International, Brittany Wagner, Miss CA Intl, MacKenzie Carter, Teen Miss and the Jr. Miss CA, Courtney Critz. Congratulations ladies you will have an amazing year!

The weekend was like a mini reunion in many ways. I was able to share the stage with two of my sisters, Rebekah Negrete, Mrs. International 2007 and Suzy Bootz, Mrs. International 2006. I also had the chance to meet the new Idaho titleholders and their incredible director Autumn. They drove 14 hours to the pageant…I think they should receive the dedication award! WOW! International is truly a big, happy family!

Again, many thanks to Eddie Peterson on a memorable weekend (to include taking Miss Magic to Disneyland) that will FOREVER live in our Devine hearts! Congratulations Peterson Productions on yet another incredibly successful pageant!!!

International Pageants…It truly is a “FAMILY AFFAIR”

Until next post, remain blessed

Shannon Devine