A couple weekends ago we had the pleasure of going to watch my dear friend's daughter in a baton competition. I know that is not the correct term for it...maybe it's majorette? I am not sure because they do more than just baton twirling, but I am a loser in all things girly. Anyway, I of course, took pics of the adorable and talented K. I used to keep K when she was a wee babe and I have been close with K's mom and dad for a long time. L, my friend, was in my wedding, and I in hers. We were both there when each other's kids were born and we taught next to each other in the same school, same grade! We don't get to see each other much any more, but we do try to stay in touch. When we walked into the stadium (of Mt. Saint Mary's University) I was overwhelmed by hairspray and glitter! All the girls...some as young as 4 I believe, were all decked out in their sparkly uniforms, make-up and big hair! It was a sight to see, for sure. Here is my friend, L and her daughter, K. L is preparing K for the first section of the competition...modeling. Modeling sounds strange for what they are actually getting judged. The judges aren't looking for external beauty, but they are looking for poise, grace, and well, bling. Bling matters in this competition. Sparkle, glitter, sequins, rhinestones...it all matters. It was neat to see girls of all colors, shapes, and sizes there strutting their stuff. Isn't K so cute?!? I could eat her up!When I said sparkle matters, I was not exaggerating. In the hallway of the stadium tons of outfits hung waiting for potential buyers to come along and snatch them up. I grabbed a quick photo of some typical outfits!Here is K before her modeling competition...poised, confident, and beautiful! Look at those eyes!There were about 10 different stations where judges were sitting and the girls had to know where they needed to be when. It was all very confusing for us first timers, but L kept us informed on where K would be. How confident must these girls be to get up in front of all these people and be judged?!?Here is L giving K some last minute pointers and reminders. A sweet mother-daughter moment.After modeling, K had the strut competition. In this section they were judged on how well they marched and how well they would lead a marching band. (I think! L- if you see this and I am wrong, please correct me!) Since we were so far away in the stadium, I snuck into the practice gym and took some shots of K practicing. Now that is great form!After strut, there was an individual baton competition. Here K is practicing her routine for that portion.Such concentration!Oooops! Practice makes perfect. I love how she looked over at L to see if Mom saw her drop the baton. Hehe!Two pretty girls! Ladybug and K...Ladybug used to help me change K's diapers when K was a baby. Now they are all grown up!You can dress them up, but you can't take them anywhere!This last one is not of K, but of an older girl in the competition. I loved how the light was coming through the skylights of the gym and cast her shadow on the floor. Click to enlarge to get the full impact of this one!We had a great time and we learned a lot about this type of competition. K did really well and placed in several areas of the competition. We are so very proud of her! All my baton twirling love,~I can not be separated from this or from you~
