Princess for a Day ... or a Few

We have a friend from dance that was a contestant in the state's teen pageant. Each of the contestants can ask a younger girl to be her princess. And our friend, Rachel asked Layne to be hers. She and Layne have developed quite an admiration for each other this year. And Layne was just over the moon to be her princess. It was a busy few days - the princesses (and a couple princes) had rehearsals, photo shoots, and parties. In addition to the daytime activities, the children performed a group number during the pageant, so we had three late nights in a row. 

 We just found out last weekend that Rachel will be a contestant again for next year's pageant. She asked Layne to be her princess and Sydney too! How fun will that be? The girls are excited! 

I didn't bring my big camera because I purchased the picture package (which I have not received yet), so I took most pictures on my phone and on a point-and-shoot digital. I don't have much (and I'll post a couple from the package when I receive it), but here is the little princess.

Here she is ready for arrival.

She was introduce with her teen queen.  Pictured here is Miss Arkansas 2011 Kristin Glover (left), Rachel's other princess, Farrah, Rachel (in hat), Layne, Miss Arkansas Outstanding Teen 2011 Ashton Campbell (in colorful dress) and her princess (in pink).

After the princesses were crowned.

During one of the many many practices the princesses had.

The teen queens and the princesses went to a mermaid party where they did all kinds of activities with each other.  No parents allowed!

The princesses performed their dance all three nights of the pageant.  They had to dress in "trendy wear".  This was the first night of preliminaries and Layne already looked tired.

The second night of preliminaries, Layne got to go up on stage with Rachel.  She looked beautiful.

Auntie Melissa did her hair and made her look gorgeous.

On Saturday, there was an ice cream social where the parents and family were able to attend with the queens and princesses.  Layne sat with Rachel the whole time.

Layne and Rachel last night.  Rachel had to give up her crown for Miss Metro (one of the preliminary pageants for the Teen pageant), because they can't be the same prelim queen for more than one year.  Rachel was crowned Miss White River just a week ago, which secures her spot as a contestant in the 2013 Teen pageant next year.  And Layne will be her princess again.  :)