The annual Christmas Parade in Conway was held on December 8. I was so excited to take part in the parade, and the weather was absolutely beautiful for it. Before the parade I had the honor of attending an event at Simon Park. It was a Christmas Corner set up for young children. There was entertainment, food, jump zones, coloring stations, and even Santa Clause! I was asked to sign autographs and play with the children.
I loved signing autographs, taking pictures, and getting to know each of the kids, but there was one little girl who especially touched my heart. Her name was Ally. Ally was the first little girl to run up and ask for an autograph and picture. She was a little shy at first, but throughout the event she kept returning to talk to me a little more each time. After signing many autographs, I took my princess to the coloring station. As we were decorating Christmas cards Ally came up to me and said, "I want to be a princess when I grow up." I told her that she already is a princess and her response was, "No I'm not. I can't be a princess." As a dance teacher it always breaks my heart to hear little girls say they can't be something or do a certain thing. I preceded to tell her that any little girl can be a princess and she stopped me telling me she didn't know how. After talking to her for a bit, she soon turned her frown around and told me she couldn't wait to be a Princess. She even said she wanted to do pageants when she was old enough. Later she brought me a Christmas card she had made. These are the moments I absolutely cherish.
A verse I put on all my autographs is Jeremiah 29:11, "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." I hope this little girl sees that God has huge plans for her future! :)
The parade was a lot of fun that night. I am so thankful for my director, Mrs. Susan, and her husband, Mr. Setzler, for helping me decorate the car. They did a great job and I am so blessed to have them supporting me through my journey. Another special thanks goes out to my brother Ryan for being my driver! :)
One of my princesses, Hailee, rode with me in a beautiful red Solara convertible that the Crain dealership in Conway provided. We had a lot of fun waving to the crowd and listening to Christmas music. We even got to see a lot of familiar faces from the dance studio and Mrs. Milicent from the Miss UCA Board!
I love this time of year and the joy it especially brings to little children. Merry Christmas!
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