Monday, October 1, 2012

The Pioneer Pageant

Years ago my sister and I had the opportunity to perform in Merrill Osmond's Youth Pioneer Pageant. Our studio often joined up with Merrill Osmond, The Osmond Brothers, and the Osmond Boys (2nd Generation) for song and dance productions here in the valley and throughout the U.S. I feel so grateful to have had so many amazing performing opportunities, largely due to being in the right place at the right time, and having parents who chose to sacrifice in order to make those opportunities a reality for us. The pioneer pageant holds a super special place in my heart--I LOVED it! I never went to a Young Women's rough camp, or Oakcrest while growing up because I was always committed to pageant rehearsals during those months. I hope I can serve one day in the Young Womens so I can experience camp, but I would never change those summers during the pageant years! My studio was my extended family. My best friends were on my dance teams (not at my schools). My parents' best friends were the moms and dads of our best friends, and we had amazing times and travels together! Because of the pioneer pageant, I was able to learn at a young age the story, the emotions, and the sacrifices of those early saints. There's nothing that will teach you better than actually pretending as though you're one of them :) Seeing Annabelle and little Paige developing those same emotions, and getting to have similar experiences makes my heart happy :) I am forever grateful for all the wonderful memories, and I was beyond excited when I heard Merrill was bringing the pageant back after about 15 years. I hope Annabelle and Paige will choose to participate as long as they can! 

This year I went on 2 different nights. I loved watching Paige and how adorable she was up there! Seriously, she did SO well and knew all of her parts perfectly. And though there were a few new changes and additions to the show, I still thought it was fantastic :) 

The Scene. Nathan Osmond was the pre-show (I met Nathan when we performed in Branson in 1993). He was in the pageant that year with us.
White hair. White beard. Can you pick out Merrill :)
Pre-show
Brittany and Paige
Adorable!
Grandma is so proud!
Pictures from Branson, MO in 1993
Our 1st year in Draper, UT
Scerra Shell. Orem, UT
The girl on the left was Josh's next door neighbor growing up! Small world :)
Mindi (2nd from left) was my best friend, and Misty (4th from left) was my teacher
My best friend Mindi was in love with Gary (Brother Brigham)! They are now married! :)
The mob scene
Awesome memories!

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