Well well…hello everyone!
I hope you are all ready for the holidays because I know I sure am!
OK, so now that I have returned from my international and national travels, I wanted to give you an update on what else I have been up to and what you can expect in the next few weeks.
We begin with Eastern Washington University’s Homecoming weekend parade!Before the game each year, the main street in town is shut down for the Homecoming Day parade. I was lucky enough to ride in the parade alongside Mr. and Ms. Eastern and their court, the university’s marching band and several clubs and organizations.
It was so much fun getting to see familiar faces and watch the Eagles smear North Dakota 54-3.
Following came the Auburn Veteran’s Day Parade, Veterans Day Lunch and National Veteran’s Day Run.Each was so unique, but all celebrated the same thing, our veterans.
The Auburn Veteran’s Day Parade is the biggest on this side of the Mississippi, with over 200 units involved in the parade. The main street of Auburn was lined with parade-goers waving American flags and sporting their red white and blue. It was a beautiful sight, not to mention the weather couldn’t have been better. Following the parade, I freshened up on my military knowledge learning all about humvees, tanks and cannons.
The Veteran’s Day Lunch was held just a few days later at the Auburn Senior Center. The event center was packed with veterans who had served in Vietnam, Korea and in World War II. After hearing from the speakers, 
it was hard not to shed a tear. My heart was so full because I was was/am so grateful. One of the most inspiring stories came from the woman pictured here. She was a nurse in the Vietnam War.
I rounded out my week at the National Veteran’s Day run in Seattle. I woke up early to sing the National Anthem for the 5K/11K race, early enough to catch the sunrise over the lake. As the race participants finished, I was there to cheer them on and give them their medal.
Then, I had my fun filled day of shooting for my holiday cards with Select Photography. Bill and Laura Higdon are such a hoot and made feel like a supermodel. We shot in Watson’s Greenhouse and Nursery and customers milled about the store while we shot. I was in my evening gown and ugly sweaters, so it felt a little silly doing a photo shoot, but my oh my was the venue gorgeous. Pictures will be released soon.(Message me if you’d like to be added to the holiday card list!)
I then had the chance to sing at the Olive Crest Luncheon in Spokane. According to their website, “Olive Crest is dedicated to Preventing child abuse, to Treating and Educating at-risk children and to Preserving the family… ‘One Life at a Time.'” I heard from speakers about how they are helping to find children “forever families.” Again, the strings of my heart were being pulled at. I sang “For Good” and “Amazing Grace.”
Finally, I went back in time when I spoke at Columbia Elementary School in Burbank and my elementary school, Sunset View. I loved visiting with the kids at both schools and loved being able to go back to where I attended first through fifth grade.
At Columbia Elementary I read “A Turkey for Thanksgiving” to eight classrooms and spoke about goal setting. I got asked hilarious questions like, “are you married to George Washington” or “Do you know the beast mode?”
At Sunset View, I spoke at their PRIDE assembly about making someone’s day. I used my favorite analogy to best show how cool it is when you set out to make a difference. I tell the students they are a mento and Sprite is our world. This bottle is full of opportunities-or pop. When we choose to make good choices, our world is overflowing with love and kindness.
NOW here’s what you can expect:
A few weeks ago, I shot a few “how-to” videos at Brotherton Cadillac as part of our Crown Connections series. Keep your eye out for those weekly for the next few weeks. Here is the first of the series: Crown Connections- How to Check Your Brake Lights
Until next time,
Kailee
The Sports Passport 