4-H Modeling Contest

One of the summer activities that we look forward to these days is the 4-H modeling contest.  Getting three kids to create three outfits each takes forward thinking.  We are always on the lookout for ideas, sales, and... time.  This year we did better in planning but were still sewing the night before.  As we say each year, we have to start earlier.  We'll see if that actually occurs...ha!

This year I decided to stop at one of my favorite places for lunch after we landed in Omaha... California Tacos.  I have fond memories of eating here during med school.  The place has changed a bit as they've expanded which I took as a good sign.  Micah was in heaven as he loves anything Mexican.  Victoria... not so much.

Izzy had been talking for months about this activity with her cousins.  The three of them enjoy the time spent together whether it's assisting with getting dress or gossiping.  Victoria was stoked to be included this year but had a harder time understanding why she wasn't competing at the same level.

Payton has been one of the local gals that the girls have made friends with during modeling and the fair.  We also enjoy her parents and know her father from when we were growing up.  The girls labeled themselves the "funeral squad" after they realized all of them chose black for their Shopping in Style ensembles.

A bit of goofiness is always a must!

The same night after modeling for the judges, the contestants model for the audience.  In years past this was at the high school auditorium.  With the ongoing pandemic and funding limitations, it has been held in the 4-H building.

Victoria was in her element the entire day.  We practiced the week prior for all three of them.  If was fun to see how their personalities came out during this time.  Victoria was all over the place and inconsistent but flowed effortlessly.  She could have handled any bump in the road and would be able to keep going without being rattled.

I am super proud of Micah.  He worked harder than his sisters on sewing as fine motor skills do not come as easy for him.  Though he didn't want to model, he understood the concept of creating an outfit and using it for two ribbons; construction and modeling.  When practicing, we had to go over and over his "routine" so he knew exactly what he was doing at every turn.  If there was a hiccup, he would have to start all over.  I'm glad he was able to be more flexible the day of.  He was a bit alone as he was required to change in the bathroom so as to give all the girl's their privacy.  That was a bit tricky the night of the performance as I had to run back and forth to help him get dressed.  Another parent then helped him get in line at the right time.  My favorite was all of his poses at the end of his modeling that he incorporated.  Only a boy could get away with them.

The numbers were definitely down this year.  It's unclear if this will be a growing trend though I do fear it will be as sports have taken over much of children's extracurricular lives and skills such as sewing are not viewed as necessary any more.

After all the models have strutted their stuff, awards are handed out.  This year they selected winners (champion and reserve champion) in every category as well as those selected to model at the state level.  Victoria won champion in Beyond the Needle with her Santa sweater.  Amelia on champion in Steam 2 with her floral dress.  Though no one from our families were chosen for state, everyone was proud of how they did.  They were even talking about what they were doing next year when we went out for ice cream... another after modeling contest tradition.