The final primps before heading to the USA, this show should be different for a lot of reasons - the first being it is invitation only

You had to qualify to come which means the competition should be tough. Getting the final look at my new freaky darness

I don't show many of these pics, but part of the experience is the competator meeting where we get our numbers and get the plan of the day

My Pre Pre-Judging Meal! The women competators all look at me like I'm a freak, but the guys know what's going on here

Yep - straight to the bicep. Who said I ain't got muscle! What you think this is Pikes Peak?

The short class was small, but was tough. There is me (I'm the short one) then Helena and Daina

Daina has come along way - you can see her in my Bluffs 05 album, she is going to be my toughest competition in my class I think.

BTW - did you notice I am not so freaky dark? I still am but the stage lights really wash you out. When you tan and think you are dark, you're not!

I don't hold my arms this wide, me and Jim are working on psychic communication skills so he snaps the pics when I am set in my pose.

lots of camera trouble so I am thankful to have these. I just can't believe its the final show of the year.

Here is Helena, she won her pro-card here last year and I believe she never competed as a pro so she is back to try and win it again

Presentation Round is my favorite (suprised, right?) LOL. I was told by one of my favorite judges don't ever change this pose, this is your signature

The hardest and most thankless job in the house. Jim test judged at another show and said he has a new appreciation for how hard these folks work.

The best part of the comps is the friends you make. This is Missy, she is so much fun to have around and I love to compete with her.

Here are Ryan Irwin, John Arnold, Mandee Irwin and myself. Ryan and Mandee promote Des Moines and John promotes Liberty with his wife Becky.

Here is me and Mandee - she handed me my first overall trophy in Cedar Rapids last year. Her routine was awesome!

Here is Mandee's husband Ryan in costume for his routine. It was a great routine. Nice to know the promoters like to be competators also

This is Dave Yeates the promoter of the show and he had his hands full managing 2 shows that day. He is also VP of NANBF

The show kicked off and the intro was fun. Dave did a great job with organizing it and it flowed - pump it up baby!

Now time to head out and get ready for finals. Jim's Rebel quit working so we got a few digital shots for the rest of the night.

Here is 3rd place leaving me and Daina to await the announcment of 2nd

Turned out I was 2nd and Daina won the class, if it wasn't me I was glad it was her. Daina went on to the overall and won the pro-card.

We also stopped at the Rock Island Arsenal in Moline, IL and this is of the confederate cemetary. The fall colors are magnificent.

We stopped on the Mississippi River to enjoy a little outdoors for a bit and reflect on the final show then we drove into the sunset. See ya next show