137th Kentucky Oaks and Derby

Every three years we are privileged enough to have the opportunity to buy tickets to the Kentucky Derby. This was our fourth year to go. As tradition goes, we pick a different group of friends to go with us each time.  We have a box with six seats in it. This year we took Ryan and Katie Hughes and Lori and Eric Regis. The races are at Churchill Downs in Louisville. The "most exciting two minutes in sports", as it is dubbed, is filled with tons of traditions. 

Friday, Oaks Day, was Pink out for Breast Cancer. We all agreed it was the most fun of our wardrobes! Even the guys had fun with it!  We paused for a picture with our Military Men in celebration of their very HUGE accomplishment last week-we have finally captured and killed Osama Bin Laden, the leader of Al Quaida. Katie is posing with "Nanny's" binoculars. Katie has a Kentucky/Equestrian background. So she was really excited to be at the Derby-just wished Mary Lou was alive to hear about it all!

Silly Boys Wear Hats

Eric was Mistaken as a Restaurant Employee

 Handsome Honeys

The Oaks saying, Fillies Run for the Lillies

The Derby, Thoroughbreds Run for the Roses

Vineyard Vines, the official sponsor of the Oaks and Derby this year.  We felt like we paid for this tractor! All of the men's ties came from there, my "Silks" blouse, their silks belts, etc. It made it that much more fun!

Headed to Dinner...Did I tell you that we were LATE every single night?

Derby Day Attire

Beautiful to Watch

Animal Kingdom, the Derby Winner, REALLY???

THANKS to our Great Uncle Fred and Aunt Margaret for introducing us to the Kentucky Derby. That was our Wedding gift from them-our first Derby was in 1997. Ally was conceived at that Derby! And thanks to his daughter and Son in Law, Aunt Pam and Uncle Bill for giving us the opportunity to buy into their box partnership at Churchill Downs. It is definitely something that we look forward to every three years (now every four).  Thanks to our friends for all of the neat treats/gifts that weekend and for making it a Derby to remember!