Go Horsey!

Today, we met my folks in Hot Springs for a pre-birthday bash to celebrate my brother’s upcoming birthday.

A few months ago, we decided we ARE those people.  Those people that take their kids to the races.  In our defense – a big shout out goes to the fact that smoking is now isolated to certain areas.

Today was GORGEOUS.  I’ve been to the track in APRIL and it’s been freezing.  We are still in March and in the upper 80’s.  The kids were so excited to see the Horsey’s!

We got so lucky that we were in an “off” weekend (between big races) – and on a Friday.  There was no crowd!  The kids quickly realized that there were people outside – and they wanted to go there!

Love that with NO ONE out there – my kids choose to sit right next to the guy with the 2 kids!

Apparently, the guy is a jockey and thought I wanted him to scoot closer for a picture! 

My kids love being with “the people!”

He looks like he’s playing his DS – right? Um, no.  He’s taking pics of his “friends & family & horses.”

Here’s what he was trying to get!

The kids with Uncle Matt!

The kids with Babe & Pops!  So, so thankful to have Pops feeling good and able to enjoy this day with us!

I feel safe in saying that my kids had the best seat in the house.

Blake was so nice to let us sit with him in the box!  Then he even let us watch him in the paddock.  He had a horse that he was trying to get “settled” to the set-up at Oaklawn.

Then Mr. Blake made our day.  He took us to the barn where his horses are stabled.  The kids (and I’ll admit me too) were so overwhelmed by the beauty of the horses!  What a fun experience.

When it was time to go get ready for our dinner reservations – Bo went to get the car…and we lounged and enjoyed the day!

We did a quick change of clothes – and were ready for din at J&S!  But, not without the requisite “lake” pics!

We were so shocked that our “little bit” Con ate like a horse!  She even ate the escargot!

And shrimp villa!

The men had Osso Bucco – delish!

The ladies had sole, wrapped with spinach around a scallop.

Con even ate our side of pasta!

My wonderful “McCain” family!  How blessed, lucky,thankful I am for all of us to have such an amazing day & night together.  Rest assured I don’t ever take it for granted!  Happy early birthday Uncle Matt!