Our weekend at the Track...

Street Sense wins!!

Just and I out (without the boys) with Uncle Mark, Aunt Grace, and his parents, John and Jane Friday night. Basa (A Vietnamese Restaurant) was very busy but the food was amazing.

Mark and Grace placing a bet.

The starting gate.

Jane and her new best friend! She spotted Greg Grunberg out of the crowd and asked to take her picture with him. Heros is one of her favorite shows.

my hat.

We were far from the queen but we had a good view of Michael Jordan! It was pretty awesome! Everyone in the crowd was turned toward him and when he acknowledged the crowd we all cheered!

Just and I

Grace and Mark

my in-laws: Jane and John

Sipping on our Mint Juleps.

Sunday...soon before Mark and Grace had to head back to Milwaukee and Justin was already soaking up the sun in the Bahamas (giving a talk at a conference).

It was a great weekend! Sunday evening I about collapsed into bed. Friday night we picked up Grace, Mark, John, Jane and Joelle (Justin's sister and our official babysitter for the weekend) at the airport. We headed out to Basa that night and had a great dinner. Saturday morning we got to the track about 11:30. As soon as we were through the gates Mark got us a round of Mint Juleps and we headed to the Paddocks (where they bring the horses through) and then to our seats. We soon arrived and the betting began! We arrived just before race 5 (there are 12 races total) and placed our bets. Unfortunately we all lost the first race. Races 6-9 however we all fared decently (at least some of our horses placed) so we got some of our money back. The Big race is race 1o and we were all excited as the horses were led out to the gates. Soon the race began and our (Just and I) horse was way behind! Before we knew it they rounded the last curve and were on the straightaway headed for the finish line. Everyone ( young and old) were standing on their seats screaming for their horse! When the race ends however it usually is so close that we who are actually there have no idea who one for a few mintues! Soon the announcement came and a slow motion replay on the big screen and it was known that Street Sense was the big winner! Our horse! We were estatic. We had really won! Justins Dad also had bet on him and Just and he went to collect our winnings. I am glad to say we left with more money than we came with! Phew! Not that we are planning on making betting a regular habit.

After an incredible day we got back to our hotel and were soon off to a late dinner at Limestone, which has one of the best chefs in Louisville. We had great wine, and another wonderful dinner. As we were finishing, all the tables had left except for us and a table full of men. The waiter brought out these plastic baggies full of what looked like woodchips! We asked what they were and he told us they were bourbon barrel chips which they used when grilling their foods. The chef himself came out and invited us to join the men (who were old friends and family of his) for a talk about bourbon, how it is distilled and aged and so on. It was actually really interesting and fun! We did not get back to our hotel until midnight. Sunday Mark and Grace headed back to Milwaukee and Justins parents and sister came to our house for two more days. It was an unforgettable weekend!