Jackpot!

Another Derby has come and gone!

What a fun time to live in the Bluegrass state.

Does living here the week of Derby, make you Kentucky proud??  I know it does me.

I love everything about Derby week.  The races, parades, roses, and mint juleps. The hats, the bourbon, the bow ties and linen suits.  Every detail of Derby screams Kentucky, southern, and most of all...  tradition. 

I love that, here in Louisville, we almost consider it a holiday week, and that everyone has their own special way of celebrating. 

And the fact that this "holiday" brought a four day weekend with my husband, may just be my favorite part of the Run for the Roses!

A four day break to have lunch dates, movie nights, shopping, and staying up late ....

A few days to squeeze in Derby festivities....

(sewing together the blanket of roses)..

Derby baking.......

Derby pies are a must have for Derby week!

And Derby day wouldn't be complete without good friends, GREAT Derby parties...

and a chunky set of pearls.

:)

We crashed the Hammond Derby party for a visit.  I wish I would have taken more pictures (I didn't even get Jen- and she hosted!?), but I was too distracted by the sweet babies.... and possibly the dessert buffet that stretched the length of the bar.  The Hammond family know the Derby, and how to play the game.  There were official programs, lap tops, two different tables of papers and betting notes......

and Troy and I were all like ..  "we like purple...   we'll take the purple horse."

;)

The kids were even selling chances to win Derby pins.

Too funny.

If I ever decide to do a big time Derby party....  the Hammonds/Roseberrys are in charge of all things betting and strategy.

And that Oreo dessert thing-y.

Penny and Erin make their first Derby debut....

Go Babies, Go! :)

We spent the rest of Derby day with the Goodins.  Sam and Jason hosted the perfect southern Derby party.... complete with barbecue, all the appropriate sides, sweet tea, and a covered back porch swing.

Swear.

It was as though it was designed just for me.

(Pinterest house Derby party)  :)

Abby and Olivia kept us entertained.

Call to the post!

Swinging under the covered back porch that rainy evening....   enjoying dinner....the best of friends, (and a jackpot of course!)

..made for the perfect Derby day.

We ended Derby weekend with Sunday lunch with the grandparents...

and our four day Derby weekend came to an end.


We did not have the winning Derby horse this year, though we came close.  Golden Soul (my official Derby bet) led the way for most of the race....and for a moment.....I just knew I would hit big.  Yes.....we were getting ready to strike gold Troy and I....   oh the plans I was quickly making for our life changing win.... we were a furlong away from being gazillionaires...

on my $2 bet.

;)

Ha!

The excitement of the race causes me to temporarily forget that I do not own the horse,  have nothing invested into the horse, and will probably win only enough to pay for dinner that night.

I apologize to anyone around me if I grabbed, squeezed or dug my nails into your leg (sorry Angie), as my horse neared the finish line.

I would be kicked out of Millionaire's Row after the first race, I know.



So that was our Derby.....   and the way we celebrated Louisville's very own holiday.

Though we may not have had the right pick, the winning horse, or the super trifecta....

in my opinion,

 I think we still struck gold ...

Have a wonderful week!

Love,

Kristin