off to the races

a couple of weekends ago dan, myself, kathleen, tommy, katie, michael & stella (tommy's mom) headed down to hot springs, arkansas for the arkansas derby at the oaklawn race track. this was the 2nd annual derby day for us...however, stella has been going for years and years. she is good friends with the owner of the track so just by being with her means we all get vip treatment! we have the best time getting all gussied up and living like big shots for a weekend. this year was even more fun for me because i wasn't pregnant and exhausted all day long! not to mention i could partake in a few cocktails with the rest of the group. (minus katie) although we left the track big fast losers, we came home with more hilarious memories!!

the men like to call themselves "the toms" this is a very exclusive club that you may only enter if you have certain matching ties!


friday before derby day. we spend all day friday and all day saturday at the track...eating, drinking, betting and laughing!




after a long day of betting (and being pregnant) katie needed a chair. my lovely husband was more than welcome to accomodate :)


derby day in style! we met at the owner's house before the race for mimosas & bloody marys. his house sits on the track & you can watch the races from his back patio. but honestly, why would you want to do that? you can't place any bets at his house! ha!




quite a different view this year! to think i didn't even know then that such a sweet little girl was growing inside me! it's so nice to have lilly here...and to have a waist again :)





still smiling...even after losing!


we had such a great time but were excited to get back and see our girls. this was the longest i had been away from my little lilly bear and boy did i miss her! ry's ready whenever she gets invited to the derby :)