Go Baby, Go! (Derby 2020)

Derby in Kentucky is the absolute BEST. We love everything about it!! The races, the big hats, the parades, the parties...it's like a week-long celebration and it's so fun.

So when it was cancelled back in May (thanks to Covid), we were so bummed! We waited patiently, though, and loved celebrating the Derby this past weekend. Although I'll admit--it was SUPER weird having Derby the same weekend as Labor Day. Haha!

But we had a little Derby party in the backyard, and it was a blast!

^Two girls, getting ready to party!^

 

We ate, and then set up the projector in the garage and had a big screen watch party. It still wasn't as good as being at the track, but it was close!!

The energy of the race is always just electric. We were all cheering and yelling as we watched, and it was so fun. The kids were super into it, too!

^Brighton's face in this kills me!^

^Go, baby, go!!^

Brighton and Camden both picked the winning horse (Authentic!), so they got to split a giant candy bar for their prize. They were pumped!

^Can we please talk about these dimples?^

After the race, Boston and Camden put on a little magic show for everyone. They had been practicing and practicing, and it was pretty darn cute to watch them in front of a crowd, just doing their thing.

Then the kids played on the swing set and ran around, and the adults just hung out and talked. It was the most perfect evening to be outside! 

^Little magicians^

^hiding Brights^

^My friend Kristyn and I with our darling girls!^

I set up a little "photo booth" with some Derby props, and we had so much fun with it. 

Because I mean, is it even a party without a photo booth??

P.S., I had Camden write out the words on the sign, and he added the "#Derby" part all on his own. I was so proud! Haha.

^My little Derby crew!^

I could only talk the boys into one picture, but Monroe had no choice but to be in a couple more! Can you even handle her in her little hat??

Cutest Kentucky baby ever.

^Monroe's first Derby!^

After dinner, I brought out some rose cupcakes I had made for dessert. (thanks YouTube for the rose frosting tutorial!) They turned out so yummy...but the red frosting totally stained the kids' faces. We were dying over Brighton's Joker smile! haha.

^"Wanna know how I got these scars?"^

The kids played until the sun started to go down, and the fireflies started to come out. 

Such a perfect Kentucky night.

^He loves her so much. Also, their big brown chocolate eyes!^

Even thought it was an nontraditional Derby this year, we made the most of it and had so much fun. Hopefully by the time the next Derby rolls around we will be able to go to the races again! 

So glad we could still make some fun memories.

***

^Derby week 2019^

Downtown Date Night.

 

Does anybody else feel like it's been a thousand years since they've been on an actual date, inside an actual restaurant? (Boo Covid!) When we went out to eat downtown the other night, we felt FANCY. Haha! But seriously. It was the best!

We went to one of our favorite pizza places, and it was delish. There's something about a giant Diet Coke at a restaurant that's just good for the soul. You know?

We had our cute third wheel (baby Monroe) with us, and she was adorable, as usual. 

^She was like, I want somma' that!^

^toasted garlic bread app with bruschetta, fresh mozz, & basalmic glaze. YUM^

^BBQ Chicken pizza is our fave^

After dinner, we walked around downtown and talked about plans for home school, our dreams for the future, and how happy we feel to be where we are. We just feel really lucky to have what we have, to know what we know, and to live where we live.

Even through weird Covid times, we have a really good life.

Then I forced Jordan to take some photos with me, because I love him. And he did it, because he loves me. 

^Married for ten years, and we still like each other.^

Then I forced Monroe to take a thousand photos, too.

(It's what I do best.)

^But I mean really. Is she not perfect?^

T  W  I  R  L  ! ! 

We walked over to the historic Brown-Pusey House and explored the gardens for a while, and my heart melted into an actual puddle as I watched Monroe and her daddy daughter together.

When we found out we were having a girl, everyone warned me that I wouldn't be able to handle seeing Jordan with a baby girl, and they were right. Holy smokes.

^Just dead over them.^

I love sneaking away for date nights with Jordan. Even when we have to wear masks most of the time, and even when we have a little baby in tow. 

Dates with him are always just what I need.

***

Okay, one last Monroe pic for the road:

The end.

***

Monroe's bow: Victoria Lane Collection

My dress: Loved By Lillian