Off to the Races!

 

Derby season in Kentucky is the ABSOLUTE best. It really is! There are two weeks of parties and events and parades and races leading up to the Derby, and it's just so much fun. It really is a holiday here (some kids even have school off!).

This year, Jordan's work gave him tickets to Thurby, which is the Thursday of races before the big Kentucky Derby race (on Saturday). It was so fun to get dressed up and head to watch the races for a few hours at Churchill Downs with my handsome date!

^On the shuttle to the gates^

^Churchill Downs^

^The most handsome man.^

It was raining when we got there, so we hung out underneath the awning for a bit and did some people-watching. Which, in my opinion, is the BEST thing to do at Churchill Downs...other than watching the horses of course. Haha! (but seriously)

Some of the hats and ensembles are out of control/ so amazing!

We hung out for a bit, but then the clouds parted and the sun came out, and it was a beautiful day of racing. 

We really lucked out!

 

^Look at all of the people!^

We went up to the front so we could be close to the action when the first race started, and we were right there as the horses and jockeys warmed up.We had perfect (a little soggy, but perfect) seats--right next to the finish line. 

The energy of the crowd at a race is electric. With everyone cheering, the announcer yelling updates over the speaker, and the horses running so fast--it is just amazing. It never gets old!

^warming up^

After the first race was over, we wandered to the higher levels of the stands to get more of a bird's-eye view for the next race.

We did some more people-watching...and tried not to breathe too much. (The smoking at these things is insaaaaaaaane.) But it was still a great view!! And a perfect time to take some silly selfies.

 

^Hey, handsome!^

After a couple more races, we headed down to the courtyard to wander and snap some photos before heading back home.

(Jordan was a good sport for the photos. Because let's be honest...those are not his favorite things. Haha. I love him.)

^Haha. Our 'photographer' (a random drunk lady) was very into dramatic crooked shots.^

 We seriously had the BEST time.

I hope we can go again next year during Derby week...because it is unlike anything else. You definitely need to put "visit Kentucky during the Derby" on your bucket list if you haven't already. I promise you won't regret it!

Speaking of...my only regret this year is that I didn't wear a hat like this:

...just kidding. 

Haha. Kentucky is the best.

What a fun day!!