And They Are Off.....

So Saturday I went to my first Steeple Chase Race. It was hotter then hell but we had a BLAST! Richard, the kids and I packed up our car with a big picnic cooler and headed for Malvern, PA for the 81st Radnor Hunt Races. Of course it was the perfect opportunity for Jules and I to wear hats without fear of ridicule. Turns out the only hat each of us had was pink and black (and hers had white). And the whole family turned out wearing combinations of pink, black and white. I was in pink and black. Jules was in pink and white. Nate wore black and white and Richard was the man in black!
It was about a 3 hour drive and the weather was beautiful. We took I95 up which is an interesting drive ~ especially through Baltimore and going through the tunnel.

In any case, we arrived just before noon and met up with Alex and they boys who got there just before us. We were parked on the back side of the track right by jump number 5. We had about an hour or so before the first race and we set out our picnic. Sandwiches, pasta salad, lots of drinks and snacks. Coolest thing ever were Alex's flip flops with the build in bottle opener! She rocks.

We had lots of fun waiting for the first race, especially Ty and Grampy Richard.
Nate and Bryce found a shady spot to chill

We had a great view of the races. I had never seen horses jumping before. The sound of them going over the hurdle made me really nervous. I was so afraid one of the horses would stumble but all was well. We also had some friendly bets going on between the 7 of us. We each put a dollar in the kitty and whoever picked the winner got $7.00 We stayed for 4 races and the Albury's cleaned up. My favorite part was at the last race, we told the little boys that their horses both won (a tie) and gave them each a couple of bucks. You'd have thought they won the lottery! So adorable.

In between races we chilled at the cars. Like I said it was terribly hot but every once in a while we'd catch a nice breeze. We are already planning next years trip. We are springing for the more expensive tailgating spots right up against the fence. We are bringing a tent, folding chairs and a little blow up kiddie pool. We'll have Jen, Jeremy and Charlie with us too.

We did walk up to the main race area for a little bit. It was waay to crowded for me but boy talk about the smell of money. There were so many sponsor tents and parties going on. The outfits themselves were worth blogging about. I wish I could have discreetly taken more pics of the ladies and gentlemen in their race day outfits. Lots of summer dresses and fun flowery hats. Men in pastels with bow ties. This one, though, I had to show you. This guys jacket was just BEYOND FABULOUS!

All in all a very fun day. I can't tell you how wonderful it is to be able to see Alex and the boys more often. Getting to be Grammy and Grampy to them is just wonderful. Of course, the boys adore Nate and Julz as well ~ I think the feeling is mutual.