fall fun in Kentucky

We've recently discovered the place to be in the month of October in our (relatively) new city. Keeneland is a race track just outside of Lexington that is only open for racing during the months of April and October. Somehow, we missed April's season...still slightly overwhelmed with the new house, the new city, the new daycare, the new job and job setting. So, once October rolled around, our friends, Tim & Liz and Erin & Greg, made sure to get us to the fall races.

I really didn't have high expectations, since the only horse racing experience I've ever had is at Thistledown just outside of Cleveland and if I had to describe in one word, I'd have to choose "gross". Keeneland is the complete opposite...the place was amazingly clean for the amount of people who gather there on any given race day. It was great people watching and fun for all ages...I know I sound like a commercial, but it's true! Plus, instead of sitting in the middle of industry, it overlooks farm fields for miles. It's lovely.

Opening weekend, a couple of my old college roommates, Sarah and Karyn, were down for a visit, so the three of us headed out to meet up with Tim and Liz for a kidless afternoon. We had a great time. Here's Sarah placing her first bet:
The three of us:
This was taken before the race...don't let their smiling faces fool you...a few minutes later, not a dime was won by either:

One week later, I returned to Keeneland with Kris and the kids in tow. We met up with Tim & Liz, again, and Erin & Greg to first tailgate in the picturesque parking lot before heading in to watch the races. Yes, I said "picturesque" about a parking lot...check it out:
Sam and Grace with their pal, "Mr. Greg":
Before heading inside, Sam enjoyed a Halloween cookie, then showed off his purple "lipstick":
Grace relaxing in the grand stand:
Sam and Grace really loved the races. By the time we left, everyone around us was betting on the numbers coming out of Sam's mouth...his favorite was number 5, who actually placed in the top three for three of the races we watched. Since our stubborn little girl refused to fall asleep there as we had hoped, though, we left after just a few races.

Can't wait to check this place out again in the spring!