Today we quite spontaneously decided to go to the Saratoga Race Track. Actually, it was our little giveback to Grace for all the time she's spent on the lacrosse field since May when the season began. She majorly deserved this day of "horse fun". This was her first trip to the track and it was great to share in her excitement. The fun started right away when we were parking the car and she saw all the horses in their stalls. She was SO excited, turning heads with her squeals of delight out the window from the back seat.
Little did she know what lay ahead. Awe set in again as we walked to the gate and she watched the thoroughbreds getting their baths from the grooms.
Today was "Hats Off to Saratoga Day" where the ladies wear their fancy hats to the track. We did our best, but it was a lame attempt compared to others. Perhaps next year I'll get out my hot glue gun and really do it right.
At the gates, ready to buy our tickets...
Girls in Hats, what fun!
When we got inside she played on the playground, ate some yummy track food (I suggest the sausage and peppers personally), checked out the bathroom (she was amazed at the lady handing out towels and candy), people watched...
...need I really say anything?
Then, finally, the first race started. She must've asked a million, no two million, questions. Thankfully, she's only four 'cuz I know zip,zero, nada, about racing. But in her eyes, I knew EVERYTHING. Oh how, I miss those days with the boys, lol!
And their off...!
Equally fun to our Grace was the cooling off walk where these gorgeous animals come up close and personal.
Or the Post Parade...
All in all, it was an awesome day at the track indeed. But, all good things must come to an end sooner or later. So to help soften the blow, we decided to take a stroll in Congress Park. Much to our delight the Shakespeare Actors were there performing Hamlet. So, naturally, we pulled up our chairs and enjoyed this wonderful talent. Miss Grace again, asked a million questions (mostly she needed translation, lol!). She was good up until the part where Ophelia died. Then when Hamlet got in the sword fight, she decided she couldn't watch any more. She kept hiding her eyes, then peeking out asking if it was over yet. It was half cute and half not when she just couldn't get the concept that they were REALLY just pretending.
Thankfully, when the play was done the actors strolled the lawn and she got to see that Ophelia REALLY was alive and well.
And Hamlet too...
Not wanting to end the fun times, we had a picnic dinner in the park too while we waited for a concert to follow. Naturally, we needed dessert too. So we strolled Broadway to find a
potty yummy treat.
Thank you Coldstone Creamery!
No trip to the park would be complete without some photos our our little one in the beautiful evening light at the Canfield. Well done, Daddy!
Or some candids taken by our own budding photographer, Miss Grace...
Warm, beautiful summer days like this just make you wanna dance...
It just brings out the kid in all of us...
What a perfect day indeed!
Joyfully,
Kate-Lyn
