Kentucky Derby

The triple crown horse races have been a Baca family tradition for quite some time. We pick our horses, first through third, for the Kentucky Derby. Whoever wins, if anyone does, gets a Sonic gift card. Some of us, I won't mention names, actually have been seen yelling at the television as the horses circle the track, jumping up and down, and falling to knees in anticipation. For the latter two races, we cheer on the Derby winner in hopes of a Triple Crown.

This year, we spiced things up a bit by making hats for the big race day. Cael laughed at Gramma and Mama in their creative hats. Gramma put all the contenders' names on her hat, with her picks on a special pink ribbon. Mama used a 24-pack Coke box and decorated it with shiny tinfoil and ribbons galore. Don't we look smashing? We would fit right in at Churchill Downs, I think.

We also added another new tradition of decorating horse sugar cookies. The pictures show Parker with his red horse, Kiki with her pink one, Aunt Nicoke with her horse - she is holding up number one because her horse, Super Saver, won-, Uncle Shane with his horse that Kiki decorated for him, Gramma with her white horse with pink hooves and a pink tail, and Mama with her horse that is the colors of her jockey's jersey. Decorating and eating the horses was great fun.

Next year, we want to add Mint Juleps, virgin, of course:), to our celebration.

Traditions like these make memories that last forever.

Here is what you were doing, Cael, while all the excitement was going on.

You preferred to be in a room by yourself, sipping your root beer. Cheers to you, buddy! Maybe next year you will be more sociable with a mint julep or two in you;)