Derby Time

The past few weeks have been total chaos.  That's about the nicest way I can phrase it.  And I guess it's caught up with me because I have bronchitis.  For the first time in 36 years, I now have an inhaler (hopefully short term!) and four other meds I'm on as of Saturday.  I missed school today (no, it's not as glamorous as just calling in sick...since I'm a teacher, I have to find a sub, go leave plans after the building is open, but before the kids arrive, etc. etc. etc.  Let's just say it's easier to be there than it is to be gone!!) and am just now feeling human again.  Sleep has been nonexistent between my random coughing fits and the inhaler and/or steroids keeping me awake.  And I can't work out this week (GREAT use of my new gym membership, right?), which makes me sad because I'd gotten in a pretty good schedule.  But the bronchitis also explains why my lungs felt like they were on fire during/after last Thursday's Zumba class...  Ouch!

Somewhere in the chaos, I found a night to make my Derby hat.  I miss making crafts, so this is one thing I look forward to each year.  I also realized I never got a very good picture of the hat on me, so glad I snapped this one before we left.

I was totally exhausted Friday because we'd had our zoo field trip.  I had my new kid (let's just say I'm thankful he hasn't been here all year--I know that sounds mean, but I can literally tell him something 19 times in a row and he still won't do it!!), a special friend, and then an injured friend in my group...all boys ;)  They wore me out!!  I raced over to Holli's to get Reid, raced to the house to finish loading our stuff, then attempted to race down to Jason's office.  Of course, there was traffic and it took us forever to get there.  I struggled to stay awake, but we made it and Jason drove us safely the rest of the way.  Reid was actually willing to try the headphones this time, but began yelling, "No more!!" about 20 minutes into the movie.  So Jason and I got a little music, but Reid was so happy to watch Cars 2 that we didn't mind.

The Frenches hosted us and took Reid to his first golf tournament on Saturday right after Jason and I left.  There are a few cute pics on Jason's phone that I'll have to download and share.  He had a blast and even got a ball from one of the players.  Jason and I headed down to the Heights for the Carlins' annual party.  So glad we were able to go this year, even though it was last minute, because they won't be in Houston much longer.  We finally got to meet their adorable twins, whom we have been praying for!  Their sweet family, all dolled up for the Derby:

Babies Ford and Lucy Cole even had drinks named after them in honor of Derby day!

This was a neat idea...one of our friends couldn't make the party, but had a bottle engraved in their honor.

Our annual Derby picture.  It's a golfer...it's a caddy...it's a very tall jockey?

Getting ready for the race...

"Who are you betting on?"

The Gents

The Ladies

Everyone

The Gents' After Party

We enjoyed seeing old friends and making some new ones.  It was a quick weekend with lots of driving, but so much fun!  The party gets tamer each year, and there are sweet new, little faces to meet.  So thankful for true friends :)