playin' ponies

evia and papa, watching the races. evia's hand up yelling "horrrray horsies"

 i've always wanted to go santa anita race tracks. my dream of attending, looked something like the experience one might have at the kentucky derby, i've said it before....big hats and a mint julep in hand. i was so excited when diegas' company said they would be doing a trip in february. as we approached the arena, i kept looking back at evia and asking if she was excited, but i think it was i who was beside myself with excitement. driving up it was even more grand than i had imagined. kind of felt like disneyland for a big kid. nice staff, pretty grounds and a culture of regulars and the naivete all together and in it for the fun. our experience turned out to be a little different then my kentucky derby dream. a hat yes, but a kid in each hand instead of a drink. it was so much fun i wouldn't of had it any other way. evia was as pleased as ever to watch the big horses race by. she got to meet one, as we walked into the arena. the jockey steered him over to the fence post where evia and her papa were walking hand in hand and "manchito" put his big face over the rail and let evia give him a pet. it was the beginning of a magical day. after getting our lunch together in taking our seats - in our boxes.  we each placed a small bet on a horse. each picking one for it's name alone, as we hadn't looked yet at the odds board. the sound of the horses racing, the crowd cheering loudly as they approached the finish line and my little bug yelling "horrrray horsies," with her fist up in the air, was more than exciting! of course who would win? our youngest underage participant, mila. with a horse named "i dazzle" (yes you do sweety!) and 12/1 odds, we left the tracks that day with more than we came in with! i have to think she was channeling my grandpa frank - who knew what he was doing when he played the ponies. i cannot wait for our next experience. perhaps this time with friends and drinks, but with how family friendly the venue is (a playground as big as kids world in the middle of the track) and how much fun was had by our little family unit, either way I'll love it. i think it might have to be an annual excursion.

our little winner!

looks so nostalgic

between races getting the track ready for the next

loved the grand stands - yesteryear

inside the track at the park and playground (you can even bring a picnic)

choosing her bets!

down at track level (camera shy and sleepy)

head turner

mama let her taste an icee. thought a couple sips would be fun treat - ooops sugar is not her friend

resting up for a cousin visit on the way home

fun dinner with the family and a trip to the spice market - love you zavala's!