Derby Days

The Nolan’s first Saturday in May was milder in 2011 than in years past but was very enjoyable all the same.  A friend chaired Derby Days, a social event benefiting Charlotte’s Mint Museum, and as we were not able to travel back to Kentucky for the real deal this year, we decided to check it out.  We were not disappointed to say the least.  On the park-like lawn of the museum, you could find games ranging from Horse Balls to Croquet.  The catered food was from many of Charlotte’s top restaurants.  Seer-sucker, hats, and gambling abounded, and we viewed the races in a theater from stadium seats.  Not your average Derby party!

Isla has a head start on the social scene—She was the only baby present (I cleared it with the chair beforehand).  As such, she was a hit amongst the female attendees.  Her fascinator lasted all of 5 minutes.  She has yet to learn the sacrifices that need be made for the sake of fashion.

Alex broke out the madras bow-tie.

The ghostly theater pics.  The camera was on the wrong setting.

I didn’t think to take pictures until the evening and missed the photo ops that the Carolina blue sky offered earlier in the day.  Hopefully, our family picture taken by the professional photographer will make the paper.

So, although my horse came in measly 9th place (Pants on Fire), with perfect weather (76 degrees without a drop of humidity) and the absence of Isla-meltdowns, the day overall was a success.