Melbourne Cup 2014

What an incredible day! 

Not only was today Melbourne Cup Day but also our precious grandmothers birthday. Nana (in Heaven) was remembered and honored this morning by the kids and I with our traditional Cup-Of-Tea with breakfast. It was a bit of an emotional morning for me waking up at 6am and reflecting on and sharing so many things I miss about her on Instagram. She is still so very loved and missed.

At around 9am, after Matt picked up Nevaeh, I threw on some daggy clothes and with the form guide in hand, headed to The Courthouse Hotel to place mine and the kids bets.. It was a bit of a different but nice vibe as I walked the streets of Bacchus Marsh this morning. People, men mostly, were all walking towards the main street with Form guides in their hands just like me. It gave a positive start to my day..

After placing my bets I bought home Win and Place tickets for Kelvene to fill out. 

Kelvene is a friend I met while in foster care in Brisbane all of 10 years ago. We went to high school together and from then until now have maintained an unbreakable sisterly friendship. It's still so sureal to have her here staying with us and being under the same roof again after all this time but I'm loving it big time.. And sharing her first Melbourne Cup experience in Melbourne was such a privilege..

Before we left to go out for lunch Jie and I took a few selfies..

As you do..

While Kelvene put her bets on I helped one of our precious elderly neighbours place her bets. I loved her theory. She backed the favorite.. The youngest horse.. and the oldest! I thought that was kind of Cute. 

Before the big race we went to The Loot Garden Cafe for lunch Kel's shout! Jie had a bowl of ice-cream and topping!! Kelvene had a burger with (not) the lot!! and I had their famous Hot Potato!! Highly recommend you visit them someday soon if your local. It's a family fave hot spot to wine and dine! 

This year Jie picked his horse based of the horses last 5 starts. 

Nevaeh picked her horse out purely on fashion, "the one with the lightning bolt.."

I picked mine based on the trainer and Kel picked hers on.. Well I don't know.. Maybe I should have asked her before she went to bed.

I also put one in each of the other races putting my money on David Hayes (my favorite trainer) and his nephews horses all day.

I got one third place.

But the day ended well with Kelvene having her money on the winner and winning her first ever Melbourne Cup race.. Although I was incredibly happy and excited for her, I was envious. She has been down here just over a week and is already doing so well in all she's attempting. Work for her is great, she has been getting amazing feedback from her study trainers and won the Cup! She has, is and forever will be my greatest inspiration..

Love ya Kels xx

*All photos were slightly tinted blue is honor of our Nana (in heaven). Her favorite color was blue <3