How we do 16 Years of Marriage

We just had our 16th wedding anniversary and we just so happened to be on a Mormon Pioneer handcart reenactment trip 7 hours from our home camping in separate tents in good old Wyoming.  The day of our anniversary was the last day of our Pioneer trek and we were super tired, super dirty, bug bitten, hot, and exhausted having hiked 20 miles in the previous 3 days.  It wasn't exactly the destination vacation that you would plan for your anniversary.  So, we had a toast with our water bottles and sat next to each other on the bus for 7 hours and decided to celebrate our anniversary the next day... at the RACE TRACKS!

After Zac's trip to Kentucky, he became very interested in horse races and it just so happens to be the peak of the Triple Crown Season.  The Belmont (final leg of the Triple Crown) was the day after our anniversary and the local horse track in Idaho Falls was hosting a Belmont block party.  I decided for Zac's birthday/anniversary present from me, I would hook us up for some admission to the races and gave him and myself a stack of 20 $1 dollar bills and then I read and studied about how to place bets on horse races.  On the day of the race, we both put on our fancy hats which is racing tradition and we got all slicked up and ready to hit the tracks.  

I have to admit, I was REALLY excited.  This was an adventure that neither of us have ever tried before even though it has been there all the time in our own back yard.  And the prospect of gambling always gets me excited.

We both liked the looks of this horse (look how spirited he is!) for our first race and I placed a Quinella bet along with on the #3 race horse Lilroyalwagon... yep I know what a Quinella bet is :)  And wouldn't you know it, I called the race and therefore had money to place bets on races 2 and 3.  All told I came out $9.10 richer than when I started, which nearly covered Zac's almost $10 loss.

We may have just started a gambling addiction!

Here are some shots from the races:

Right before this race started, this poor race horse broke free of the starting gate and ran his own race clear around the track without a rider.  He seemed so pleased with himself that he was doing so well.

The poor darling had to re-run his entire race and didn't place.

I can't even put into words how much I love Zac and how happy I am to have him for an eternal companion and partner in crime.  There is nothing I love more in this world than exploring and experiencing life with my sweetheart.  

Here's to forever baby!