Sweet as Honey: Mel's First 5K and Zoo

This year marks the third year I have done a 5K at the Louisville Zoo called Throo the Zoo. The first year my sister Kelli and I ran it, the next Meric and I ran it. This year Meric, Lissy, Mel and I planned to run it.

The morning started out early and raining. We arrived at the zoo an hour before the race to check in and get our t-shirts. Because of the rain we all stayed in the truck and waited for the race to begin. The closer we got to the start time the harder it rained. Mel is a little too small to sit in her jogging stroller so we use it by placing her car seat in it. The car seat fits fairly well but the rain flap doesn't quite cover the whole seat. With the rain coming down harder Meric volunteered to stay in the truck with Mel while Lissy and I ran the race in the rain. When Lissy and I got to the starting line they announced that the start time would be delayed 30 minutes. In that 30 minutes the rain let up to a light drizzle so Meric and Mel were back in the race.

Everytime I have done this race the first 2 miles wind through the neighborhood (which is flat) and the last mile winds through the actual zoo (which is hilly). This year the entire race wound through the zoo. I was really not prepared for such a hilly 5K. I almost made it a full 2 miles before I had to stop and walk. We finished the race a little under 40 minutes. That is definitely not my best time but it was a fun and challenging race.

Check out my May 2012 blog to compare Kelli the gorilla to Lissy!

Right after the race we enjoyed the free water, bananas, apples, and yogurt that was offered. I think a lot of people didn't show up because of the rain so there was a lot of food available. We ended up walking away with a couple bunched of bananas, several apple slices and an entire container of yogurt. Between the t-shirt, free admission to the zoo and the free food I think I actually made money on this race. (Being an Irishman's daughter, I can't help but like free stuff.)

Mel slept through the entire 5K and woke up shortly after we started walking around the zoo. She didn't really notice too many of the animals. They were too far away and not moving enough to catch her attention. There was one orangutan that put on a show and had her undivided attention. It was swinging upside down and banging on the window.

At only 3 months old Mel is a little young to really enjoy the zoo or a 5K but we had fun with her. If we have our way there will be several more 5Ks and zoo visits in her future.

Sweet as Honey: Mel's First Day at the Track

With Mel enjoying the Kentucky Derby so much we decided it was time to take her to a live horse race. Its never too early to start hitting the track, right? Actually my sister Melissa came for a visit and we wanted to take her to the track. Melissa (Lissy) is the first family member to actually meet Mel. I was so excited for someone in our family to meet and get to know my sweet little goof ball.


We arrived at Churchill Downs on a warm Thursday afternoon. Pulling into the parking lot the golf cart shuttle driver lead us to a parking spot and then waited for us as we unloaded so that he could give us a ride to the entrance gate. He also gave us tickets so that we got into the track for free.

Once inside we were just in time to place a wager on the next race. Lissy and I each used the sophisticated strategy of picking a horse by how much we liked the name. With our wagers placed we headed out to the track so that we could witness the finish up close and personal. Lissy's horse started out strong and mine started out last. By the end they were neck and neck for 2nd place. Mine came in 2nd and Lissy's came in 3rd. Since we both had bet $2 (the minimum bet) on them to show, we both won money. Lissy came out $0.80 ahead and I came out $0.60 ahead. Whoo hoo we were rolling in the dough!


With Lissy's track side experience complete we decided to head up to 3rd level to enjoy a view from above and some much needed shade on such a warm day. The box we chose was perfect because we had plenty of room for Mel's stroller, a light breeze, shade and a short walk to the betting kiosks.

Each race we took turns picking a horse and laying down some money. Some won and some didn't. The last few races we decided it would be fun to bet on the long shots. One race our long shot actually did great and came in 2nd. It is so much fun to bet and watch your horse run and cheer them on. We started out with $10 to gamble and with winning and losing a few races we walked away with $5.40. Not too shabby, lost a little but not as much as I thought.

Going to the horse races is so much fun and Mel actually did really well for such a long afternoon. She slept a little and only fussed a couple of times. For the most part she enjoyed the outdoors and races.

Sweet as Honey: Mel's First Kentucky Derby

Living in Kentucky for the past 3 years Meric and I have come to appreciate the Kentucky Derby as an exciting and fun event. We have started to look forward to it every year and were excited to celebrate Mel's first Derby. My mother was also excited for Mel's first Derby and made sure she had an outfit for the occasion. She also sent a cute headband to go with the outfit. A heart made out of red roses was the perfect head accessory for the Derby.

Almost the entire campground gets together and enjoys the day. There is a potluck with everyone bringing food throughout the day. This year I contributed by making a cookie dough cheesecake. It was delicious and only one piece was left by the end of the day. We also enjoy all of the races and betting on some them. The first race we bet on Meric won and Mel and I lost. The next race Meric and I lost while Mel won. For the Derby itself I always ask my best friend what horses her boys think will win and I bet on those. Every year they pick the winner and this year was no exception. Total we ended up betting $14 and came out $3.75 ahead. Not too shabby!

Mel loved watching the races. Between the moving horses and the colorful silks she was fixated on the television. With her actually watching the races and having a cute outfit Mel was a definite hit at this Derby party. Mel even participated in the hat parade.