Royal Ascot Races

Wow!  How much fun was today!!!  Even though the weather left a lot to be desired (windy, rainy and quite chilly) it didn't dampen our spirits at all!  We all had a wonderfully entertaining day at the Races.  This was the fifth and final day of Royal Ascot and we weren't disappointed. We enjoyed the showmanship of hats and fashion-- as well as the races!  This is definitely the UK's version of the Kentucky Derby --- right down  to the fashion display of hats and outfits!  Gentlemen must be in a suit or tails and top hat and women are to be formally attired and wear a hat at all times!  Gaby spent the day with her new friend (our nanny, Lucia).  She also had a good time!

We had a private car that drove us to the races (about an hour away).  Just as we got out of our car a big wind and rainstorm came through!!! We managed to get across the lot to our appointed Hospitality Village tent.  The hospitality tent we were in was great!  We were treated like Royalty!  Delicious food and an open bar as well as someone who placed bets for us.  They made it all so easy!  We could stay in the tent and watch the race go off on TV or you could walk up a hill and stand at the rail close to the finish line to watch!  All very exciting!  Many of us were SO close in several races, but as we all know, close (unless its 2nd or 3rd) doesn't count. As it turned out, I was the only one who won.  I won 18.60 pounds in the second race and 64.60 pounds in the last race!  Such fun!!

We got back to our lovely hotel, The Stafford in St James Place, around 7:00 pm. Gaby was certainly glad to see us, though she had a great time with her nanny.  (They went to a toy store where Gaby picked out two small toys)! We quickly changed out of our "Ascot Clothes" (and boy was it great for the girl's to get out of their dress shoes) and found our way to a spectacular Italian Restaurant, Al Duca on Duke of York Street..  Not only did we vote it our best meal so far, the staff was absolutely SUPERB!  We felt like Royalty!  We all loved the restaurant and intend to go back!  

We are off early tomorrow for a private viewing of the Crown Jewels!  So far everything has been wonderful and amazing!  I'm posting the Ascot photos.   We did see the Queen's Procession with the other members of the Royal Family that opens the day of racing.  I did get a photo of the Queen in her carriage. 

The last two photos are Trey's belated birthday cake (he attacked the strawberries) and Gaby's plush bear which she loves!  More tomorrow!  Stay tuned!