Les Bois Park

Saturday night after work, we decided to head down to the racetrack and watch the races - it turned out to be a fun night! They run both Thoroughbreds and Quarter Horses and have a total of about 8 races in an evening. We stayed for 3 races. It's a lot of excitement in a small amount of time and quite a lot of sitting around between races. We found a bleacher that had a dead-end into a railing which overlooked the stairway - a perfect place to let Morgan run around without bothering too many people.

She loved it! She neighed at the horses, vroomed when she saw the tractors, laughed at the people around us, and watched everyone heading up and down the stairs. In fact, by the end of our time there she was so wound up from all the excitement I thought she would explode! Chadwick bought a program and made bets to himself for each of the races. He didn't do too bad; he correctly chose the winner for Races 3 and 4 and had a few of the horses chosen who placed in the top 3. His luck had run out by Race 5 and he didn't fare as well. I'm glad we didn't lose any money and can see how it would be addicting to place bets!

That's a date night we'd repeat. Wednesdays are "ladies night" and get in for free, so maybe I'll have to round up some girls for some racetrack fun....

Artwork with Wood

This spring, Chadwick's aunt came over to the house and helped me "design" the look of the flower bed which occupies the front of the house. Her flowerbeds are amazing and she was so sweet to come help with ours. In the center, we planted a climbing rose. Since it needs help to grow, I had planned on buying a trellis from Lowe's. Instead, Chadwick's creative juices started flowing and he was able to make one for me from wood lying around the yard. It turned out well, I think, though he can find several flaws in the design. Part of the problem with doing it yourself, I am coming to learn, is that you know where the goofs lie.

It's so fun to be married to someone with artistic ability!

Team Gene "X"

Four long years of information overload, long hours studying, cramming for tests, celebrating each semester passed, and pushing through the sleep deprived days of fourth year has the effect of bonding you with your classmates in veterinary school....for better or worse. Even though we studied with different groups, Chadwick and I were fortunate to have created lasting friendships with those whom he studied with - the boys of "Team Genuis" - Todd, Ryan, Milo, Nick, and Chadwick. I'm happy to report that the girls and I had no such nickname. =) And just to note, there were several other people who became part of our "family" who were not part of that study group. They are no less important to us!

In June, we were able to plan a little reunion at Milo's house in Grover, WY. There was a veterinary conference in Jackson Hole and the Andrus family was kind enough, and able to, invite all of us to stay at their house for some playing and learning. Nick was not able to attend, but Todd, Ryan, Chadwick, and I were able to go along with our families. Here are the stats:

• 5 veterinary students


• 3 non-veterinary spouses


• 4 families


• 1 house


• 8 little girls under the age of 5

It was determined that they should change their name to "Team Gene X." Next time we're making t-shirts......

On the way home, Chadwick and I couldn't help but be grateful for the amazing people in our circle of friends, how their friendship strengthens us, and how dull life would be without these individuals. Yes, we live in three different states and 2 different countries (Todd and Hanna are in Canada), but that doesn't matter! And I love that about this particular group.