GIDDYAP

1) a command (as to a horse) to go ahead or go faster

Sunday marked the third year of "Fathers' Day at Emerald Downs" for the Bernardy Family. I don't know who initially had the idea to spend Fathers' Day at the horse races but the idea stuck -- and is now a tradition for us. 

My absolute favorite part about the races is seeing my tough German father gently pet the noses of the horses or rub their ears. It is so sweet to see his soft side, the side he did not show much of while I was growing up. 

I also love seeing how excited my dad gets about the horses -- seeing their strength, beauty, speed, and grace, they are truly amazing animals! We like to head down to the paddocks as the horses get prepped and pick out which horse is "ours". My dad and sisters generally choose by looks while my mom and I go strictly by names. Sometimes, if there is a horse or a name that really catches our eye (ok..ok...we DO look at the odds), we will head up to place our bets quickly before the race begins!

Our favorite way to bet is to pick the three we think we will win, and "put them in a box". This way as long as the three horses you choose place in the top three (in any order) you win! Or we like to pick a horse to win, place, or show -- just depends on how our luck is rolling. 

Last year my dad bought each of us girls a fascinators since we love to get gussied up for the races. Of course we had to top that -- so this year we got big hats. I think I am ready for Kentucky, what do you think? 

Not only did we celebrate Fathers' Day on Sunday -- but today is my Dad's birthday! I am truly grateful for the way my relationship with my Dad has matured since I graduated from college. I know that my Dad loves me as his youngest daughter, but more and more I see how much he respects me -- and that means more than words could ever express. Respect is a well-sought commodity from him and I work each and every day to make him proud.

Here's to you, Wolfman! Happy Fathers' day and happy birthday Dad! Crank up the Miami Vice and GIDDYAP!