Derby Party

This past week we attended a Derby Party Change of Command Celebration (more party, less formal than this event we attended) for Nick's squadron.

They reserved a room at Mellow Mushroom (one of my fav pizza places and right up this pizza-craving pregnant girl's ally!), and had it catered with delicious food, mint juleps, wine, and beer.  Sadly I had to forego the drinks but I sure as hell took advantage of the food!!!

It was a laid back atmosphere where we all just hung out for a few hours and then eventually watched the race.  I've never cared for the derby and still don't, but it's always fun to go out (and early!  the event was 5pm-8pm) and get to dress for a theme.

I really only fit into a few dresses so I opted for the one of the three maxis I had (to hide my swollen feet) which was blue.  I picked up a white hat from Walmart.  Then I wandered around Joann's Fabrics to find blue flowers to put on the hat to match my dress.  I found ONE.  One blue flower.  I needed something else.  I couldn't decide what color to pair with it and then I decided to represent the Swamp and go with orange feathers.  (Nick's squadron, the Swamp Fox's colors are blue and orange.)

The guys are giant dorks and had patches made (not specifically for this, but just for all their various functions in general...and because pilots love their patches) and decided to all put them on blue blazers.  So Nick paired his with a bow tie (a REAL bow tie because he turns up his nose at fake and pre-tied ones lol).  And khaki shorts.  Yes, shorts.  It's Florida.  More than half the guys were in this same get up.
(and of course, by the end of the night, the bow ties were undone.)

I feel really fortunate to be a part of this squadron.  Everyone always me told the aviation community was the best and while I have nothing to compare it to and say it is "the best", but I am truly loving it.  There are always fun functions going on, the wives club is active and they're all awesome women (no catty shit), and we all have such a great time together.  Sometimes I wish there was a little less going on, because I feel like we always have plans (or that Nick is always gone with the guys) but I'm happy it's a very fun and involved squadron.  I'm happy they are so close and very family-focuses.  It eases my mind about the upcoming workups and deployment knowing we're part of a great squadron and I have a great group of woman to lean on if I need it.