We got to sleep in this morning… 7 am! We feasted on highly nutritious croissants with Nutella (utensils not included). After everyone dozed off, the grapes finally made their debut for the day.
When we arrived to Churchill Downs our glorious and magnificent father Grant Michael Deaton blessed us with his reappearance from the depths of the kitchen trailer. We raced our way throughout the museum learning about the history of The Kentucky Derby. Many participants became jockeys for the day by dressing up and training in a horse simulator. We swiveled in our chairs to see the panoramic documentary about the Derby displayed in front of us. With our tour guide we galloped around the grounds of the track, learned that no one has ever won starting at stall 17 while number 5 produces the most winners (so don’t bet on 17). Our very own grumpy Lacie, led us to the Derby’s thoroughbred and mini pony while others refreshed from the heat with water and gift shop AC. We boarded our vehicles in dwarf groups in order to practice for our final competition.
We learned about our last competition, an interpretation of our TWB experience. Contrary to Dallas encouraging us to spend the last moments together many decided to catch some ZZZZZZZ’s. We were forced to wake up for last minute preparations before arriving at KFC.
We jumped straight into practice for our final competition. Colonel Mole (Finn) then escorted us into our finger licking good dinner. We enjoyed out TWB provided meal, but it wasn’t enough for some of us (fatties), so many of us hoped into line. Participants purchased last minute gifts such as T shirts and postcards. After eating and a final practice, we took a video for all of ya’ll saying we will see you tomorrow.
Right after leaving the bus we bolted down the hill to the amphitheater to begin our competition. Every group left smiles on the audience’s faces. The Happy’s spelled out their TWB ABCs. The Sneezy’s told us a bedtime story but it didn’t put anyone to sleep, very entertaining! The Bashful’s did charades that made us all laugh. The Dopey’s Aiden narrated our favorite moments as the rest of the group reenacted them. The Sleepy’s dissed the counselors by pretending to be them. Last but not least, we the Grumpy’s told the classic Charles Dickens Christmas Carol with a TWB twist. We had a surprise group which was the Docs (the counselors).
*competition photos to come!
After much deliberation, the Grumpys were snubbed of their rightful and deserved victory over the other dwarf groups, and the Dopeys were crowned 2025 Teens Westward Bound Grand Champions of All Time (trip 1). However, the Grumpys incredible, delicious, delectable, immaculate, scrumptious, creative, and all around impeccable chef skills earned us the title of “Best Cooks” PERIOD SLAY POOKIE QUEENS SUGARPLUMS
As we wrapped up our last full day together on TWB Trip 1. We soaked up our precious moments, cherishing our tarp talks, our last outside showers, bus rides, traveling meals, bus packing, cooking, bus cleaning, dishwashing, and even blogging!!! From the best cooks and your favorite bloggers, see you tomorrow. SWEET DREAMS LOVE YOU XOXOXOXO LOVE YOU POOKIES
