Every year, my mom's side of the family plans a trip to a new destination, where we all stay together, cook together, and do a lot of card playing and puzzle solving together. This year's vacation was to Lexington Kentucky. While we were there, we traveled to Louisville to go to the races at Churchill Downs our first night. Betting on horses based solely on their names, we didn't exactly walk away winners, but we did have fun!

After the races we met up with Danny's brother Andy and sister-in-law Emily, for a really nice dinner out on a patio. It was really good seeing both of them, but espcially good to see Emily's baby bump!! :)

Saturday we packed into two cars to go on a wirlwind tour of the Kentucky countryside. First stop, a horse farm with our family name "Ramsey". We couldn't resist a picture!

Next on the list, Shaker Village. We were just here long enough to walk down the main street once, and quickly browse the gift shop. This little village consists of 8-10 buildings that were at one time a functioning compound for Shaker people. It is now converted to a bed and breakfast (sort of) with different activities on the grounds. Danny and I definitely want to revisit this "town" and possibly stay the night. You're dinner is served candle light, and it's supposed to be very good!

We had to cut our time short at Shaker Village in order to make it to at least 2 of the 6 Bourbon Distilleries. We all decided on Four Roses, and Maker's Mark.

The two are extremely different, which is interesting since they make the same fairly specific spirit. We quickly became Bourbon experts, learning the criteria of what makes it a Bourbon and not a Whiskey:

1) Made from a grain mixture that is at least 51% corn.

2) Aged in new, charred-oak barrels

3) Distilled to no more than 160 (U.S.) proof

4) Entered into the barrel for aging at no more than 125 proof

5) Bottled (like other whiskeys) at 80 proof or more

When it came time to taste the Bourbon, it took everything in me to even bring the glass to my mouth! Debbie was trying pretty hard to, and she was much better at it than me. Cerena... well lets just say, she tried half a sip and she was done. So basically that meant that our elft overs all went to Austin, Danny and Greg! :)

Maker's Mark was much more commercialized, but still a pretty small production. At the end of the tour, we made our purchases and dipped each bottle into the famous red wax. Very fun day!

On our ride home the next day, Danny and I stopped in Columbus, Indiana for a quick dinner and an even quicker walk around the interesting town. This little town is known for it's buildings designed by famous architects, in an otherwise very quaint and ordinary Indiana town. We will DEFINITELY be going back here too!

We had such a good time, and we can't wait for next year's trip, which is going to be to Galena for Cerena and Greg's wedding!!!! Yeah!