The Inmans on the Emerald Isle: 2012

This December, we took a really short two day trip to Germany to visit the Christmas markets for the second time. Although, we both loved the cities we visited last year better, Cologne and Dusseldorf were also fabulous to visit. The Christmas markets in Cologne were scattered all throughout the large city and had the best food!!! The most spectacular market was directly beside the domineering Cologne Cathedral. At night, with everything lit up with twinkling nights, it truly is a sight to behold. We spent two days trying delicious, typical German food, desserts, and of course the beloved Gluwein! I was on a mission to find a smoker man as my Christmas decoration for the year. I found the perfect one at a stall directly underneath the Cathedral. I know that for Christmas' to come, whenever I look at it, it will bring back great memories of our time here in Germany. We sure love this country and we were so thankful to have the chance to come again to put us in the Christmas spirit!

Spires of Cologne Cathedral

Ferris Wheel

Potato Pancakes

Yummiest Gnocchi-like dish we've ever tasted (gnocchi, rocket, sun-dried tomatoes, pine nuts, sour cream and parmesan cheese)!!!! We had to go back for seconds!

Fudge

Beautiful German architecture

Delicious Gluwein (hot, mulled wine)

Ornaments galore

Angel Market

Three Alphorn players

Magical Christmas lights

Cologne Cathedral at night

Christmas Market at the base of the Cathedral

So excited about my smoker!!!! Scented incense burn from inside the little man and smoke comes out of his open mouth. I was on a mission to find a cute one!

Exploring Dusseldorf

Yummy flavored, chocolate covered marshmallow pillows :)

We went back a few times too many; there were so many flavors! :)

Flavored almonds--- Bailey's was my favorite

More gluwein please!

Marzipan and nutella crepe... I swear we ate healthy on this trip!

Ferris wheel over looking the city

In late October, I went to visit Ross who is studying right now in Oxford for two months. Thankfully he comes home in just a few days! My trip out to visit him divided our two month time apart directly in half, so we were both so thankful to see each other! We spent the first four days in Oxford enjoying the cozy, quaint college town. We had the chance to tour C.S. Lewis' house, Blenheim Palace (only 15 minutes North from where Ross is staying), Chipping Norton (one of the Cotswolds), and Christ Church College. I must say, I love Oxford! Ross has always raved about the lively buzz of this scholarly town, and I now completely understand why his heart has been won over!

The second half of our trip was spent touring foggy London town, except it was bright and sunny London town for our four day stint! We had amazing, crisp sunny weather every day. We thoroughly enjoyed eating at delicious restaurants in the Soho district, trying as many as possible by eating appetizers, mains, and desserts at different restaurants. One evening we took in a cheap and cheerful musical, Loveboats and Petticoats. There is so much to do in this bustling town, which we ventured to tackle with a Hop on Hop off Bus Tour. The highlight of our trip was meeting up with our sweet, Welsh friend Beth at Claridge's for a proper Afternoon Tea. Yummy!!!!! We so thoroughly enjoyed the delicious food and tea, as well as the posh atmosphere. Great recommendation Beth! Overall, it was such a great trip!

In the midst of this great opportunity to travel Europe and live in Oxford & Ireland, recently life has been absolutely crazy for us, and in particular Ross. We would love and appreciate all of your prayers as we look ahead and begin making steps toward moving from Ireland. Ross is now in his last year of his PhD at Trinity (crazy!!) and hopefully will be graduating this summer. I am so proud of my sweet husband and all that he has accomplished thus far, unfortunately the journey is far from over. Right now he is in the process of applying for jobs, we're up to 30 so far... eek! It has been an incredibly stressful and exhausting process. If you think of us, would you pray for the Lord's peace and shalom to cover us? That we would not look to the difficultly of the job market, but that our eyes would remain focused on Him who has been so faithful. That the Lord would protect our thoughts and emotions during a season which can easily be overshadowed with anxiety. And that we would be led to the perfect job next year where we would flourish both as people, in our marriage, and in Ross' budding career. Thanks!