Visiting with Juergan and family
We enjoyed a wonderful evening with Juergan, Doro, Sinja, Lisa, Tante Trudel, Tante Roswitha, Oma and Opa! Thanks for hosting us!

The 1st day of Advent
Em with her Adventskalenders

Weihnachtsmarkt in Ludwigsburg
Both Joe and I have fond memories of visiting the Christmas market in Ludwigburg. The lights, the buildings, the neat little booths have always held a special attraction for us. This year it was fun to revisit one of our favorite markets, especially the stop for coffee, tea and hot chocolate at the adorable outdoor cafe situated at the edge of the market. We cuddled up in the warm blankets, sipped our warm drinks and enjoyed the hour of just sitting and enjoying the beauty of the Ludwigsburger Weihnachtsmarkt. My favorite night in Germany!

Sangam! Oh how we have missed you!
After visiting the Christmas Market in Ludwigsburg we headed to one of our favorite spots in Germany; Sangam, one of the best Indian restaurants in Germany. YUM, YUM, YUM!!!

Weihnachtsmarkt in Stuttgart
Before we dropped Alex off for her 6 hour long trip home we visited the Christmas Market in Stuttgart. And although I love Stuttgart, it is after all the first German city in which I lived, the Christmas market there is almost too big and definitely too crowded. We didn't stay long, but enjoyed the extra time with Alex and the chance to let Emma Ice Skate.

Alpirsbach Weihnachtsmarkt
We really enjoyed the small Christmas market in Alpirsbach. There were lots of fun things for Emma to do; her favorites were pony riding and candle making. While Opa Urban's favorite, I think, was the Gluehbier. I am not much of a beer drinker, but even if I was- hot, steaming beer just doesn't sound right. Hot wine- good- Hot beer... hhhhhmm not so much. :)

A few shots outside out our hotel in the Black Forest
Thanks Inge and Urban for such a great trip!!

A cold but fun day in Horb
We enjoyed the crepes and Gluehwein (some of had the children's version! :), beautiful sights and great company in Horb. Not only did we enjoy Joe's family, we were happy to have Alex join us as well! Thanks Alex for making the long trip to see us!!

Swimming with Sarah and Lisa at our hotel in the Black Forest

Dinner with the cousins in the Black Forest!
Dining with older cool cousins is way more fun than dining with us old folks.

Weihnachtsmarkt in Speyer

Shopping Trip
Oma suggested we head to one of the few German indoor malls for us see the Christmas displays while we visited. She made sure we had all the necessary provisions (water and snacks for the car, in case we needed them) and that we all visited the washroom before the drive... This took lots of planning, several days talking and planning... We were getting ready for a big trip it seemed; and we were sure of an hours drive or two. But much to our surprise we pulled up to our destination within 15 minutes. Joe and I haven't stopped laughing about it since. I must admit the decorations were lovely! :D

Emma and Sinja
Sinja has grown so much in the last few months! She was in awe of Emma and followed her around, much like Emma use to do with Lisa. They were so cute together.