December 2016--oh what a. . . JOY!!

The month of December has been FILLED with so many WONDERFUL THINGS!! It arrived and within 5 days--we were privileged to watch the First Presidency Christmas Devotional  (streamed live from the Conference Center at Temple Square in SLC, UT).  Then just a week later, the long-awaited and planned for "Radio City Music Hall Rockettes Christmas Spectacular" was enjoyed by 22 Full-time Senior Missionaries, along with members of our Temple Presc.  It was such a wonderful performance. Even Elder Mumford enjoyed it and was so amazed that the birth of Jesus Christ was told, on Stage, with readings from the books of Luke and Matthew--and the Nativity gloriously portrayed on stage, including live sheep and camels (yes, real camels) !! It was truly "spectacular"!  Then we anxiously awaited the visit of some of the family--but also enjoying some of the "magic" of "Christmas in New York City" by visiting Rockefeller Center to see the gorgeous tree and the window displays at Saks 5th Avenue and the magnificent Light Show on the buildings in that area. Sorry, my photos will not do such displays justice--but I offer them, nonetheless!
Preparing the Apartment 4E for the festivities of this Season was. . . Somewhat difficult, due mostly to lack of any decorations on hand. 🎼🎶We Wish You A Merry Christmas🎶--there arrives a package with 2 small Alpine trees (less than 2 ft) and the cutest lights and decorations--pictures of ALL 31 Grandchildren (in little decorated frames) ready to hang on these trees!! How sweet  for the family to think of that!! Special thanks to Hollie and Kate. I'm not sure I can bring myself to take these pictures and trees "down" when the holidays are through. Do I HAVE TO??
Rather than keep all the pics I have for the end--I will document the aforementioned events with PHOTOS!!

  

As Full-time Senior Missionaries we were blessed with a card from the 

First Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Our grandson, Justice Mumford, singing with Children's Choir at the Cathedral of the Madeline in SLC, UT

A "message" from Home from Katie Marie

Part of the "prelude" to Rockettes performance--dueling organs (there was another one across the hall--exact same)

Amazing ending to Rockettes performance--the Live Nativity 

Santa explaining how he has "mastered" being in more than 1 place at same time 

Below are some of the "magic" of Saks 5th Avenue window displays 

The "timed to music" display at Rockefeller Center Square 

E &S Mumford with magnificent Rockefeller Center tree behind us 

With our fellow Missionaries the Martinezes and the Holloways

More light displays 

  

Some of the "shots" of my little Grand trees: 

 

 

Radio City Music Hall

Before Christmas activities also included Caroling in the Lobby

In the lobby of our Apartment building--senior Missionaries who can, gather to share music and invite whoever  loves Christmas music to join us in sharing the beautiful music of Christmas

We so enjoy being with our "Missionary Friends"-- YOU are the BEST!! 

WINTER'S EVE at Lincoln Square --November 28, 2016

The "long anticipated" event called "Winter's Eve" didn't quite live up to expectations. This was the 17th Annual celebration of this event and it was advertised as the "premier and largest" festival kickoff to New York City's Christmas celebration. Well there were certainly "throngs of people" and lots of jostling going on.We were told that the traffic would be blocked off from about 68th Street down to Columbus Circle so as to make crossing from Columbus Ave  to Broadway safe and easy. Well, that didn't happen!! And though there were "food samplings" from many of the restaurants along Columbus and Broadway--average cost was $3 and you truly got just a "sample"!! Don't plan on getting "FULL" in the least! There was lots of entertainment going on up and down the streets--but it was hard to find much Familiar Christmas music until we found the La Guardia High School Choir "tucked inside a building at Columbus Circle"!! They were so fun to hear and see!! All in All--it was still a delightful evening to walk up and down this whole area and feel the "magic"of the Christmas Season beginning to "come alive"!! Here are just a few pics from that night:

Official SIGN advertising this event

Just one of the many "odd" characters roaming the sidewalks during Winter's Eve 

One of 2 Ice Sculpting demonstrations-- this one was right in front of Manhattan Temple

Spanish Flamenco dancer

Mariachi Band performing by Columbus Circle 

Easter Indian entertainment

2nd Ice Sculpting--Toy Soldier--in area of Columbus Circle (59th St)

This was very interesting to watch! I can see why Sapporo, Japan has an entire Winter Festival centered around Ice a Sculpting contests! Fascinating!!

The "Lighted Tree" in Danstes Park 

Maybe next year we'll check and sort of "map out" where the Entertainment is and go in search of the "real Christmas stuff".🎄 

We did love the FREE HOT COCOA that the New York North Missionaries were "feverishly" preparing, pouring and giving away!! We can see why they always run out fast!! Great Job Sisters and Elders!!