More of the "Merry MONTH OF MAY"

May continued to be so full of wonderful activities and special Visitors and Events. Missy arrived "back in New York" a day earlier than planned (May 21st) due to an approaching storm that threatened to play havoc with flights and airport. But getting her to our apartment went into "wee hours" of the morning. Well, not too bad--1:00 am😘! She came to go "1 more time" to a NY Yankees game with Kyle (who has been in Erie, PA for the last 4 years and would be Graduating from medical school on May 28, 2017) and to do more of her "NY Bucket List" and drive over to Erie with us for Kyle's graduation). More on that--later😜.
The Barringtons (Taft and Debbie) had made arrangements with us months before--even a year or so--right after we got our Call to this Mission-that they would love to come to NYC and take us to lunch/dinner. They are friends on 2 different levels--as part of the Logan Temple Presc' that we worked with as we were called a Temple workers for 3 years prior to this Mission AND as Taft served on the Board of Directors for LSB prior to the "merger" with Bank of American Fork (BAF) a few short years ago. So, they planned a trip to NYC with some good friends AND they called and came and took us to "Tavern on the Green" in Central Park!
A few "interesting facts" about this iconic NY place:

Originally designed by Calvert Vaux, Tavern on the Green was built as a sheep fold in 1888 to house the 700 Southdown sheep that grazed in Central Park’s Sheep Meadow. Robert Moses transformed the building in to a restaurant in 1934, as part of his park renovation. Through the next few decades, Tavern underwent several changes in management, but the iconic view of the park, and the addition of a dance floor, outdoor seating, and lavish menu, kept prominent actors, musicians, and public figures coming back to the restaurant to dine, drink, and celebrate.
After a hiatus starting in 2009, the city searched diligently for a new operator to reopen the iconic restaurant in 2013. The city selected current owners and restauranteurs Jim Caiola and David Salama, previously of Philadelphia, who would bring a fresh, welcoming approach to Tavern. The duo renovated the restaurant with inviting décor and wood paneling reminiscent of the original sheep fold, and, with a seasonal menu more reflective of Greater New York, reopened Tavern on the Green in April 2014.

As we were walking to Central Park and this iconic restaurant--I shared with Debbie that Missy had come to town a day earlier--and all the FUN things that were lining up for this week. Well--she shared with Taft (I have a hard time calling him anything but President Barrington) that our daughter was back in our apartment. He wasted no time in insisting that we call her and have her "join" us--and we'd wait to order. After some persuasion--Ron called her--and she hurried and came over!! How fun for us all--doubt we would ever have come to this NY landmark--except for this invitation! So many, many thanks--to our Friends, the Barringtons!!

The outside entrance to Tavern on the Green in Central Park in NYC

At the Entrance/Foyer to Tavern on the Green

L-R: Julie & Reed Ernstrom (good friends of the Barringtons), Missy Mumford, Carol & Ron Mumford, Debbie & Taft Barringtons

Up on our Roof--we love to take people up there because the view is 

Magnificent! (Even on a cloudy/drizzly day)

Looking. DOWN upon the Angel Moroni--tho' you can't see it very well.

Monday evening we had a Missionary activity to go to Emmett  O'Lunney's Irish Pub for an early dinner before an Off-Broadway production, The Fantastiks. This has been advertised as the current "longest running show on Broadway and closed it's doors for good on June 4, 2017!!" The dinner was well attended and the Staff treated us well!! The show was "dated" 

 and it was probably a good thing it was closing. But we had a great time with our Missionary friends!

Waiting to go into our seats for The Fantastiks

L-R: Missy, Ron & Carol Mumford for

Another picture of our "Tavern on the Green" lunch. So FUN!!

So--later that night ( well actually after midnight!) Kyle and Sachi Mumford arrive from Erie,

  PA--to spend 1 last day in NYC🍎and hopefully see Marcus and his 2 girls, Grace & Hazel--who were to arrive Wed morning, May 24, 2017--to spend 5 days in the BIG🍎. It was fun to  Welcome them here. After our Temple service--Missy, Kyle and Dad were off to a 

NY Yankees game and Sachi, Emma and Hiro and this Grammy, were off to a "Tea Party" at Alice's Teacup!  Here are some good looks at these activities:

Here is Emma Mumford outside Alice's Teacup restaurant. I gave Emma a mini American Girl doll and she was so delighted--she did not want to put her down. So she is holding her. 

She got "fairy wings and fairy dusted" as we got into Alice's Teacup place.  So DELIGHTED!! She has already tested out her cup --and it was GOOD!! ( see Hiro on the Bench--sound asleep--that's how he feels about "Tea Parties"😄

Emma and Sachi Mumford--so happy together!!

Emma and the "first" cup she tried 

 Grammy Mumford  with Emma and her Fairy wings at the Tea Party for 3

Here are a few pics of the "other half" of this Party--enjoying what they sure do like

"Go Yankees!"

L-R: Ron (Dad), Victor Kyle and Missy Mumford

Pretty good seats-- but, alas, the YANKS lost!! 

We so loved having Kyle and Sachi with us ONE MORE TIME here in NYC! Being in Erie, PA made them our "closest  family" and it was sort of like a "security blanket" for this Mama--knowing that in a few hours (well, maybe a few more--like 7😉)we could be there or they could be here for a short visit. But now--ALL FAMILY MEMBERS are out West with Kyle now at Madigan Hospital on Ft Lewis Washington Army Base to do his Medical Residency.