It is the crazy season that is for sure! Crazy busy, that is. There is always something to do in NYC, but with the holiday season in full swing there seems to be even more exciting things to see and do. This weekend with very special guests from Ottawa along for the ride, we ventured out to enjoy the holiday festivities.
A & P Skating at Bryant Park
Our weekend started off at a skating birthday party in magical Bryant Park. It was an absolutely beautiful morning. Watching the girls skate around the rink made me a bit nostalgic for Ottawa. I have to admit I was proud of the Canadian girls holding their own on the rink ;). Bryant Park, nestled among the surrounding buildings including the Empire State Building, is gorgeous this time of year. There is the outdoor rink where you can skate for FREE, the temporary craft and gift shops lining the park as well as the amazing food stands. I had a cinnamon and sugar crepe, which was not nearly as good as a beavertail but was still pretty yummy. There is a beautiful decorated tree that towers over one end of the rink with the New York Grand Central Library in the background.
Krista and Sandra under the tree at Bryant Park
After some well deserved hot chocolate we headed into Times Square to meet Uncle Bobby, our very talented friend Robert Creighton who is currently playing Amos Hart in the Broadway musical “Chicago”, for lunch. The girls begged and begged to go to the matinee but we had to tell them AGAIN that the show was not age appropriate for them, so they had to settle for walking him to the theatre. They had been spoiled before being able to see him in both “The Lion King” and “The Little Mermaid”.
Hamming it up with Uncle Bobby
We continued on our way to explore a bit more of Times Square but eventually the overwhelming crowds coupled with tired children forced our decision to head home. The children had a special treat that evening as our wonderful neighbours invited them over to help light the candles on their Menorah for the fourth day of Hanukkah. It was a very special moment for our daughters who have been learning all about the Jewish traditions at school and from their friends. It truly warmed my heart and made me realize how lucky we are to live beside such caring people. A & R have both invited our neighbours over for Christmas as they “think that they would really like it”. Very funny. I love the fact that the girls are embracing all that is new with such incredible enthusiasm. Truly a lesson to be learned from the children.
Krista and I spent the rest of the evening touring Manhattan and enjoying all of the wonderful holiday sites even stumbling across the Mitzvah Tank Parade on 5th Avenue. There is always something unique and interesting going on in this city!!
The Lit Christmas Tree at Rockefeller Centre
Sunday was indeed a spectacular day for all of us as we started off by picking out our Christmas tree and then we went and saw the Radio City Music Hall Christmas Spectacular. It really is a magical event. The Rockettes are mesmerizing. You would have to be Scrooge himself to leave this show and not be feel the Christmas spirit. The girls loved it! It really is literally, a kick off to the festive season.
The girls all dressed up to go to the Christmas Spectacular
Anxiously awaiting the show at Radio City Music Hall
After the show, the BIG girls were able to unwind from the whirlwind weekend by enjoying a fabulous dinner at Buddakan (thanks Ron!). Yep, we packed a lot into the weekend and I do have to admit as much as I am already missing our good friends (tears!). And as much as I love having visitors, I am really looking forward to putting on the Christmas music, starting up the fireplace (t.v. channel 699) and decorating the tree with the family and the dogs. There are even snow flurries falling outside the window… Spectacular!
The Tree!
It's Always An Adventure 