Giselle

 

This week we attended a ballet performance at the National Theater of San Carlos.

The theater opened in 1793 with Queen Maria I in attendance. This building was a replacement for the Tejo Opera House, which was destroyed in the 1755 Lisbon earthquake.  (As I have said before, that earthquake was a very big deal!!)

On this night, the National Ballet Company performed Giselle, accompanied by the Portuguese Symphony Orchestra.

In a nutshell, ‘Giselle’ is a story of love and betrayal, in which a peasant girl is driven to madness and death after feeling betrayed by count Albrecht, who disguises himself as a peasant and convinces her that his promises of eternal love are true.

It may not have been a "Hallmark" type ballet, but I must say that it was very well done and a fine time was had by all!

One Night in Bethlehem

Yay for the beginning of the Christmas season!!!

Here in Lisbon, this weekend took us back in time to...Bethlehem...and the events surrounding the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ. 

This was a massive undertaking for Elder and Sister Seibold. They worked for over three months planning, preparing, and directing the event. 

You never really know how something will turn out - especially in a foreign country where it has never been done before - but - wow - their efforts really paid off.

Over 300 people attended the musical concert and tour. I'm sure it was also a great missionary tool, as well.

While the guests enjoyed their concert in the chapel, we were busy in the kitchen and cultural hall getting the refreshments ready.

(We are ready when they come through those doors!)

-The Tour-

Small groups of guests were then taken to four rooms where they were told the story of the night of the Savior's birth.

(All in Portuguese, of course. So, it's a good thing that I already knew the story.)

In the first room three shepherds told about seeing  angels and going into Bethlehem to find the Baby Jesus.

Next, the wise men related their experience with King Herod and their subsequent visit to the Christ child.

The innkeeper and his wife were visited next. They told about the compassion they had for Mary and Joseph, and how bad they felt that they were only able to offer a stable.

And then we came to Mary and Joseph. They described their experience and feelings regarding this miraculous birth of the baby Jesus. 

A choir of 'angelic' angels sang the exciting news.

The cast and musical numbers included about 75 people. And then there were the missionaries and members who participated behind the scenes with set-up, costumes, rehearsals, cookie making, and clean-up.

This might also be a good time to introduce President and Sister Barcellos, the Portugal Lisbon mission president and his wife. They are Brazilian but were living in Orlando, Florida when called. 

They are full of energy and enthusiasm, and are well loved by their missionaries. 

And speaking of missionaries...

Every sixth Tuesday is the mission transfer day. On that day new missionaries also arrive. This last week the mission had a tsunami - 39 new missionaries came in one lump. They were on four separate flights - two from the United States, one from England, and one from Brazil. 

I bet it was an amazing site at the airport - 😂.

Anyway, fortunately, all of the flights were on time and there was no lost luggage.

Since only eight missionaries completed their mission and returned home, the mission numbers increased substantially. Now over half the mission is in training!

And there you have it. 

The first week of December is "in the books".

McMoments to Remember - September, October, November

Bill and Sandy made it up to Rexburg to visit friends and these kids. 😀

I guess Labor Day wasn't that big of a deal this year. 😏

The DARs and Hayley and Jackson floated down the river...

...and hiked 'R' Mountain.

The NJMs chose to do the camping experience in Line Creek.

Hey, we even celebrated - with a Labor Day meal!

It almost even tasted like home.

Other September activities included...

(in no order whatsoever!!!)

 Peach Days for the NJMs and KJLs.

The boys aced the race.

And everyone enjoyed yummy peach treats!

The parade was a big hit as well.

It's not all about sports. 

Nathan and Kristy attended the play 'To Kill a Mockingbird'.

Emily, Geoff, and Mac went to 'Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat'.

But, then again, it does seem to be a lot about sports. 

High School Cross Country started up again.

Catch them if you can. Go Esplan and Sean!

Ruby returned to dancing.

The boys attended a Cowboy's game.

Geoff took Mac hunting.

Sean and Esplan competed at the Border Wars cross country race.

Top Golf is always more fun with a big sister and brother!

It was real golf for Seth and Alex!

Our birthday greetings for this month - 

Brielle turned 11 on the 6th.

Lincoln also turned 11 - on the 12th.

On the 19th, we celebrated Seth turning 24.

And, finally, the Birthday Bird visited Shelley as she turned 45 on the 28th!

In other news...

Dexter is trying to keep up with Grandpa with his puzzle skills!

And Emma is Grandma's new protégée 😁

It was carnival time in the Allen neighborhood.

October started out with a bang...

 Seth completed the St. George Marathon!

The 2022 Color Run was a hit.

Esplan's first date - Homecoming 2022!

It was Homecoming for Erin, as well.

Sports continued....

Esplan competed in Regions.

For Mac it was basketball and baseball.

Our family now has our very own little Jiu Jitsu guy - Lincoln!

Jackson excelled in rugby.

Yay to our little mimi cheerleader - Ruby.

Only one birthday this month - but it was a good one. 

Dave turned 40 on the 10th.

Trippin' Time
Emily and Mac made a quick trip to Rexburg this month.

It was Fredericksburg and Luchenbauch for the RJMs.

And it was leaf peeping for others.

Sean got a new car.

Meanwhile, back in Provo...

Hmmm...I'm pretty sure this was not Sean's Halloween costume. 😎

Again, in no particular order, these are the events that made this month so noteworthy.

Esplan is our newest driver.

Finn is our newest voter.

Two on the same day. What a busy birthday bird!

November 10th...

Finn turned 19 

and 

David began a new decade - 40!!

Other family 'busy-ness' included...

SPORTS

Oliver began gymnastics.

It was Cheer for Brielle.

(Volleyball kept her busy, as well.)

All that hard work paid off for Esplan. Congratulations!

Elsewhere...

Brielle's Veteran's Day Program. 

More dances for Erin and her friends.

Kristy experienced Jury Duty.

David kept busy with his travels.

(We need to keep him home long enough to go on a few dates!!!)

The RJMs and GCGs took a quick trip to Arkansas before Thanksgiving.

In pet news - 

These cats still have their 9 lives.

Unfortunately, Callie only has 8 left.

The Layton Temple is getting closer to completion!

In Utah - the McCarDuc celebration.

In Idaho - the celebration of the McRowepies.

In Texas - it was the McTompson Clan.

And in Portugal, we celebrated twice. 

First with President and Sister Barcellos at the Mission Home.

...and then with the temple missionaries at our place.

And there you have it. 

The last 92 days in a flash of pictures.

And one last thought...

Abraços e beijos

(hugs and kisses)

P.S. Can't wait for that cruise in just 192 more days!!!