The Thompson's Missions: Staying Busy

We have been enjoying every single day of our mission.

While the temple has been a bit slow in January things have picked up in February.
We were very busy during singles week and during half term (school break).

On our days off we have been busy as well.

We went to see 'The Lion King'.

It was in the beautiful Lyceum Theatre. The Lion King has been showing here since 1999.

Long shadows in Hyde Park.

Look how beautiful the weather was! It was a little chilly with sunshine and blue skies.
The birds were taking full advantage of the day out on the lake.

China Town got all dressed up for Matt's birthday! (or maybe it was the Chinese New Year...

one or the other...but it was beautiful)

In January we had a Hi & Bye to welcome the Sellers, Walkers, Sis Beck, Sis Farr and Sis Larson!

Unfortunately it was good-bye to the Sharlands from New Zealand.

We enjoyed a Cronut and a DKA (“Dominique’s Kouign Amann”)
at Dominique Ansel Bakery
YUMMY!

The shop is beautiful.

Our walk to Hyde Park Chapel in the rain. Seems like the weather is always so good,

not on this day...lots of rain. Can't wait for the trees to have leaves again!

We have had 2 weeks of storms blow through. This was the tail end of winter storm Dennis and we also had storm Ciara with lots of wind and rain. Ciara actually caused the missionaries to not travel to church. We were given permission to hold our own sacrament meeting. It turned out to be the best sacrament meeting ever!

We love to go to church at Hyde Park Chapel and are so happy when we
run into these sweet sister missionaries.

After church we caught an awesome shot of the V&A entrance.

It was a treat for us to ride to London after a Saturday shift with the Youles.

Brother Youles is the one with the accent that is almost impossible to

understand. We are getting better at understanding him...he sort of mumbles and every so often we catch a word here and there, but they both have hearts of gold.

We always stay at the same hotel in London.

I guess we have obtained 'regulars' status. Last time we got to our room

these chocolates, water bottles and a lovely note were waiting for us!

We had a blast sitting at the counter in Harrods Pizzeria.

Pizza crust tossing and singing!

Delicious pizza and calzone!

February had another Hi & Bye.

Sadly all byes; Stokes, Days, Davenports and Sis Robertson.

Daffodils on the grounds have started to appear with many more blooming soon.

These are daffodils blooming in St James Park. They are everywhere!

This is the beautiful Horse Guard Building/Wellington Barracks.

Guards Memorial is a cenotaph built to honor guardsmen who died in WWI.

It was damaged in WWII by German bombs.

An inscription was added to the memorial honoring those who died in WWII.

Gorgeous sunset over St James Park

We so enjoy viewing the architecture all around town.

Busy, busy Saturday at the temple!

Fun Saturday night at Wicked in the Apollo Victoria Theatre.

So beautiful inside the theatre.

And the musical did not disappoint. The talent was brilliant!

Church at Hyde Park Chapel.

After church we had a walk in Hyde Park it was such a beautiful sunny day.

We walked to the Italian Garden. It was a gift from Prince Albert to Queen Victoria.

Twice now we have had lunch at Fortnum & Mason. We get a container filled with those prawns and a container of avocado salad. Yes, it tastes as good as it looks! I love their water bottle filling station!

The candy counter is all decorated for Easter!
Some of those chocolate bunnies cost 200 pounds each!

So lovely!

Parliament Building in the background.

Then it was over to The Shard. The tallest building in the UK.

Up the lift to the 68th floor. Obviously not a busy day here, we had the lift to ourselves!

The view of the city is amazing!

Caught the shadow of The Shard in this photo.

We could not love this city any more.
We enjoyed the view for a couple of hours.
A soft drink and some snacks made it an enjoyable afternoon.
The 72nd floor is actually an open air platform, it was a bit chilly.