I haven’t been able to get out to see the windows this year, so I sent my mom out while she was visiting. She loved being a “reporter-at-large.” Assignment: find the best holiday displays in mid-town. (I didn’t want to give her too much to do!). (She said Saks windows were a bust, Lord and Taylors were “nice, not spectacular”.)

While she was doing that, I took the children to the Museum of Natural History. I wanted to see the Polar Ice Rink there. First, a disappointment. The polar bear is really just a branch topiary with lights and a big red bow sitting on a pedestal on the ice. I thought he was going to be huge from the press releases. The rink itself is small. It is small but nicely managed and not crowded. Plus they have a nice, indoor cafe to watch the skaters, eat a panini and sip hot chocolate. But, the museum, as always was wonderful. I loved the dinosaur oragami tree you see pictured here.  But, what’s up with the no stroller access from the museum to the 79th St subway entrance? That was ridiculous! We had to go outside, walk to 81st Street, go down the subway stairs and then cross over to get to “Downtown.” Hrmph!

(Mom took all the photos- she used to be a photographer- except AMNH tree and Barneys window)- thanks Mom.