It really is magical. Especially when you get to see it again through the eyes of a child. Its just after 8 and Audrey isn’t up yet. That’s crazy to me because I remember being up before 7. Mom…please confirm??

Had Renee’s family over for Christmas Eve. Did stockings and exchanged some gifts. We draw names every year, but somehow this year Renee’s mom and dad sneakily removed themselves. No one even noticed until after presents were opened! But I love watching Audrey. No matter what it is, she is SO EXCITED. She pulled out some 2-1 shampoo/conditioner from her stocking and came running over to me. “DAD shampoo! 2in1!” I don’t think she even knew what that meant, but wow was she pumped for it!

Had to say goodbye to Shinny Upatree last night. That is what Audrey named her Elf on a Shelf. Its our second year with the little guy and I must say – those people are geniuses. Despite the commercialism, it is pretty cool. It is the first thing Audrey wants to find when she wakes up. She listens better because she knows Shinny is watching and mom and dad get to be involved too. Its a win in our house for sure.

So Christmas morning is just the three of us and then off to my mom and dad’s for the day. Looking forward to some brunch, dinner and games today. I must crush my sister and brother in law in Carcasonne. (Fun game if you haven’t played it)

Oh I think I hear something up the stairs. The little girl is up. Well off to record to some video and enjoy the day. I hope no matter where everyone is, they get to enjoy their holidays as well.

Merry Christmas Everyone,

Dan

Wow what a fantastic trip. Not only was Boston a very cool city, we also hit the Celtics/Pacers game, Patriots/Broncos and Bruins/Penguins. And although a Red Sox game would have been amazing, we did the tour which was pretty cool in itself.

We stayed at the Liberty Hotel. Very nice place, but the lobby and a couple of restaurants turn into a giant night club on the weekends. Its crazy! It doesn’t affect anything in the room, but was pretty surprising when we got home from the basketball game on Friday night. This hotel used to be a prison up until 1990. It is a pretty neat use of space and they incorporated a lot of the prison look into their design.

Boston is rich in history and we did a tour through some of the old parts as well as new. Spent a lot time around Faneuil Hall, shopped and visited their aquarium. We also ate some great food at some great restaurants. One thing I really loved about Boston is how easy it was to get around and how close everything was. It was cold, so we took a lot of cabs, but they were always under $10. Even the airport was right in the city. Anyway, definitely one of my top cities to visit in the US. Not that I have been many of them, but put it on your list if you haven’t been.