Christmas Day! I slept "late" (until 0730) and then relaxed with some reading and Duolingo. During this time, I texted a LOT of people, to wish them a Merry Christmas, and got lots of cheery responses. After finally getting ready to go outside, I made a trip through the hotel (looking at the amenities) and then walked across the street to the McDonalds, where I got breakfast (0930). I brought the food back to my room and ate it there. Afterwards, I left the hotel again and spent the next hour walking around nearby, mostly in the parking lots for Walmart and the Dulles Expo Center. All told, I logged four miles towards my 10K step goal. At 1130, I returned to my room and relaxed some more. Throughout the morning, I heard a few times from Erin, who wanted to plan our meetup at Austin's family Christmas party. With this guidance in mind, I left the Holiday Inn and stopped for some gas at the Sunoco (across the street from the hotel) and then (1315) drove (via VA-28, I-66 and I-495) to the Tyson's Corner area. Once there, I met Erin and Austin at one of the family homes and joined in with them for a Christmas party. The event turned out to be wonderful, with amazing food, bourbon tasting and a White Elephant Gift Exchange. I got to participate in the latter activity, thanks to Austin's mom looking out for me. Along the way, I met Austin's parents, Chris and Tina, for the first time. There were MANY, MANY other family members to meet - actually, the group seemed huge to me but the hosts mentioned that lots of people weren't there (!). Between 1335 and 1705, I enjoyed myself and, when I left, I got LOTS of leftovers (it was amazing to watch everyone pick the food they wanted to take and it was soon all gone). Erin told me she wanted me to join her and Kiki for a walk so I followed her and Austin (via I-495) to Nicky's house. We arrived in Alexandria at about 1730 and I asked if we could walk Bear too. Erin convinced her mother that this was a good idea (he rarely takes walks, I guess) and we (Austin, Erin and even Brenna!) took the two dogs for a walk around the neighborhood. The weather was very nice and it was good to be seeing my daughters for a bit longer. I texted Mollie some photos of our time and she ended up texting with me for quite a while. After the walk was finished (1810), I departed for my hotel (used Telegraph Road to I-495, then I-66 to VA-28). Along the way, I talked to my sisters (and cousins, nieces and nephew). I reached the Holiday Inn in Chantilly by 1845 and, while parking, noticed that the Hooters (located across the street from my hotel) was open. Since this was a rare treat, I changed clothing and quickly headed over there so I could have a drink. I wasn't hungry at all but I got a "Dad Beer" and watched football on the big screens. After staying for about an hour (finished at 2015), I then walked back to my hotel room. I spent the rest of the evening blogging and reading (and more Duolingo) - went to bed at 2300. It was a wonderful Christmas Day!
