I told Maya she was my second favorite date. She was quite thrilled with that standing. 

Maya is so light weight that it was no problem to pick her up and dance check-to-cheek for the slow songs. Photo courtesy of my friend Mike Krupa. 

 
This evening I attended the Shamrock Ball with Maya. This very popular father-daughter dance sells out in 24-hours and this year I secured tickets in person rather than risk the mail delay. We had a dinner date prior to the ball and danced until both of us were tuckered out. Maya was beautiful in her Christmas dress and I wore matching colors. It was a very special evening for me and I cherished it knowing that in a couple more years she will be opting to attend dances with her friends. Maya has become quite the little dancer and also led several conga lines.

 
Both of Jeanine’s sisters are here for the weekend and the whole family went out to watch Nico’s indoor game this evening. Nico had a nice solo goal and two assists to help his team to an 8-6 win.

 
There must be a wild turkey convention underway because I encountered several different groups along my commute.

 
This evening I enjoyed a wonderful dinner with a new colleague at the Kendall Hotel in Cambridge. The hotel was converted from an old fire house and is very charming.

 
Nicolai and Dakota posing together after the ceremony. I had a chance to speak briefly with her and her mother. Fame has done nothing to change this family and it was very nice to meet such genuine and caring people. I dare say this is an evening Nicolai will never forget.

 
In addition to the beautiful glass award (a picture is sure to follow), Nicolai received a special gift from Alex Van Halen. Knowing that Nicolai was a drummer he provided an inscribed cymbal and drum sticks. It is being shipped to us and I will post a photo as soon as it arrives.

 
The evening culminates when Dakota Fanning (14 year old veteran of more than 30 film and TV roles) presents the Inspiration Award to Nicolai for his climb of Kilimanjaro to raise funds for the Free Wheelchair Mission. Nicolai accepts the award and delivers a brief but poignant speech (I will try and post video shortly). After his remarks a guest at the Gala donates enough money to take Nicolai over his $100,000 dollar goal. Mother and father were quite proud.

 
The choir performance was very uplifting and it was clear the kids were having a great time.

Master of Ceremony for the evening was Steve Valentine (plays Nigel on Crossing Jordan). In addition to being quite funny he is a very competent magician and was very entertaining. 

 
Shortly after being seated at our table, Jeanine begins laughing hysterically. One of the service dogs in attendance has secretly taken up lodging underneath our table and has just begun licking her toes.

 
Nicolai possess with the portrait that will hang at the Shane’s Inspiration headquarters commemorating his award.

 
Nicolai looked rather debonair and spent most of the evening in the company of Logan who he had met the day before at choir practice.