New York City

My parents approached us this year around August with their usual question, "What would you like for Christmas?" Yes, my parents think about these things in August. We responded with the normal I don't knows, and that was that....until my cabin fever skyrocketed. 

My cousin recently moved to NYC to work for Apple, and I vowed that I would visit him before he began his next adventure elsewhere. I decided that I wanted an experience rather than a tangible gift, and asked for a plane ticket to NYC. My husband couldn't go due to his managerial duties at work, so I had a tough decision to make. We decided that this was an opportunity that I'd be crazy not to take, so off I went!

My cousin was the perfect tour guide and host. He weaseled his way into having the entire four days off while I was there. We took advantage of the time and hit every touristy site a visitor could imagine. Throughout our childhood we lived three blocks away from each other and together our first two years of college. We are very close. Even though I missed my husband greatly, I feel so grateful for the one-on-one time I got in with my cousin in the city that never sleeps! We toured the 9/11 Memorial, Rockefeller Center, Times Square, Metropolitan Museum of Art, 5th Avenue, Statue of Liberty, Public Library, Grand Central Station, Central Park and even found time to eat at Serendipity 3 (best dessert I've ever had). I can honestly say the best thing about visiting NYC was just to see and chat with him in person rather than using the phone or computer. I'm really looking forward to returning with my husband and play tour guide myself!