It is hard to believe that one year has already passed since the 'petit bonhomme' was born. It feels like a short time to get to know and understand this always evolving cutie. Somehow however he managed to conquer both our hearts and every day we're watching with amazement how he solves new problems and acquires new skills. Wish that, just like now, you'll always put tender smiles on people's faces when they look at you. Happy birthday 'xiao penyou'!

We used to call this the "big trip for the little guy", but after traveling half around the globe, a drive to Los Angeles had nothing to impress our soon to be one Nicola. Still, there was much for him to look forward to and a lot of firsts as always; Camping on the beach, dinner at the cowboy bar, birthday cake and handmade pancakes. Check, check, check and check. But, even though Nicola may not have realized it, the best of all was to blow his first candle surrounded by family. And lucky him: aunty Reirei came all the way from Taiwan to deliver his birthday kiss. Isn't it good to be one ?

She'd been dreaming about participating in a non-profit event for years but she probably did not expect to be the main coordinator on her first job. But if you think that KK would be taken aback by the amount of work, you're sorely mistaken. Gathering and motivating people left and right, contacting schools, meeting with officials and other active PAMP members, recruiting graphic designers, etc... she not only got the festival back on its feet but did a superb job making it exciting and educational for all the kids that were lucky to show up. Congratulations! You're the best! Let's do it again next year?

San Francisco is well known for it's foggy summers, so we were a little hesitant about driving all the way there for a beach BBQ/birthday party. But then again it was no less than the bubbly and newly engaged couple, Shannon and Malcolm, who were organizing it. So regardless of the weather, it had to be good. Of course it was. We got there just in time to snap some pictures of the sunset and to enjoy the fire, smores and all sorts of illegal beverages... Looking forward to the wedding ... on the beach?

Have you ever tried to guess her age? If you do, you may get this dirty look that tells you: "Don't even try; I'm stronger than you and you know it...". But then you would usually get the disarming smile and she'll tell you, just like every year: "Twenty Nine". Most people don't realize that this is actually true ! Just another weird case of the "Benjamin Button" symptom. For all of us it's very comforting to know that, even when we'll be old, we'll still have a loving, funny and cheerful 29-years old friend.

We've been living for more than nine years no more than ten minutes away from Great America but never thought about going there! I guess that's the problem about things that are too close to home. Luckily Francesco birthday was around the corner and it seemed like the perfect occasion to drive the extra mile. We spent the whole afternoon and evening switching from water rides to roller-coasters;all five of us came back with the stomach way up in the chest but our smiles were just were they were supposed to be. Happy Birthday Francesco!