In April, Sandra and I took a trip to visit Mom and Mei-Ling at Il Vallone, our family house in Tuscany passed down to us after my grandmother passed away.  It is a beautiful 400 year old stone farmhouse in the heart of the Tuscan countryside, and has tons of memories for me since I spent most of my childhood summers there.  We all had a great time enjoying the countryside, visiting various towns and cities, and basking in the beauty of the Tuscan springtime. 

If you or anyone else you know is interested, Il Vallone is available for rental year round.  Go to www.IlVallone.com to learn more!  

Here are some photos from my trip to China in February of 2007.  I was visiting Mei-Ling at hr apartment in Beijiing before she returned to the United States.  Mom was also visiting her so we got some great family time exploring the city, shopping, seeing friends, and doing research for Mom's book.  It was also Chinese New Years the second year that the ban on fireworks was lifted.  For a week straight there was almost constant fireworks all night, like a warzone all around us.  I don't recommend going to Beijing on New Years if you want peace and quiet!