This is picture was taken on a cold night during Christmas 2008 at the Caroussel in Tilden Park .

One evening, Andrew decided to ''blind fold the girls'' and take them for a ride to somewhere special ...

Once at destination, we've let them open their eyes only to found themselves in the middle of a forest, surrounded by a giant lit up Christmas tree and all sort of decorations, illuminated figurines & deers & gingerbread houses , an old fashionned caroussel , music and joyous people everywhere...

How magical it must have been for them....O- sweet- childhood !

Here are our ''animal lovers'' children Chiara and Bianca posing with ''Hero, la lumiere'', a friend's (service) dog.

Hero is a stunning and beautiful St Bernard , and the BIGGEST dog (and the sweetest!) you would ever come close to (beside a Great Dan perhaps). So big that, once entering our house and exploring around some of the rooms, he would have to walk back in reverse mode in order to turn around!

Offering him a drink of water, also meant lining the entire floor area with towels to protect all around from the powerful splashes! Just amazing. We love you forever Hero!

A little get-away to France

Trois touristes a Paris !

Oui, oui vraiment.

We are French, yes, but we are not Parisian (and Paris , in case you haven't yet figured it out, is a country of its own, or pretending to be!) therefore if you are not from Paris , it doesn't matter where you're from.... you are a ''tourist'' and additionally, you don't know anything about life !

That is of course, until you've been there. I mean Paris of course. Reguardless of where you are in your life , you still don't know a thing until you've been in Paris. Ha !

But, it's ok. I don't take it personally either. In fact.,I am used been a ''tourist''... I am a tourist here at home ! It's the story of my life as foreigner after living overseas in 4 different countries for more than two decade ! I have actually been living abroad for more than half my life, whew ! urgh....

Once upon a time....on a beautiful spring day, Papa took Maman for a lunch date to one of our favorite restaurant called '' The dead fish'' . The views overlooking the bay and the bridge were stunning , and the patio setting with its tents , water fountains and Moroccan style mosaic encrusted table was just lovely. We had the most delicious crab sandwiches and Bloody Mary cocktails I 've ever had ! It was so nice to just relax and take the time to talk....yes, just talk (Well ok, talk, eat and drink!) Anyway, simple moments like that are just...simply wonderful.

I will always remember them. And in case of memory loss, I will still have the picture to prove it ! So, thank you Papa for inviting me out that day.

I can't wait until we do it again ! (hint, hint!)

Here we are by the waterfalls at Fallen Leaf Lake. Maman, Papa`, Chiara and Bianca!

On a week-end little retreat to Fallen leaf in Lake Tahoe area .