| September 2013 |
| Zaven's Trip to Japan So exciting! Z has always loved Japan and has always had Japanese friends (he was Japanese in his previous life), so for his upcoming 16th birthday, as there will be no driver's license or car, we thought a dream trip would be in order. He is so lucky to be hosted by Yu and the Matsugi family who have just been so kind with their time and generousity, we can't thank them enough. On the way to Tokyo, Zaven had to navigate through the airports, on his own, for the 1st time. What are the chances that he would happen to run into his film teacher and family friend Zach Roper. I was SO happy. #worriedmom These photos below were taken in Ebina and Kyoto however we will need a detailed narrative from Zaven on FaceBook to really appreciate them. He is still traveling around and being super responsible sending us updates and photos. More coming. Zaven returns on the 20th. Joe and I registered for the Mangialonga - La Morra vineyards, walking, eating and drinking tour #yay. Como for my birthday weekend. September 2nd school starts and I fly to Singapore the same day. London & The International Cheese Festival.... Very grateful. August 2013 |
| I think this is the cutest picture of Zaven...well since his baby pictures of course. |
| Zaven's last full day in Japan. How fun that he was able to meet up with Minori, his dear friend from years ago at the International School of Stuttgart. One huge and amazing happening: A few years ago, Joe had a darling Japanese student named Shoma. Shoma LOVES Zaven like a rock star. It is a very big deal to be 7 and have a teenager know you. Zaven was traveling between cities in Japan, via train, and who gets on the exact same train, same car at the same time? SHOMA and his family! Wowzers. He was so excited!!! "ZAVEN!!!!" He did ask where Mr. Leonetti was, but was probably just being polite.. #smallworld |
| Zaven? Zaven who? Joe and I have been having tons of fun even if we miss our boy. But we know he has had a wonderful and memorable trip to Japan. So excited he is coming home tomorrow! In flight now. Right:A few beach days at Spotorno on the Riviera and near enough to our Piemonte vacation home. Because it was the Ferragosto holiday it was CRAZY crowded. These photos are taken early pre craziness. August 2013 |
| Our last beach day for the season. #sigh Zaven came with but slept the entire time and hid in the shade. 24 August 2013 |
| Mangialonga ~ La Morra Italia We love our vineyard walking food and wine parties and were so thrilled to discover this one in La Morra (Barolo country). In comparison to Non Solo Arneis this was more organized and calmer but equally full of tons of good wine, food and fun people. And the views were just amazing - the weather was perfect - we had rain the night before, the air was fresh and the sky had these beautiful clouds. . Avalon was in Amsterdam this weekend as well. I am sure he had fun. Como this coming weekend. School starts for the boys on the 2nd and I fly to Singapore for work the same day. London to see Kerry and work The International Cheese Festival 2013 So many great things to look forward to #grateful 25 agosto 2013 |
| The lovely birthday flowers from my manager and colleagues. #so nice Pre birthday sushi Prosecco 30 agosto 2013 |
| Varenna |
| Bellagio behind us |