Sixteen years and counting ... That's how long ago we left California and moved across the country and settled in the Raleigh/Durham area in North Carolina. It was a chance to simplify life.

We live in a 2-story, brick-front, comfortable home at a relatively quiet and peaceful neighborhood. Our back yard is lined with trees. The mortgage is less than a quarter of a typical 30-year old house in Foster City. Needless to say, there are trade-offs.

We have made many friends in the area, who are also from other parts of the country. But undoubtedly, we misses California where most of our families live - especially around the holidays and the good authentic foods. As an excellent compromise, May is able to replicate many of dishes at home - including Vietnamese Phơ - which I am very proud of. You have to try out her recipes (coming soon) !

Howsen is now seven and still in Montessori program. Both Aaron and Hughie are Sophomore and Senior in HS. Aaron got in the NSCU Photonic Program and his project won the Yale Engineering award. He also tutor math. Hughie is less patient, witty, and enjoys creative inventions of all sort. He is our LEGO champ. He too was selected amoung 15 other kids across the country to participate in the AG Discovery Program sponsored by USDA/AFIS at Delaware SU past summer. They both are carrying several AP courses and seem to do well with Physic. More on kids stuff.

All in all, we are blessed with good health, wonderful kids and a promising future here. Will we move again? Never say "never". But for now, NC is home. Definitely let us know if you traveling east. We love to have you visit.

To all our families and friends across the country and around the world, we wish you all the very BEST!