Leaving Camelot

Camelot...
Where a yard is a park, with a sand box and a playground, and every possible cottage, kitchen and toy invented. And if those get dull, go out the front door instead of the back and explore one of the other 15 courtyards waiting just over the fence.
Camelot...
Where sugar lending neighbors are around every corner, from every place in the world, studying every possible discipline, with one thing in common, children. A place where growing, stretching, encouraging, perspective altering parenting conversations happen daily, while pushing our toes into the sand and our children on a swing.
Camelot...
Where my husband is never farther than a 5 minute bike ride, or 10 minute stroll through spectacular woods, or palm lined drives, to meet at school for lunch, on campus for ice cream, or at home so I can make my afternoon tennis date.
Camelot...
Where two year olds roam free in happy, busy herds of 7 or 8. All digging, spinning, running, peddling, baking, driving, washing, hanging, sliding, swinging, climbing, sharing, and not sharing together.
Camelot...
A farm where blue herons hunt, raccoons prowl, and gophers dig.
Camelot...
Summer camp with wooden fences, green grass, huge trees, and best friends adventuring, gardening, parenting, cooking, celebrating, exploring, learning and living collaboratively in rustic, tiny, less than ideal cabin like accommodations.
Camelot...
Where picnics, bbqs and pinatas are plentiful, where game nights are a given and babysitters are just beyond the family room wall.
Camelot...
Where a village really does raise a child.
Camelot...
student housing, escondido village, my own personal paradise

Leaving business school was sad, leaving escondido village was devastating,
which is why I clawed tooth and nail to stay. I offered to take the 3 am emergency calls, be the earthquake control center, store water for all of campus under our beds...anything to stay in this wonderland.
But it is not to be, and Logan has no interest in a Phd.
Its over, we've been kicked out of Camelot.

Gardening

So we threw Eva's birthday bop, planned disorientation, graduated, celebrated, hosted company, packed, and moved all within a week or so. We woke up the morning after in our new home, surrounded by the overwhelming feeling of our life in boxes.

Decision - wake up and unpack the kitchen, or wake up and drive to Grandma's house.
So in the car we went and enjoyed a whirlwind week of escapist family time only to return and find that the boxes were still there.

Again a decision - wake up and unpack the bedrooms or get in the car and go to the beach.
So in the car we went and enjoyed a breezy day of sand and surf only to return and find again...the boxes still there...and full.

Again a decision - wake up and unpack the closets or get in the car and head to the pool.
Into the car we went and you can see the development of what became the ultimate procrastination party.
Anything to avoid those stacks of boxes, we went to the beach twice, to the pool, berry picking, and on play dates. Here is one such day during the fabulous week of procrastination party - Gilroy Gardens.

Gilroy Gardens is a spectacular Botanical Garden that has become a garden themed amusement park for tots. Gorgeous gardens, waterfalls, intricate rock mazes and weaving patterned tree trunks. Turning artichokes, bouncing strawberries, banana split slings and mushroom swings. Paddle boat swans, spinning garlic cloves, lily pad lazy river and fun friends to share our day. I'd take Gilroy Gardens over unpacking any day!

I am pleased to report that after a week of literally living out of our car, hopping from one fun outing to the next, wearing whatever swimming suits we found on the top of the pile, and eating the leftover car snacks from our recent road trip, we are now moved in - cooking in our kitchen and wearing clothes from our closets...a monumental feat when you consider 'unpacking's' competition was built of funnel cakes and summer fun!

Sweet Celebrations

Roasted Smores and a snuggle for Miss Moey on her 30th

Shakes to order at this sugary shower to welcome Baby Hyatt.

Congratulations to the Graduate!

A smiles...well mostly all smiles for Logan on his big day.

Grad Day

Graduation Memories

the view from Hoover Tower

campus wanderings

Graduate School of Business Diploma Ceremony

He left the house to walk the 4 blocks down tree lined palm drive to graduation with his pressed robe flowing in the breeze, mind racing in anticipation of a momentous experience, emotions high at the end of a long journey, licking a hand scooped haagen-dazs double vanilla bean cone.

An hour later we were all gathered in shady rows, proud and ready for the show.

The music began, the traditional march, and from the back of the amphitheater they came two by two in a sea of black, red, regalia and smile. Family and friends ran to line the path with waves, camera clicks, tears and cheers.

Flag bearers Logan and Roshni led the way in their finishing walk at the head of the class.

In the staging area with Grace and Kathryn, ready to pass off our wee ones for their big walk across the stage.

Logan receiving his diploma with Eva and Jane Esther in arm.

Collecting our littles with Ginny and Parker, Ellie and Claire.

A father and son celebration at Frost Amphitheater....storied venue of the Grateful Dead.

In the true spirit of collaboration that emanates from the gsb, jeremy is sharing a chocolate dipped berry.

Showing off our 'stoles of gratitude'

John, Coley, Jeremy, Mike, George and Logan looking dapper in dark

Flexing some of that NCAA has been muscle.

University Commencement

The Stanford Wacky Walk
At some point down the line, the Stanford undergrads decided that a graceful march to Pomp and Circumstance was dull, and thus hatched the Wacky Walk. As soon as the orchestra began they came sprinting through the gates in full costumes, bearing balloons and signs, dancing like ninnies and even riding live animals. This year's silly walk spectacle included:
Peter Pans - we'll never grow up
A wack-a-mole arcade game complete with inflatable hammer
Up - sky bound houses heaved by helium balloons
An entire Quidditch match starring Harry and the gang
Connected caterpillars, funky buses, magic dragons, tooth fairies, rolling billiard balls, and a Monte Python version soccer match starring Socrates and the lot.
Witty, Clever, Hysterical....Wacky.

In a more distinguished processional, the graduate students enter the ceremony. Bearing the Business school flag, Logan leads the way.

A view from the top.

The Dean's luncheon (as in Dean Joss, not us.)