Stanford Vacation

After spending the weekend in Costanoa, we continued our California vacation by spending a couple of days around Stanford University. As readers of the blog know, Ken and I started dating at graduate school at Stanford (although Ken and my brother were best friends and roommates at Amherst for undergraduate). It was extra special to be there with the kids and show them the various places that had an impact on our life (i.e. dating –> love –> marriage –> life –> kids). Not only did we go to Stanford, but my father did as well for graduate school (right after marrying my mother), so this place is special to the whole family, and not just me and Ken. Take a look at the pictures (and I promise this will be our last post on our vacations, as we return to NYC so soon).

 

My squad at the hotel.

My (good looking) squad at the hotel.

Eclipsing at the hotel pool. YES, totally ironic that we were in California when they hot spot for eclipsing was in Oregon, but you do what you do, and oops, bad planning on our part.

Eclipsing at the hotel pool. YES, totally ironic that we were in California when THE hot spot for eclipsing was in Oregon.  But you do what you do, and oops, bad planning on our part.

Even though the eclipse was 75% totality in Northern California, it was pretty incredible and super cool to see.

Even though the eclipse was 75% totality in Northern California, it was pretty incredible and super cool to see.

The dish is a Stanford University hike and one of my favorite activities to do while catching up with friends, making plans with future husband, or just looking at the view.

“The Dish” is a Stanford hike and one of my favorite activities in the area.  Fun for catching up with friends, making plans with a future husband, or just looking at the amazing views.

The dish hike is incredibly beautiful, scenic, and hilly. Not necessarily the best walk for the kids, but we did it.

The dish hike is incredibly beautiful, scenic, and hilly. Not necessarily the best walk for the kids, but we did it.

Steep hills.

Steep hills with cutie patootie people. This does not look steep in the picture, but I promise you, it is very much so.

Reminiscing about the past.

Reminiscing about the past. That is Hoover Tower in the right corner. The red roofs are all part of Stanford’s campus.

WE ARE AWESOME.

WE ARE AWESOME.

Ken's artsy shot

Ken’s artsy shot

Palo Alto just opened up a new Nobu, so we had dinner with our besties there. Delicious, fun, and a great way to spend a Monday night.

Palo Alto just opened up a new Nobu, so we had dinner with our besties on Monday night. Delicious, fun, and a great way to spend a Monday night (best lychee martini).

On our last day, we toured around campus and visited with a dear old friend. It was so fun to show the kids our old dorms, and old stomping grounds. We kept saying "this is where we fell in love" to which they smiled and smirked.

On our last day, we toured around campus and visited with a dear old friend. It was so fun to show the kids our old dorms and stomping grounds. We kept saying “this is where we fell in love” to which they smiled and smirked. When they get older, we will go back and show them even more of our campus hangouts.

And yes, we walked around the whole time in swimming suits. #Ballers

And yes, we walked around the whole time in swimming suits. #Ballers #California

Check out Hoover Tower in the background. And the red hoop fountain -- too cool.

Check out Hoover Tower in the background. And the red hoop fountain — too cool.

Had students been in session they would have been confused by the old lady dressed like a college student (slides / backpack / tee shirt) and the little girl in the neon swimsuit. But hey, no students on campus, so we were free to dress our part.

Had students been in session they would have been confused by the old lady dressed like a college student (slides / backpack / tee shirt) and the little girl in the neon swimsuit. But hey, no students on campus, so we were free to dress our part.

Only shot of the four of us! This is at the Schwab Resedential Center where Ken lived during his first year in Business School. Yes East Coasters, this is what going to school in California looks like.

Only shot of the four of us! This is at the Schwab Resedential Center where Ken lived during his first year in Business School. Yes East Coasters, this is what going to school in California can look like!

 

Overall, we had the best mini vacation in California and loved our time there — both this past weekend and in our life. Thank you, California….you are an incredible state and we love you oh so much. Now, back to our final days in Oregon before the real world begins again afresh in NYC.  A few more days of long runs, crisp mornings, green views, home cooked meals, and family time. Thank you, summer.

Anika Yael Natori, aka, The Josie Girl

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2 Comments

  1. Ah, yes too bad you weren’t still in Oregon during the eclipse!! Love these shots though, so nostalgic & looks like everyone’s having a great time!

    XX-Marie

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