A busy day of Soccer

I started the day with a walk with Sammy who seemed to sense it was my last full day with him and he followed me everywhere.

Then the Graham grandchildren got ready for their 3 matches at 3 different places in Silicon Valley. A logistical nightmare but Fraser & Leslie had it covered.

The Graham name well to the fore. Tommy won 4-1, Eleanor won 8-1, and sadly Elliot lost 0-5.

Earlier Elliot and Tommy made us breakfast of pancakes.

First Day Back at School and a Wedding

Last Wednesday our American Grandchildren started school again. This is Tommy who attends Middle School. No uniforms in California and they dress for the heat.

Elliot, Eleanor & Tommy. In front of the new door so it will be a way of measuring their height each year.

Eleanor ready for her first day at High School and is taking up Hockey as a new sport, but will still play Football. When Tommy was in UK and visited Newcastle United ground St James park he made the announcement that it would be called Football now and not Soccer like in USA.

Finally Elliot and he is still at Junior School so its 3 schools to drop them off at every morning, although Eleanor will soon either walk or go on her bike.

This is the photos from last year and this year and I think Elliot has grown the most in the year.

They were only at school for 2 days when they had to take a day off to fly to Utah for a family wedding. Eleanor was a Bridesmaid and Tommy and Elliot were Ushers I think. It's been a hectic month for them all with a trip to Scotland for Fraser and Tommy, a trip to Maui in Hawaii for them all and now a wedding in Utah so back to school and sporting events next week. 

A Visit to Stanford University

Leslie took us to Stanford University in Palo Alto this morning as it is one of the finest universities in the world. It is such an impressive campus with most of the students using bicycles to get around. This is the Hoover Tower dedicated in 1941 (when the university was 50 years old) by Herbert Hoover the 31st President of the United States.

The view from the top of the tower is impressive and gives you an idea how large the campus is. The following photos show the extensive campus on every side.

In the distance is the southern bridge over San Francisco Bay

Two old fogies sitting by the fountain 

This is Cantor Arts Centre. 

Elliot enjoying lunch in the cafeteria

Easter Egg Hunt

A great time was had by all. Fraser and Thomas had to leave for Baseball practice.

Leslie and her friends organised an Easter Egg hunt this morning in a local park. The weather was glorious and the girls had made a smashing picnic. You really cannot beat California for outdoor events and all the parks have great picnic areas. Elliot and Gaye are enjoying each others company.

Mariola gives the children their instructions for finding the Easter Eggs 

The 11 children from the 5 families with all the Easter Eggs  

Leslie and her friends with Eleanor. Mariola on the extreme right is the double of Dr. Cat Barlow

Blossom and Flowers Everywhere

Gaye and I were left to look after Elliot this morning for a couple of hours while Leslie took Thomas to swimming lessons. This was a real pleasure as he is such a well behaved wee boy and is easy to look after. We took him for a long walk in his buggy and he fell asleep just as we got back home.  

The pram is a great aid to an old walker

The feature of our morning walk today is the amount of trees now in full blossom.

This orange tree has both fruit and blossom on it. 

Californian Poppies

After our walk Gaye and I borrowed Leslie's car and drove to our favourite Californian small town, Los Gatos where we sat outside for a lovely lunch. The shops are fantastic but very expensive so I am pleased to say we did not buy anything.