Go Stanford!

Posted in Uncategorized by adrianahartley

My favorite part of going to Stanford football games is the pre-party, tailgating with family and friends. It feels like we’re speed-camping without the sleepover part. I love watching the kids play in a safe environment outside near by the adults. I love setting up tables with an abundance of food and sharing a communal table.

Being in the stadium is exciting too, watching all the action, cheering with friends, and just hanging out together, especially when Stanford wins.

Life is good.

13Sep2014

United We Stand

Posted in Uncategorized by adrianahartley

The score was 35-0. Stanford beat Army on a gorgeous, summer day with a slight breeze flowing through the stadium. The students aren’t back in school yet so the crowd was sparse.

We enjoyed a mini-tailgate with friends and our family, after a morning of soccer games, and got to enjoy more friends once we got inside the stadium.

My favorite parts of the game were the beginning and the end. At the beginning of the game, Stanford cheerleaders and armed service personnel held and waved a giant flag while the Stanford band performed on the field.

Nearby the Boy Scouts of America stood at attention in their uniforms as the National Anthem played.

At the end of the game, Stanford ran off the field, following Army to their fan and band area to sing Army’s Alma Mater together.

When the song was over, Army followed Stanford to their fan and band area and stood together, singing Stanford’s Alma Mater. This was very touching.

United we stand.

Life is good.

5Oct2013

Tailgating and Football

Posted in Uncategorized by adrianahartley

The highlight of today was tailgating and watching American Football. Stanford is ranked #5 and is so much fun to watch. We love gathering with friends out in the Eucalyptus Forest before the game against Washington and just chilling outside together.

Nothing better than finding a big stick and getting dirty!

Red Solo Cup…. I keep hearing Leland singing karaoke about his dear friend!

Best buddies.

Once we finish the party out in the field, we continue the celebration inside the stadium. Tonight’s game began right away with a Stanford touchdown which set the pace for the rest of the game. Here’s a little video clip so you can feel what it’s like to be there.

Tonight was so warm and comfortable to be outside all night long and we never got cold. It was a great evening and Stanford won!

Hope you’re enjoying your weekend!!

8Sep2013

Football and Tailgating Season Begins

Posted in Uncategorized by adrianahartley

Tonight began our tailgating and football season with an 8 pm game at Stanford vs. San Jose State University.

We all love this tradition we started about 4 years ago and were glad to be kicking off the season again after our year away. In a way, I feel like we are camping with half the amount of work and stuff, and no uncomfortable sleeping arrangements.

April and I plan a menu, shop together and help prepare dinner for our family and friends. The boys bring a portable Weber barbecue and we set up bar height tables and chairs and set out a spread of delicious food and drinks. The kids like to draw and make signs for the game and toss the football around the parking lot and get all dusty before the game.

Tonight we had tri-tip on torta rolls, coleslaw, watermelon, strawberries, cucumbers, broccoli salad, and cilantro shrimp. We also had several appetizers to share and munch while relaxing with good friends before the game as well as several desserts!

It was an especially warm night and we didn’t need any sweatshirts until the end of the night. The game was excellent and it was great to be in the stands again.

One highlight of the game was seeing Ms. Maehara in the crowd. She is a teacher from our school who has taught all our kids and is one of the most passionate teachers I’ve ever met. Tonight at half time they honored educators who graduated from Stanford, and she came and brought our kids with her out onto the field with her. What a treat!! I think they all enjoyed the experience and we’re thankful for our amazing and dedicated teacher.

We also loved watching the Stanford band and the new female drum major, dressed as Dorothy from Wizard Of Oz, with Toto on her baton that she waived through the air as she lead the band through the night.

It’s a late night but was so much fun. Stanford beat San Jose 34-13. I’m glad we got to share it with my parents, Leland and his family and April and Steve and their family too.

Hope you have a great rest of the weekend!!