Apron strings

Hannah has metamorphosised from an MBA student into a Berkeley alumnus. This is the first stage in the process of letting go, something every student has to go through in the transition to real life (not that I'm an expert on this real life stuff...)

We decided to ease her out gently by doing a campus tour today, allowing her to say goodbye to all her old academic haunts (the law school cafe, the Haas cafe, Yogurtland, etc.) As I'd done one a couple of weeks back I didn't learn much - and could cheat in the spot-the-smallest-bear-statue competition - but everyone else was entertained and educated. Apart from when Hannah's mum tripped over, proudly respecting family traditions.

Just in case we've forgotten.

Not quite as chubby...yet.

Catching up on the important news in the world, outside the undergrad library.

Gathered around our peppy, backwards-walking guide.

Dinosaurs.

A matter of degrees

Regular readers might have missed that we're not here in California to have fun, enjoy the sunshine, and surf. Hannah has, in fact, been studying for two years! And so have lots of other regularly-featured people. And today it was all over.

It's been a long time coming. Orientation Week was back in August 2008, then came classes, exams, internships, independent study projects, job hunting...Haas does not let their students get away with it. Thankfully most have very supportive partners, and some very supportive children. Add to these the parents, and the day was a huge celebration of the achievements of the individuals and the community behind them.

The event took place in Berkeley's Greek Theatre, where the sun smiled down on us all. The graduands, decked out in thick gowns and hoods, might have hoped for some cloud cover. After a few funny and mercifully short speeches the ceremony got underway.

I didn't actually cry, but comparing the cold nights in Durham while Hannah studied for her GMAT entrance exam to the hot sun of California as she shook the Dean's hand was an emotional moment. And all these people I now know with MBAs! Should I curtsy when I meet them? I can only stand in awe at the hard work and dedication that was acknowledged today. Well done all!

Catching the bus with Amanda for the last time.

You need a Master's degree to work out how to put the things on.

Smart girl!

The stars of the show are awaited.

Parents. Later, they started a Mexican wave.

Elise's business ideas were judged too subversive. That's America!

Here come the winners.

Fiona: regal.

Amir, looking sharp as ever.

Eran, Sagy, and Elad.

Swiftly followed by the ladies.

Ready and waiting.

Dean Rich is on message.

Where's Wally?

Shauli received a special award for services to Haas (and Catan).

The village mafia lines up.

Elise, with the people who did her homework.

Hannah strides forward.

And graces the Dean with a handshake.

I had every angle covered.

Claire goes next.

Leaving the stage, caught by the paparazzi.

After party.

Guess where the Goodall-Davies party headed first...

Brains run in the family.

Not so much in ours.

Well done Hannah Davies, BA (Dunelm) MBA (Berkeley)!

More genetic heritage

As graduation approaches, so do more parents. Hannah's, specifically, who arrived at SFO this afternoon.

Claiming asylum from a politically unstable country.

The reason they were invited.

Meanwhile, in San Francisco:

Someone left their heart here.

Something old, something new.

Guess the country of origin.

Gathering of the clans

This afternoon the train from Chicago to SF rolled into California, and off stepped my parents! They had let me know in advance. They're here for Hannah's graduation, a scant few days away, and soon to be joined by her parents as well. Two households, both alike in dignity...

Spring training.

Young civilisation

The hours of education that I've been pouring into two of my children - Claire and Logan - have not been going to waste! While I was having fun at the talent show, Vince and Christine babysat them both. And what did they choose to do...?

Have a tea party!

I hope he remembered to pour the milk first...

Proper British lunch

We continued our ongoing mission to spread British culture today when we helped out at our village post-Mendocino barbecue. We had so much food left over from that weekend away that an additional party was needed to consume it. And - joy of joys! - just as the barbecue was flaring up the rain began pouring down. It became a vision of many happy childhood holidays in England, but without the added threat of hypothermia.

Three men and an umbrella.

A break in the weather, and grillmaster Shauli takes charge.

Recommended daily amount of red meat.

How many MBAs does it take to cook some beef?

Juicy.

A last syrah

The Haas wine club, of which many here have both loyal members, ran a final, end-of-year trip today taking in a few vineyards in Sonoma.

Proceedings started early (well, 9.30am) with pastries at the business school and Mimosas - Bucks Fizzes for all the English readers out there. The drink continued to flow on our bus until we arrived at Kunde Estate Winery. It's a nicely Californian place, being eco-friendly and sustainable, and we were treated to various bottles before delving into their cave and enjoying some Primitivo (a predecessor of Zinfandel) straight from the barrel.

After lunch, where it became obvious that I'd been drinking when I started chatting to some complete strangers from Texas, it was on to Chateau St Jean. Here we enjoyed a private tasting on their sunny patio. We finished in celebratory style for all those graduating at Gloria Ferrer, makers of fine Champagne.

It was a great day, but this Californian wine...I'm not sure I'll ever get a real taste for it. Not that this stopped me drinking far to much, walking in the door, giving Hannah a kiss, then collapsing for two hours. Happy days.

Dan and me, on our way with the good stuff.

'Before' photo at Kunde.

The reason we're all here.

Guess who's first in line.

Every day's a school day.

The hill, and the door to the cave.

Roll out the barrel...

Deep tasting.

The only type of event I'll attend these days.

Finishing up at the multi-award winning Gloria Ferrer.

Cheers! Fiona celebrates her MBA, I commiserate that real life starts again soon.

No proven link between alcohol and aggressive behaviour.