Is Summer Really Over?
August 21, 2009 1:27 pmYes, I’ve done it again. I’m so far behind I don’t know where to begin. I’ve been a bit busy, so everyone just back off alright! This weekend we are heading into our third move in 8 months. Life has been crazy, but we feel very blessed to be able to be moving into our own home. It’s funny how things work out. Needless to say, its been quite a summer. Moving, looking for a house to buy, buying a house, moving again. We also had a few fun things thrown in there somewhere.
I feel I just have to journal how hard its been over the last year or so. Not unbearable, just hard. Moves and difficult children. I guess its taken its toll on everyone. For some reason, the kids have been so disobedient and hard. Can I say hard one more time? Brigham and I have talked about this change we’ve seen in our family and we aren’t sure what to do about it. Too much yelling and fighting and arguing. Everything is a fight or a threat or a struggle. Not enough compliance and respect. We are trying some things to improve this, trying to be better. More regular family scripture study. Its easy to put that aside with busy schedules. Hopefully we can have more peace in our home. I’m not writing this for sympathy, just so I can look back in the hopefully near future and say, “phew, glad we got through that!”
Now, a quick recap of our fun, crazy, busy summer.
Maisy became a cyclist
And a brushing fanantic
A fun trip to Yosemite with the Wises
Me and the boys did a midnight hike up Half Dome
Hung ten in San Diego with the Reeders
Maisy loved the beach. She wasn’t afraid of the ocean
Meg, the butterfly. We had many more pics of this trip, but they’re on Brig’s computer and I can’t get them right now. We had a great time hanging out with family at the beach house and even took the kids to Disneyland where they rode all the scary rides, even Meg, and loved it!
Our good friends, The Dahl’s came to visit. Emma and Mckenna, back together again. We didn’t have a ton of time together, but we made the most of it. Took a little hike up Mt. Diablo to Rock City.
We also went to the beach in Santa Cruz. We love you Dahls!
Meg getting ready for her race!
The kids did swim team for the first time this summer and absolutely loved it! They had practice everyday, and never wanted to miss or take a day off. They had meets on Wednesday nights and Saturday mornings. It was a huge time commitment, but worth it. It was fun to watch them improve throughout the season.
Meg coming in for her finish. Her specialty, breast stroke! She wasn’t the fastest, but she had perfect technique that allowed her to make the finals at conference. (7 kids got DQ because of illegal kick) And she’s 4! So cute to watch.
The Coop-dog getting competetive! He worked hard and really improved. At conference he got 4th in freestyle and 7th in breast stroke. He wanted to swim butterfly at conference, but it was on a Sunday.
Cooper also got the “Spirit” award at the end of the year.
Emma improved so much throughout the season too. She improved her strokes and decreased her time. Her age group, 7-8 was a tough one, but she almost made finals at conference.
Emma also got the “Spirit” award. My kids have spirit!
We also did a weekend in Tahoe with the Wises. So beautiful and lots of fun! I’ve decided I would like a house on the lake, and a boat. Can someone make that happen please?
Hmm, I’m the only adult who would brave the cold water with the kids. It actually wasn’t too bad.
Meg practicing her breast stroke
Cold Cooper!
Emma could stay in the water for hours
Coop, Ollie and Sam getting warm
Last but not least, Cooper celebrated his 7th Birthday! He got another personalized skateboard (since the one he got for Christmas was stolen). He was very excited.
It wasn’t his year for a big party, but we did go bowling with the cousins
Emma, Maisy, Sophie, Oliver, Sam, Cooper and Meg
We also had a little family celebration at the San Francisco Creamery, and another little party with the grandparents to celebrate Sam and Cooper. I think he had a fun day. Cooper is still my little man. He is sweet and funny. He makes us all laugh. He is really starting to become all boy. He loves all sports and even watches Sports Center. Look out, here comes another Brigham!
Well, there you have it. A little recap of the Wise goings on!
9 Responses to “Is Summer Really Over?”
I loved having a Wise update!! Congrats on the house. Things always feel off when you are in transition, I bet things will get better quickly now that you are settled in. Yeah for swim team!!!! It takes such a ridiculous amount of time, but I always feel like my kids are in such great shape after a summer.
We miss you guys! If you are heading to Utah and think we could swing a little reunion, let us know!
Woo hoo! SO happy for an update!! Now I just want Miss Amy to update! I am glad you guys are doing well!
Great update! Now you need to post some pictures of the house! How did the move go? I was thinking of you guys.
Great pics! I can’t believe how old your kids are getting! Coop looks just like you! Looks like your kids all got the Kristin Reeder competitiveness too?
I miss ya Couz! We should get together one of these years and catch up. Hope you are ok from your wreck. Congrats on the new house!
Love ya!
Kimmie
Hooray! An update! Loved it, Kiwi. I’m glad you took time to document the mayhem .. and the fun! I think moves are hard on kids. They get crabby, mom and dad get crabby, it can be a mess for everyone. Sorry about the kid struggles. I have to wonder once everyone is settled in your new home if things will improve. I think they will. I hope they will!
You guys are great parents (tell your kids they are lucky to have you. That’s what I tell my boys!).
Congrats on the new house (I need to see some pictures!), and a great swim season for the kids, and an awesome midnight hike, another personalized skate board for the Coop Dawg, and on and on and on.
Love you guys!
PS – Lookin good in that swimsuit, my friend! Yeah, Baby!
I won’t give you too hard of a time for the huge time lapse-I haven’t been much better myself. However you just made my night here sitting at the computer. I think it was the spirit that prompted me to click on your link. I love your update and you will look back and wonder how you did it. And then you’ll laugh and Emma will roll her eyes and deny ever being stubborn at all. Hee, hee. But just for the record I know how to solve all your problems. Come visit the Dahls in Utah!!! After you get settled of course.
Darling pictures of all the kids. I’m so glad I was able to come and help with the move. I feel like I didn’t help much, but it was great being with you. And, Kristin, after spending a week with you, I want you to know that you are a wonderful mom and wife. I’m not sure where you got all your patience. I’m pretty sure it wasn’t from me. Anyway, miss you all, but will be happy to see you in October.
Love ya tons, MOM
Kristin,
So good to hear from the B Wises. Look at you tackling half dome with all those boys! You continue to rock! Sure wish we lived right between you and the AWises in WC! What a place to live. Next time you o come to Utah, please let me know! We’d love to come visit! And I agree with Shawna, you were rockin that Speedo!
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