Summer is FINALLY over. And I say that with all the love I can muster... I love my kids, but I sure love them more when they are at school! That being said we do have to consider that this is my first summer home with the kids in over 6 years. My job allows me to be home (which is fabulous) but that meant we had a LOT of togetherness this summer... in a MUCH smaller space. Needless to say, I think going back to school joy was felt by all in the house this year.
We did have a great summer, tho. Sean and I kept pinching ourselves to be sure it was really under 80 degrees almost the entire time! And we had to break out jackets several time! WHAT?? You can touch the steering wheel without oven mitts on! For REELZ! Beach just down the street, our ward has weekly beach days, girls camp, scout camp, work, jr life guards, water polo... who could ask for more??
Ember quit the job she hated at Von's right before we left for girls camp... She HATED that job. But the straw that broke the camel's back was when a super old creepy guy cursed her out and actually HIT her! My 17 year old, teeny, tiny, cute as a button daughter was assulted at work! Word for the wise.. people in Carmel Valley take their grapes very seriously. Don't crush them. She did get a solid new job at the awesome frozen yogurt shop down the street, so all is well. She was a fabulous sixth year leader at camp (her last year.. sniff, sniff) hung out with friends, tried surfing - which is much harder than it looks. I was like, "Ember, come on.. that girl with one arm in Hawaii can do it... what's the matter with you?" lol. She didn't think it was as funny as I did. This is one of her Senior pictures my brother took when he was down.
Abby was a 3rd year at camp and really loved getting to know all the fabulous girls in our ward (btw, we took 30 girls to camp. THIRTY) She made everyone laugh with all of her antics and especially with the two 17 year old boys they had working at the camp (oh yeah.. let's let two handsome 17 year old boys run the rock wall and lifeguard.. obviously not a church owned camp). The whole cabin was abuzz with her craziness and they love her humor as much as we do. She also did Jr. beach guards this year with her friend Kate... which was super fun! Tons of running in the sand, swimming WAY out in the ocean, sand crab wars, beach water polo, mock rescues... pretty much two weeks of TORTURE if you ask me. But she loved it. She was even named Jr. Guard of the week.. she got a pat on the back for volunteering to be on the cleanup crew and generally being helpful. Oh, the best part for her... a kickin' tan! Abby also had her wisdom teeth out this summer.. video on my facebook page... you're welcome.
Wes had a fantastic summer that started at Scout camp. His good buddy Ryan came from AZ to go with him and they had a grand time. He's only three merit badges away from his Eagle and they've made him Senior Patrol Leader (this really works well since he's naturally bossy.. idk where he gets that) but in scouting they call bossy "leadership skills". Whatever works. He also played a ton of water polo. They had several games that drug us all over the San Diego area - but well worth the drive. He played on both the gold and grey teams (I think that's like varsity and jv) so he got a lot of pool time... and he did GREAT! He was a leading scorer and ended the season with 9 goals 8 assists 7 steals and 2 ejections (most proud of that). It's a super violent sport and I don't know why it's even legal. But, he loves it... I guess that logic doesn't always work, but for now... just keep your jammers tied tight!
Sean spent a lot of time fishing. A LOT of time fishing. I think he's socialized more than he has in 10 years this summer. He's taken one of the big bosses from his company, two guys from the ward, Wes and his friend.. basically anyone that will go with him. He's had a lot of fun tho. Caught sand sharks and stingrays. I don't allow him to bring any of this home. Can you imagine? "what's for dinner, mom?" "sand shark, kids..." no thanks!
I got to go to girls camp with my girls this year as the asst. camp leader. I loved it and it was a fabulous way to meet the ladies and make some friends. The girls are totally awesome and it really was a lot of fun. I got in some beach time, read six books, spent some time with my friends and family when they came to visit. Overall, a super fun summer. We did finally sneak away out of town the last week before school started and went to Knott's Berry Farm. I mean, where do you vacation when you live in San Diego? It just seems pointless to me!
Please keep in touch... we're all adjusting but still love to hear from our AZ people so please shoot us a text when you come out!
