It's A Wonderful Life: October 2011

A fond farewell to summer and all that we loved--shared with those we love. It's a busy time of life for the Three Musketeers and we wouldn't have it any other way.

One of our favorite summer activities is to eat, draw, read or play in the treehouse.

Our nature enthusiast examining a homemade butterfly made by the budding artist himself. Art is one of his gifts and the detail of his drawings contines to amaze us. He's made some replicas of Disney chartacters that are spot on.

Mr. Spence doing what he does best. Monkey DNA for sure.

Performing at the final show of his Little Gym career. He loves the "Bringing home my baby bumble bee" song. I'm not sure if he's smooshing up the baby bumble bee here or not but whatever he's doing he's doing with glee.

Rock star in the house.

Our trip to Christmas Meadows to ATV. We told the kids to be very careful because we were miles away from a doctor or hospital. When we asked Matthew to pose for this picture he had to jump over and climb wet and snowy rocks. He reminded us to be careful with him because we were not close to a hospital.

Heading out for the day all suited up.

A stop to rest and enjoy the gorgeous mountains we were exploring.

Matthew took this shot. Pretty good, I think.

Is he cute or what?

Inside the cabin at Christmas Meadows. The kids loved our new "house".

Nothing is better than when the cousins come to town.

Showing off the well deserved soccer trophy which should read "I played hard each week to earn a Happy Meal on the way home."

Granpma Engle's 67th birthday party in the back yard.

What a crazy day of bowling at the BYU Wilkinson Center.

Oh yeah, we're having fun and you can't stop us.

If you need some fashion tips, we are here to help.

Sun+water=FUN!!!!!

Hang on for the ride. Who's driving anyway?

One of our favorite places to visit--the Monte Bean Museum at BYU. The kids love all the animals and I must admit that they have done an incredible job with the displays. They are all real (but not alive, thankfully). After a workout in the bowling alley it's a fun way to relax.

If you want to touch my hair, please prepay. Thank you.

July trip to Outer Banks, North Carolina. The entire Engle clan, complete with Uncle Rod and Aunt Sue--minus Trey descended upon Duck Beach for a wonderful family reunion. We all had a great time playing, relaxing and catching up. Too bad we can't do it every year.

Somone's summer feet enjoying that warm sand. I can't remember if these are Matthew's or Andrew's feet :)

Spence finds a treasure.

Now this is a summer day.

Caroline loved the beach and never fussed about all the gear it required.

No photos please. I'm on vacation.

Matthew really enjoyed the water and just learned to swim the week before we left. He wore a life vest in the water to be safe.

Beach brothers for life.

This stuff is hard work.

Matthew had a great time boogie boarding with Corbin. He was a little hesitant at first but soon learned the ropes. All the boys paid with sand burns after a fun first day.

We wait all year for the peach tree to ripen. This year our second bloomer split two big branches and we're not sure if it will be salvagable. I sure hope so.

Hi ho, hi ho, it's off to Newcastler I go. Spencer's first day of preschool. He settled in after a few weeks and loves it now.

More peach pickin'

Can you say "yum"?

We would swing all day if you let us. But Spence needs a little push to wipe that frown away.

Caroline comes in to assist.

Mr. Energy turns four!!! Hard to believe.

Is that doll hair?

Back at the Monte Bean Museum on Labor Day. The African exhibit opened and Matthew was anxious to see it. Cousin Trey met us there and joined us for lunch at the Creamery. The boys adore Trey.

Celebrating Corbin's birthday.

Preparing to be clowns at the neighborhood children's parade. We are lucky to live in a neighborhood that has such activites. Although I sometimes sigh at one more thing to do the kids love it so we go.

The Three Musketeers strke a pose.

Really--don't mess with me.

There's a new sheriff in town.

A little perturbed that he didn't win "Best Clown". Can't blame him.

7 years already. September 21, 2011 When I was in the hospital after having him I remember foolishly thinking that it would be a long time before his 1st birthday. That was six birthday ago.

This is a chick who worships pink and knows what and when she wants it. Quick lesson to be learned --don't mess with her. She's the princess and won't let you forget it.