Ohio Wilsons

Family Pictures

2010-04-25T21:41:00.004-04:00

These pictures were taken by a good friend of ours late last year. We finally decided that we were tired of the traditional studio pictures.

We have a 10 year old...

2009-10-09T11:46:00.000-04:00

Hard to believe, but 10 years ago today, Cameron was born. Below are just a few of the pictures that I have kept in my wallet over the years. The wear and tear on the pictures is obvious, but they were ones that I was always proud to share with anyone that asked about my family.

Cameron is just a great kid. Anyone that meets him, quickly learns that he is an intelligent, caring young man with a soft heart and a sweet tooth. He is determined to be good at everything that he does, and has an eagerness to learn that I wish I had. While he can be a bit shy at times, other kids and even adults migrate to him because he accepts everyone and always looks for the positive. He is a fun, protective older brother, and a loving, obedient son. I am blessed to be his Dad.

Happy Birthday Cameron!

July 2009 Recap - Part 3

2009-10-04T15:44:00.008-04:00

For those that know me, they know that I am not the outdoorsy type. I actually enjoy getting out into the mountains and an occasional hike or campout, but it is not something I grew up doing, so it is not something I do frequently today. This past July, I went back to Colorado to visit my grandparents who are both in their mid-to-upper 80s.

I went back with my dad and brother, Justin. We decided that we would take my Grandfather's old aluminum fishing boat out to a nearby reservoir to fish for some trout. It was a beautiful day, and after getting the boat out on the water, for some reason I got stuck with the job of dropping anchor. There were two in the boat, and from what I could tell, they were both attached... you know where I am going with this. Anyway, I started to untangle one of the anchors, and listening to the instructions from the front of the boat to "just throw it in," I did so, and watched as the rope followed the anchor down to the bottom of the reservoir. Fortunately, we had a second one, which was in fact connected to the boat. And while I may not be the smartest angler, I was the one who caught the most fish. See proof below.

This is all you'll see from Justin... For him, this is all that fishing entails.

Dad finally got one right before we were leaving...

Count them...

I know it is tough to get past the pasty arms, but hey four fingers. I hadn't been to the pool much.

This is my grandpa overseeing the fish fry operations...

While life in small town Colorado can be slow at times, it was a good visit with my grandparents. Justin took some great pictures while we were over there.

July 2009 Recap - Part 2

2009-10-04T14:07:00.006-04:00

For our family vacation this year, we decided to rent a cabin in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee with Kenna's family and G'ma and G'Pa. We always see the commercials for Gatlinburg, and it looks like a fun place anyway. Well, what they forget to tell you about is the insane traffic and that Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg are the Las Vegas for pancake houses, mini-golf and go-cart tracks. Hard to believe that so many people want to try to get a glimpse of Dolly Parton.

The cabin we rented also looked and sounded a lot better online than it did in real life. Other than the phone and satellite not working, no pool (as originally advertised), an inoperable gas grill, pool table and electronic dart board, it was great. Actually the cousins had fun and it was functional for sleeping and eating. Once it stopped raining, we actually got to enjoy the outdoors a bit.

Other than the traffic, the area is beautiful and the Great Smokey Mountain National Park is worth seeing. Below are are just a few of the fun moments captured on film.

On the way...

The hot tub became our pool after we found out the "advertised" pool did not exist...

We did let the kids play one of the 100 mini-golf courses...

Monica and I waited 45 minutes for this 30 second ride. By the look on my face, you would think we were headed for a water fall. Not really...

July Recap - Part 1

2009-09-13T12:01:00.008-04:00

Julys tend to be really busy at our house, especially the beginning of the month when we celebrate Monica's and Treyton's birthday on the 6th and 7th respectively. Around the same time we celebrate a bunch of other family birthdays so we have plenty of cake and ice cream to go around. This year, we celebrated Monica's 4th birthday at a friend's pool, and then hosted a mob of Trey's friends for flag football, hot dogs and of course, cake. Rachael of course gets credit for the flower cupcakes and football cake (7th birthday). Pictures of the scenes are below.

The yellow team...

The Red team...

The prize...

June Recap Part 2 - Megan's Arm

2009-09-13T11:30:00.005-04:00

For those that follow our lives, you know that Cameron and Treyton have been unfortunate enough to have broken an arm early in their lives. When Cameron was still crawling around in our Utah house, he fell down a couple of steps and suffered a buckle fracture. I couldn't find a picture to share, but it was a traumatic experience, particularly for mom who was watching when he fell.

When Treyton was two he was helped off of the couch by his brother and a friend, Sam, and that also resulted in a trip to the emergency room. As you can see by the pictures, the injury required a bit longer stay at the hospital.

Well, it happened to us again in June of this year when Megan fell down a couple of steps at Grandma's house. This is when we found out that she suffered a buckle fracture on her wrist.

Here she is with the fashionable pink cast.

Fortunately, all is well. Since Megan can't hold still, her cast actually fell off a few weeks later.

San Diego - June 2009

2009-08-05T23:17:00.005-04:00

In June, Rachael and I got to spend two days in San Diego following a work trip. It was our first trip back to the city since our honeymoon 14 years earlier. We squeezed a week of activities into those two days beginning with a photo-op with Jay Leno prior to a private showing for the event I was working at. The next day we ate breakfast at a cafe next to the ocean, took a brief nap on a bench on the boardwalk, dug our toes in the sand on the beach, saw a movie, had a fantastic steak dinner and went to the Padres baseball game. We must have walked a couple dozen miles, and despite the sun burn, we had a great time.

April Arizona Trip Recap

2009-08-05T22:43:00.010-04:00

Back in April, we took the family to Arizona to visit Rachael's sister and my brother and sister. We stayed at Rhonda's hotel with Rachael's two other sisters and their families. All told, a house that normally has three people was now invaded by a small army of 18 more people. Believe it or not, it rained while we were there and the temperature did not approach the extremes that we typically hear about. The rain and the lows in the 50s did not deter the kids from swimming in Rhonda's frigid pool. Below are some pictures that highlighted our trip...

Rhonda's dog, Cutter, had to be in the pool if anyone was in it.

We also got to meet cousin Charlie for the first time.

Cutter got attention whether he wanted it or not.

The cousins in the blow up bounce house.

The girls had a party with Aunt Rhonda, while the boys went to an Arizona Diamondbacks game.

We also celebrated Megan's first birthday.

She knows how to party...

Megan's Favorite Spot

2009-03-29T22:02:00.003-04:00

Megan takes us on a journey to her favorite spot in the house...

RU Ready...!

Ta-daa...

Our next great soccer star...

2009-03-29T11:15:00.003-04:00

Monica started Lil' Kickers a couple of weeks ago. When she went shopping for cleats, they did not have any in her size. Mom reminded her that she had some tennis shoes at home that she could use, and Monica's response, "Oh yeah, 'cuz they're pink." As you can tell by the photo, she might be a little bit more concerned with how she looks, and although I am biased, she does look cute. BTW, she kept her shinguards on all day.

You Know You're Getting Old When...

2009-02-13T15:50:00.004-05:00

Your child brings home a Valentine's cup from his school party that has pictures of conversation hearts all over it and you don't understand what ANY of the hearts mean! Apparently I don't text enough because I am lost with KOTC, LYLAS, QTPI, YTB, LYLAB. Any help?

Dave's First Funeral - A Story by Cameron Wilson, Age 9

2009-01-01T14:23:00.006-05:00

Cameron decided to write a story for his Grandma Wilson for Christmas. He has been learning about realistic fiction in school, and this story was inspired by the passing of his Oma (Great Grandma) Niethammer in August 2008. Neither Rachael or I helped him in any way with the story.

Dave was in his van driving to his great grandmother’s funeral. His sister, Vicky kept asking questions, “Is Oma in heaven?” “Will we see her again?” Mom usually had the answers to these questions.

“Now Oma will look a little different,” Dad said. “Mom helped Grandma dress her up yesterday.”

They got to the church the same time as their cousins. Dave’s brother, Peter jumped out to see his cousin Trevor. They rushed inside to see Oma. Dave saw Grandma crying by Oma’s casket. He rushed to hug her. Then looked at Oma. “She looks different all right,” he said. She had lipstick and a pretty dress on. He went to see the pictures. He recognized some of them, some looked old.

Dave, Peter, and Trevor started to get bored, so they decided to take a walk around the church. It was Trevor’s first year at Dave’s church. They showed each others classes, the chapel, the nursery, kitchen, and everything.

Finally, it was time to bring Oma’s casket to the chapel. Dave was in the front with Grandma. Dave, Peter, and Trevor sat in the front row.

Grandpa started speaking on the stand that seemed bigger to Dave.

“Sandra R. Dangarmer,” he began.

To everybody it was long, but to Dave it was important words.

Tears sprinkled from Dave’s eyes. Every word that was said gave Dave one tear.

He had a few reasons why he missed Oma, she gave them treats, clothes, and warm Blankets. She gave them money and always said to pay tithing, and she loved them very much.

Dave just wanted to run, open the casket, use some magic and bring her back to life. Except they were taking the casket to the car. Dave went right in front of the casket.

When they got outside into the hot August air, A flower from the patch of flowers dropped. Dave picked it up and tugged it close to his chest. Dave wanted to run into the back of the car and bring the casket to Grandma’s house.

Dave sat in his van still clutching the flower in his hand. He couldn’t believe what happened.

When Dave got home, he got ready to go to Oma’s grave on Sunday. He wrote a note to Oma:

Dear Oma,

Thanks for making my life better. I wish I could see you again. I wish you were here. I am crying my eyes out. I miss your soft blankets, the clothes you make, your presents, and mostly, you!

Love,

Dave

P.S. I’ll miss you so very, very, very, much!!!

Dave stapled the flower to the paper.

Sunday afternoon at Oma’s grave, Dave was the first to stare at the stone that said:

Hear lay Sandra Rueton Dangarmer

Dave placed the paper on the soft dirt. Tears ran down from Dave to the paper. Mom came over and hugged Dave.

“I bet she is happy,” she said.

Dave suddenly stopped crying. He hugged Mom tighter.

“I hope she is.”

Just four years ago...

2008-12-24T00:11:00.006-05:00

It was only four years ago that our family was celebrating Christmas for the first time in Ohio with just two little boys. This photo was included with our 2004 Christmas letter; Cameron was 5 and Trey was 2 - love the tongue.

Seems like the last two additions... Monica and Megan... have always been with us.

Merry Christmas...

Making up for lost time...

2008-12-07T11:48:00.015-05:00

Yes, we have been horrible at updating our blog. We have been called out by siblings on their blogs and have even been the cause of others not starting blogs. Of course, it's easy to point out the faults of others, but we won't do that here. The blame of course is mine, but it's not like I haven't been updating a blog... annualnativitydisplay.blogspot.com, just not this one. Anyway, with the Nativity Display now coming to an end, I have once again recommitted myself to updating this blog at least once a week. Also, given that our Christmas letter is coming out, I'd hate to point people to our blog and the last entry be from August. This entry is really dedicated to what has happened since that entry. I will be brief. For more detailed explanation of our lives, you can call or email us, or ask my mother. :-) Here goes...

Cameron started school...

Trey started school...

We went to the Lebanon Apple festival where we took pictures by pumpkins and picked apples...

Just liked these pictures of Sarah and Monica...

Cameron turned 9... We celebrated by playing a flag football game with his friends and cousin Tanner. Even a couple months later, Cameron still talks proudly of my perfect over-the-shoulder pass that "fell right into my arms."

Megan and Grandpa faced off... Of course Grandpa had no chance...

Halloween came...

Trey was a dead soccer player... tough header. Monica was a fairy or butterfly princess... depends on who you ask... and Cameron was a skeleton in a skull cap.

Around Thanksgiving time, Cameron got his Japanese pajamas from Uncle Scott and Aunt Joy in Okinawa. What came to mind? Karate Kid... the new version of course starring Will Smith's son... coming to theaters next year.

On Friday, we went to the Nativity Display where the kids got to dress up as Joseph, Mary, a shepherd - did you know they had plaid back then?

Any questions?

How Will They Know?

2008-08-23T11:33:00.006-04:00

The other day my big goal for the day was to get the kitchen floor clean. It was one of those chores that was way past needing to be done and I just wanted to get it done and move on. Monica is my buddy who likes to do just about everything I'm doing and this day it was the floor. I have to back up a little here and tell you that she loves to listen to "church songs" (primary songs) and had asked me to turn them on that morning. We were sweeping and singing. Now it was time to mop and she insisted that she do it herself. I was beginning to get a little frustrated because by now I just wanted to hurry and finish, but then the song "How will they know?" came on. As I listened to "How will they know unless we teach them so" I realized that I could take some time and just let her help me and in the process I learned that I need to teach her not only how to clean a floor but how to help and how to have fun spending time together. So, I pushed away my frustration and got the camera instead and enjoyed the time it took to finally get my floor clean.

Louisville

2008-08-23T10:07:00.012-04:00

With Megan being only four months old, this summer we decided to have a stay-cation and do something fun close to home. At the beginning of August, we went down to Louisville to visit the Louisville Slugger Baseball Museum and go to Six Flags. For those that think baseball is boring, attending the museum will not cure that, but it was interesting to see how baseball bats were made and get to hold the real bats of some Major League Baseball players. We learned that there really is a sweet spot on the bat, and if you pay attention to hitters, you'll see them position their bats so that when they swing there is a better chance that the ball will hit it.

We also got to see a display of baseballs with presidents' signatures, watch a short movie on the game of baseball and see just how fast a 90 mph fastball from Greg Maddux really is. The kids got a free small bat, which made the entire trip worth it, and we also got a bat with the kids names engraved on it. We imagine once Cameron and Trey start to use it for backyard baseball games, the names will not last very long.

After the museum, we went to our hotel, which just happened to have a 9-hole miniature golf course, and indoor and outdoor pools. When asked after our vacation what was the funnest part, Trey said the golf course. Guess next year, we'll just stay in Cincinnati and do a miniature golf tour.

Anyway, the next day, we went to Six Flags and spent the majority of the day at the water park, which had a huge wave pool, tube rides, and water playlands. For the most part, everyone had a good time, and Megan was a real trooper.

After a long day of swimming, we decided to close the park by riding some rides. The kids loved the skyscraper ferris wheel, and I was able to convince Cameron to go on a short one-loop roller coaster. Rachael and I were a little surprised that when we started to go get in line Treyton also decided he wanted to ride. He just happened to be two-inches taller than the minimum height required. While he was tall enough, I envisioned him slipping through the seat belt as we went upside down. Putting fears aside, we all got on, Cameron riding with Trey and me behind them.

Cameron was a little nervous, Trey was excited. As we started to take off, I saw Trey and Cameron look at each other screaming... when we hit the loop, both got real quiet... Fortunately, Trey did not fall out, but as we hit the end of the track and started heading backwards to hit the loop again, I could sense a little more worry. As we finally came to a stop, both again looked at each other screaming. Walking back to mom, a little more wobbly then before the ride, Cameron and Trey were both in shock that they had actually done it. We were even more surprised when Trey wanted to do it again.

After a few kids rides and bumper cars, we finished the night at Sonic enjoying cherry limeades and of course, chicken nuggets.

The next day we spent a few hours at another water park. This one was actually right next to our hotel. Rachael and I spent about two hours alternating riding inner tube and body tube rides with Cameron while the other kids played in a kids pool with smaller slides. Cameron could have gone all day.

Needless to say, we had a good time, and the fact that we did not have to go very far - 2 hours from home - made the trip even better. It was a stress-free trip, albeit quick and tiring.

Monica's Hairdo

2008-08-23T09:48:00.006-04:00

Apparently Rachael has talked up Monica's new (now old) hairdo, and a few people that don't see her everyday have requested a look. Well, it has only taken us about a month to get this post up, but better late then never, and seeing Monica is always worth the wait - just an unbiased father's opinion.

When they got home from the "salon" Rachael fixed her hair to take these pictures and then she was off to play outside with her brothers. She came in a few minutes later and asked, "Is it okay if the wind blows my hair?"

Just in case you ever wondered...

2008-08-01T10:32:00.006-04:00

Mom found this picture of me when I was Trey's age...

Below are some recent picture of Trey. We think he's ours...

Attack of the Philadelphia Crack Mosquito III

2008-07-28T10:29:00.005-04:00

Well, their back! Monica once again had a run in with a mosquito. This time, it got her in the eyebrow, which meant that it would settle in and around her eye. Of course, it did. The first picture is from Saturday afternoon, and she is not giving a thumbs up. The second is from Sunday morning. Fortunately, after several doses of Benadryl and some long naps over the weekend, she was able to open her eye by the end of Sunday.

We Got Tagged!

2008-07-17T11:48:00.004-04:00

Tanner and Ella tagged Monica (a long time ago), but I thought it would be fun to get all the kids' answers. Here it goes--out of the mouth of babes:

1. What is something mom always says to you?
Cameron: You have to clean up your room.
Trey: Stop playing games. (Video games)
Monica: Play basketball.

2. What makes mom happy?
Cameron: When I do stuff that you ask.
Trey: When I say "thank you" after lunch.
Monica: Chicken Nuggets.

3. What makes mom sad?
Cameron: When we stay up late. (Trey: "No, that makes you mad, not sad")
Trey: When you get hurt.
Monica: Your throat.

4. How does your mom make you laugh?
Cameron: Make Megan laugh, toot, and burp.
Trey: Tickle us in the neck.
Monica: Feel nice and happy.

5. What was your mom like as a child?
Cameron: How should I know? Angry, mean, always crying, trying to get people's attention.
Trey: Like Megan.
Monica: Um, me.

6. How old is your mom?
Cameron: 36--older than our dad.
Trey: 36
Monica: 3

7. How tall is your mom?
Cameron: Really short. I'm up to her shoulder.
Trey: I don't know.
Monica: You're bigger like Grandma.

8. What is her favorite thing to do?
Cameron: Mess around with us.
Trey: Watch T.V.
Monica: Make pills for your throat.

9. What does your mom do when you're not around?
Cameron: Make dinner with Monica's help.
Trey: Look for us.
Monica: Play hide and seek.

10. If your mom becomes famous, what will it be for?
Cameron: Being angry at 10:00 at night. (Laughing)
Trey: When you're a rock star.
Monica: For my birthday party.

11. What is your mom really good at?
Cameron: I'd say, nothing. (Continuing to laugh)
Trey: Taking a shower.
Monica: Playing baseball.

12. What is your mom not very good at?
Cameron: Everything. (Rolling on the floor laughing)
Trey: Playing baseball.
Monica: Playing soccer.

13. What does your mom do for her job?
Cameron: Be our servant.
Trey: Yeah, be our servant.
Monica: Do dishes.

14. What is your mom's favorite food?
Cameron: Pig lips with chicken blood.
Trey: Uh, I don't know. Everything.
Monica: Corn.

15. What makes you proud of your mom?
Cameron: When you don't boss us around.
Trey: Nothing.
Monica: Playing my soccer.

16. If your mom were a cartoon character, who would she be?
Cameron: Tom. Always crashing into stuff. (Tom & Jerry)
Trey: Spongebob
Monica: Spongebob Squarepants

17. What do you and your mom do together?
Cameron: Go to the store.
Trey: Go to the store.
Monica: Play soccer. You need to be on my team.

18. How are you and your mom the same?
Cameron: We joke around a lot.
Trey: I don't know.
Monica: You've got a pink shirt.

19. How are you and your mom different?
Cameron: She's a girl, I'm a boy.
Trey: (Same answer)
Monica: Making a job.

20. How do you know your mom loves you?
Cameron: Only when she gives us Crock Pot Chicken and Chicken Nuggets.
Trey: When she kisses us.
Monica: When you make you a kiss.

We tag Tate and Kash Strasburg.

Mosquitos on Crack

2008-07-16T23:49:00.007-04:00

Back in October of 2005, we loaded up the van and took the family to Scott's house in Philadelphia. During our visit, Trey was bit by a drug-induced mosquito that resulted in a trip to the emergency room. That is really when we learned just how allergic Trey is to mosquitoes. Fortunately, with some Benadryl and anti-biotics, his face returned to normal.

Well, we learned this past month that not only is Monica allergic to mosquitoes, but it appears that Cincinnati has been invaded by the infamous Philadelphia crack mosquitoes.

Don't believe me about the invasion? Here's more proof.

Trey and his cankle. Can you see the difference?

Fortunately, neither Monica or Trey had to go to the emergency room and the swelling has subsided. But we still can't find any repellent that says it will stop the crack mosquito.

Getting Older

2008-07-11T23:39:00.010-04:00

Well, our week of birthdays is over for another year. It started on July 5th with a surprise birthday party for Christel who turned 60 this year. Jim planned and carried out a great party to celebrate the person who means so much to so many people. It was also a lot of fun because Melissa, Erin, Alex, and Justin flew into town for the long weekend to celebrate the birthdays. Their arrivals were supposed to be a surprise, but we learned that some people have a harder time keeping secrets than others.

Monica gets to share her birthday with her Grandma (July 6th), so on Sunday we had a great dinner, as always and topped it off with birthday cake. Monica then opened some presents. She is now 3 and wants to do EVERYTHING by herself. She is a sweet girl who loves primary songs, books, and playing with her brothers when they let her.

We got Monica this bike with the cute helmet, so she can be safe! She took off on her bike like she was a pro! She likes to ride her bike every evening now. She complains a little as she is going up the gradual hill on our street because "I can't go faster", but really enjoys it when we turn around and she picks up speed.

Another favorite gift she got was this guitar from Grandma and Grandpa. She calls it her "Guitar Hero" and rocks out to the songs that play when she pushes the buttons.

Treyton turned 6 on July 7th. All he wanted to do for his birthday was to have a few friends over and have water balloons in the backyard. We filled 300 water balloons and let them go to town. We didn't get all of the balloons filled before they started throwing them, so the kids took a break and played baseball while the parents filled the rest. They really had a good time using the launcher and seeing how high and how far they could get them to fly.

Trey got excited by several of his presents, but the one that seemed to excited him the most was the Nintendo DS that he has been wanting for months. However, I think I got a bigger hug from Cameron because he knew he has a good brother who will share.

We also celebrated (although much more subdued) Megan's 3 month milestone. Mostly we just said, "Wow, she's already 3 months" and took a picture. Although the 3 months have gone by fast and she has grown a ton, it seems like she has been in our family forever. We can't imagine life without her. Every morning when we come downstairs Monica announces, "Boys, Megan!" and everyone comes running to give her a hug, kiss or other smothering gesture. She makes our family complete.

Back in the blogging business

2008-06-26T11:03:00.005-04:00

We have been told by more than one person that we do not update this blog enough, and for the most part they are right. We had a good reason though. Our camera died, and since a blog is nothing without pictures, we did not post anything for a couple of month. We finally bought a new camera, so hopefully, we will pick up the pace with postings.

For those that care, here is the camera we bought:

Ohh, and here is a great shot of Monica and Trey - courtesy of Joy.

Faces only a mother could love...

2008-05-11T15:41:00.006-04:00

Happy Mothers Day!

Just Because...

2008-04-22T13:04:00.003-04:00

Megan is a sleeper, but tends to find some extra juice between 10:30 p.m. and 1 a.m. This is of course a "Kodak" moment (taken with a Sony).

Sports Saturday

2008-04-22T12:56:00.005-04:00

Last Saturday was weekend number two of what will be a Spring and Summer full of sports activities. Trey (Green Gators) and Cameron (Great Whites) won their games, and Trey just missed a goal when his shot hit off of the post. Following both games, there was a short reprieve before Trey's (Blue Dragons) baseball practice. Baseball games start this week, so stay tuned for weekly updates.

Day 4 of Life with Megan

2008-04-16T14:39:00.001-04:00

As you can tell in the photos, Megan is a different color than the other kids... and while many may questions who the real father is, the doctors tell us Megan has jaundice. Hopefully it will clear up in the next few days and Megan will return to being as pale as the rest of us Ohioans.

The Siblings' Visit to the Hospital...

2008-04-10T16:02:00.001-04:00

The other kids couldn't wait to see the baby, although once they got there, they were more excited about the free apple juice and cookies, and the 19-inch TV that mom controlled from her bed.

Monica...

Trey...

Cameron...

New Blog, New Baby

2008-04-10T11:38:00.000-04:00

Well, what better time to launch a blog then when you have big news to announce. We are pleased to welcome to the world, Megan Christel, weighing in at 8lbs 2oz and measuring 22 inches long. She was born on April 10 at 8:17 a.m. at Bethesda North Hospital in Montgomery, Ohio. Will have more pictures and postings on Megan in the next few days.

Bruised and battered, but very content to be out. Megan came quickly. We got to the hospital between 7:30 and 7:45, and things quickly escalated from there.

Already going for the fingers... just like her sister.

First screams...