Wilson Boys 3

July: Ben Learns to Roller Blade!

2011-08-21T16:26:00.000-04:00

July: Tennis Camp and Golf Camp

2011-08-21T16:24:00.001-04:00

July: Drew Learns To Ride His Bike

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Drew - 4 yrs. old

July: Camping in Alabama With Family

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Kindergarten Field Trip Time!

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Ben with his hat on backwards! Cool Dude.

Drew had a fun time too!

Ben, Camden, and Matthew

Checking out the 5 Senses Garden

A small waterfall

Time for lunch!

The students met a Naturalist

He talked about insects

His puppets were great!

Ben tries it out

This is the life cycle of a butterfly!

Last, we looked for insects that we talked about.

We found some bees and butterflies!

It was a fun day to be a kindergarten student!

June 2011: T-Ball and Baseball Come To An End

2011-08-21T01:11:00.000-04:00

Ben is going after the ball!

Ben's ready!

Drew is happy, but ready to go home.

Mr. Smiley Ben

Junior League Annual Dinner

2011-08-21T01:06:00.000-04:00

President-Elect, Kristina McVey

Outgoing President, Kristin Kopp

Incoming President, Stacey Wilson

Dolan and Stacey

Stacey and Lorie

The Banquet Room at Lancaster Country Club

Kristin's Farewell Speech

Stacey's Acceptance Speech

Annual Dinner Presentation: Click Here!

May 2011: Drew's Three Year Old Preschool Program

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We had a tasty treat afterwards!

Drew and Mom!

Drew and Darian

Easter Sunday 2011

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Easter 2011: NJ

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Nan hiding Easter Eggs!

Suz, Betsy, and Grace

Uncle Dave

Meghan

Easter Eggs!

Justin and Ben

Drew

Meghan, Stacey, and Grace

The Grandkids

We just finished Easter dinner and now are celebrating Grace's b'day with

a special cake that Aunt Suz made!

The Kiddos

They're Off!

Ben

Hey, Ben found one!

Drew is off!

Kate is looking!

Meghan found one too!

Grandpa is helping Meg

Stacey helping count the loot!

Easter Football

April: Opening Day . . . It was COLD!

2011-08-20T23:27:00.001-04:00

Ben and Drew

First year in t-ball for Drew

Second year for Ben

Matthew - first year in coach pitch baseball

I didn't know girls played baseball - what do I know?

All of the players lined up

Hats off for the National Anthem

(two of my favorite pics)

Getting ready to run the bases!

Off they go!

April: Lampeter Food Drive

2011-08-20T23:21:00.000-04:00

Stacey and Alison (PTO President)

The Carts

Drew in front of the carts!

We Collected 5 Carts of Food

This was donated to the Lancaster Council of Churches

Brad Petersen, from the PA Food Bank, came and spoke to all of the classes

This is my Co-Chair, Shelby Naumann

with a representative from the Council of Churches Food Bank

March: Ben Turns 6

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March: Deep Creek Lake

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March: Ben loses first tooth, 6 yrs.

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Ben had two permanent teeth already coming in!

Boy Scout Luncheon: March

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Hunger Hurts - Panera Helps and You Can Too!

2011-02-01T21:49:00.000-05:00

http://www.panerabread.com/about/community/

If you have stumbled across our family blog, I would like to encourage you to check out your local Panera. Ask if they give their daily leftovers that they provide to a non-profit, food bank, or homeless shelter. If the answer is, "No," then I invite you to join the fight against hunger. Call your local food banks and shelters and ask if they would be willing to receive bread. Tonight, I filled our van with loaves of bread, muffins, bagels, cookies, and cake. When I say that I filled it, I mean that.!!All three car seats and the van floor (one chair down) are covered. I'll deliver in the morning to the Lancaster Council of Churches. This is a local food bank. Again, because the food is perishable, check around your area and ask who will receive perishable items. Hunger hurts, but together we can help!

Pine Wood Derby

2011-02-01T18:52:00.001-05:00

The cubscouts got to look over all of the cars. Matthew's is the purple car near the yellow car.

They voted for the cars racing in their division

One last question, "Matthew, are you ready?"

Matthew,"Yes I am!"

Here they go!

He didn't win first prize, but he had a fun and that's a very important learning lesson in life.

Matthew Turns 7!

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Really? Is my life really going by this fast?!! Just FYI, every year for 3 days, our boys are chronilogically one year a part. So this year, on January 15 (Drew's birthday), we had a 4, 5, and 6 year-old. Now we have a 7, 5, and 4 year-old. In March we'll have 7, 6, and 4.

We are only 7 years away from high school, 9 years away from driving. Okay, okay, I'm getting way ahead of myself, but seriously?

Melting ice cream cakes . . . one for Drew, one for Matthew

Flames!

Friends and Brother Ben!

Matthew and Marty

Girls were invited too!!

Presents

Bowling Fun!

Strike!

Time to say good-bye

Drew Turns 4 With Preschool Friends!

2011-02-01T17:38:00.001-05:00

I am still in shock that our baby boy is 4. Drew always says, "Mommy, I'm not a baby. I am big bory." Drew loves all things Toy Story at the moment. Aunt Betsy gave him Toy Story 3 for Christmas and Drew has watched it over and over. He sleeps with his pal Woody and pulls the string over and over! Thanks Aunt Suz. Grandpa and Nan provided him a favorite shirt with Buzz on it. We wear it once, if not twice a week!

Drew and Mom

Drew helped me make his birthday cupcakes. Ben helped me deliver the birthday surprise to his preschool classroom. Being in PM Kindergarten, Ben and I get to spend mornings together. Drew and I spend afternoons together. I feel blessed to be able to have this special time with the boys. Happy 4th Birthday Drewby!

The Week After Christmas

2011-02-01T17:27:00.004-05:00

The week after Christmas was super busy. Dolan and Dad worked in the basement. Mom cooked amazing meals and made the house shine with her cleaning magic. The boys and I went and saw the Nutcracker at the Fulton. I hope to make this an annual event. We said good-bye to "Elf Wilson" our Elf on the Shelf. He mysteriously flew back to the North Pole to be with Santa until next year. This was truly the most magical year for Christmas. That's one of the best parts of being a parent . . . getting to relive being a kid all over again!

The boys with Mom and Dad. They are about to leave to return to Alabama. Saying good-bye is never easy. Even after 12 years of living in Lancaster, away from Mama and Daddy, I still cry when they leave. We had a very nice time together. Like I said above, for 10 days Mama cleaned and cooked and cleaned and cooked. Daddy and Dolan worked in our basement and framed it for renovation. Daddy retires in June, so he'll fly back up and help finish the basement project.

Dad and Dolan

Okay, so I'm the only one smiling. The boys were ready for the play to start. I have to say, I was ready too.

The boys in front of the Fulton Opera House. Matthew is sporting Dolan's WVU scarf! Drew is saying, "Cheese" and Mr. Ben is excited to see the play!! We celebrated afterwards with hot chocolate.

Cousins Visit from NJ!!

Uncle Dave, Aunt Suz and the Girls visited after Christmas. On their way home from visiting in WV, Dave, Suz, and the girls were supposed to stop by Lancaster. However, a severe snow storm changed our holiday plans. We caught up with them after Christmas r and shared a day of play, present sharing, cajun soup and conversation. Below are pictures from that day:

Meggie Moo found the two dolls in our playroom. She carried them around the whole day!

We opened presents.

Kater Tater

Ben

Meghan got a baby doll

Kate got baby doll accessories that she shared. So nice, Kate!

Ben and Meghan goofing around

The boys played hotwheels with the Kate and Meghan.

They really enjoyed this! Who says girls can't dig cars!!

Christmas Morning 2010

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Christmas morning . . . the stockings!

Drewby got Buzz!

Our family before Mass on Christmas morning . . .

So the morning went on and a little later Pawpaw said, "Boys, last night I think I heard Santa and Rudolph go downstairs. Now, I am not sure, but you may want to check the basement to see if he didn't leave any gifts down there." AND MY CAMERA DIED. Why does that happen? Oh, the screams and jumping up and down. Their excitment was not containable. It brought tears of joy to everyone. Below was the surprise in the basement.

'Twas the Night Before Christmas!

2011-01-15T23:38:00.001-05:00

This Christmas was extra special. My parents got to experience Christmas Eve and Christmas Morning with the boys. The night before Christmas, they opened Memaw and Pawpaw's gift . . . a Titan Blast Water Rocket! Ben is on the left of the picture. His face says it all!!

Mom is on the couch getting the rolling, laughing Santa ready. He was hysterical to watch.

Santa and Rudolph treats

Look at Drew! I love this picture. Grandpa and Nan (WV) are reading to the boys from the Hallmark book that they gave the boys last year: Twas the Night Before Christmas.

Early Christmas in WV

2011-01-15T23:21:00.002-05:00

Please excuse the Wilson boys' hair. They were all in dire need of a holiday hair cut, but Mama just didn't get them to the barber in time!! We visited with family in WV the week-end before Christmas. Nan made chicken chili and stuffed bell pepper soup - Mmmm! The boys enjoyed spending time with their cousins Grace and Justin. Uncle Jason, Aunt Betsy, Grandpa, Nan, Grace and Justin went ice skating and before leaving, Granpa and Nan took the kids to a movie. We also opened Christmas presents together.

Look at that face! Matthew are you 6 or 16?

Mr. Ben, always happy

Grace and her friend, Avery

Drewby

Uncle Jason surprises Drew!

Drew was able to skate with the aide of the "walker"

Ben is learning to let go - he did it!

Matthew skated from the start - good job!

Drew

Nan and Dolan and the boys - We had to wait for the ice to be smoothed.

Dolan and Stacey

All that skating made us hungry!!

Back at Nan and Grandpa's. Ben and Uncle Jason.

Time to open presents! Mr. Justin

Grace, our family artist

Matthew

Betsy and Dolan

Ben's Christmas Party

2011-01-15T23:05:00.000-05:00

Ben had a really great Christmas Party. However, I was running the "Make a Bird Feeder" Center and later "Pin the Nose on Rudolph" and was unable to take pictures. Below are pictures that I found that explain what we did. The students rotated through six centers. It was a really fun day. Drew enjoyed it too!

Ben

First Grade Christmas Carols

2011-01-15T22:34:00.002-05:00

Late December, the first grade classes performed numerous Christmas and holiday songs. It was a festive experience for everyone!

Frosty the Snowman @ Dutch Apple Theatre

2011-01-15T22:23:00.002-05:00

I had the fun privilege of going with Matthew to see "Frosty the Snowman" play at the Dutch Apple Theatre with his first grade class. We had a great time eating lunch together and watching a live performance. Below are pictures from our day together as well as some of the other school friends and their Moms.

Thanksgiving in Alabama

2010-12-12T13:40:00.004-05:00

Dolan, the Boys and I made the long journey to Alabama to be with family over the Thanksgiving Holiday. It is 14 hours there and 14hours back. I have to say that the journey TO Alabama is much more fun than the journey home FROM Alabama! This is true for any trip whether it be a visit to Glen Dale, WV; Southampton, NJ; Sunset Beach, NC; or Arab, Alabama.

Matthew, Ben, and Drew were up at 6:30am every morning riding their 4-wheelers. Memaw and Pawpaw have now purchased three 4-wheelers, one for each Wilson boy to ride. Matthew and Ben have now mastered driving solo. There is so much freedom on the farm - not the restrictive feel of surburban life. Dad says that the earlier kids learn to drive, the better they are at driving when they get a car. I have to agree with this point. Hopefully turning 16 will be as easy as turning 6 and that the boys drive a car with the same respect and ease that they drive their four wheelers.

I really enjoyed listening to the boys read to Granny. We also made bird feeders with Granny that we hung in her yard. Hopefully the Alabama birds are enjoying their treat!

Mama did a wonderful job with cooking and preparing for us to come. I think she worked night and day for over a week cleaning, shopping for food, and cooking! I can only hope to be the cook that she is - one day!!

Uncle Wes surprised us with an early visit. It is always nice to see him as he brings light humor wherever he goes. I got to visit with all of my extended family (Aunts, Uncles, Cousins) and got to visit briefly with the Sims and Jennifer. My best friend, Rhonda, and I tried to get together, but due to an awful stomach bug, we decided it best to try again the next time we are down for a visit.

Memaw's Table

We had so much food! Mom had to bring a fan in the kitchen to cool off!!

Mom's delicious fried okra! This is her breading the okra.

Stacey, The Boys, and Granny Whitaker

Ben reading to Granny. She really enjoyed this!

We made peanut butter bagel bird feeders with Granny.

Everyone enjoyed this

(L-R) Drew, Ben, and Matthew

Picture with helmets off

Ben

Drew

Matthew

Ben

Pawpaw with the Boys

There are lots of outside jobs at Memaw and Pawpaw's house.

They saved burning the garden for the boys!

Ben and Matthew being goofy in the tomato cages

Layla, the family cat, who doesn't like kids

November Cub Scout Food Drive

2010-12-12T13:17:00.000-05:00

Cub Scout Matthew

A food drive to benefit our local Food Pantry began Saturday, November 6, sponsored by the Lampeter Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts (Pack 286). Plastic "door hangers" were distributed to make residents aware of the drive, and pickup of donations took place on Saturday, November 13.

Cub Scout Marty

The boys sorted the food by tables. They collected almost $2,000 pounds of food.

Water Street Mission Family Day

2010-12-12T13:10:00.001-05:00

Matthew and I volunteered at the Water Street Mission Family Day. He had a really fun time helping out at the Mosaic Station. Our sitters, Jennie and Scott, made us aware of this opportunity. Children learn by doing. I would encourage everyone to volunteer (when you have the chance) and take your kiddos along!

Matthew, Stacey, and Kristina

Matthew with our sitters Jennie and Scott!

Matthew actually won the guess at this station!!

Halloween 2010

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Dracula

Buzz

Neighborhood Friends

Dracula, Buzz, and Boba Fett

Cub Scouts Win First Prize in Strasburg Halloween Parade!

2010-12-12T12:54:00.000-05:00

Oct 28, 2010

The Strasburg Halloween Parade formed at Jaycee Park 6:30 pm, moved out 7 pm. Drew, Ben, and I walked beside Matthew and their Cub Scout float that was designed by one of mothers who is a set designer for one of our local theatres! Out two pieces of cardboard, string, black and gray paint, she designed stink bug costumes for the boys to wear. In case you hadn't heard the news, Lancaster was invaded by stink bugs this year! The Cub Scouts do a food drive in November so this was a nice intro into our November service project.

Matthew

Drew, I mean, "Buzz Light Year" or as Drew says, "Buzz Mlight Meer"

The talented Scout Mom who designed the stink bug costumes!

Drew, Matthew L., and Ben - best buddies and neighbors!

They got to walk together in the parade.

Cub Scout Promise

I, Matthew, promise

to DO MY BEST

To do my DUTY to GOD

And my Country

To HELP other people, and

To OBEY the LAW of the Pack

Drew's Preschool Halloween Party!

2010-12-12T12:40:00.000-05:00

Pretty Fall Rainbow

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Our fall, particularly early October, was particularly warm and rainy. Dolan took this picture one week-end. It was so bright and vivid!

Wilson Boys - fall golf

2010-12-12T11:51:00.001-05:00

Dolan took the boys down to Meadia Heights Golf Club for the last of fall golf. Below are some pictures of the boys on the driving range.

Cherry Hill Orchard

2010-12-12T11:43:00.001-05:00

Dolan, the Boys, and I took a day trip one Saturday in mid October to Cherry Hill Orchard. We went on a hay ride to a pumpkin patch, ate apples from the orchard, and chose a pumpkin. It was a beautiful day.

There is a kid friendly area to wait for the next hay ride!

Drew is a bee ready to pollinate the orchard!

Drew and Dolan on the wagon

Matthew enjoying his apple

Nope, not that one!

Ben says, "Nope, not that one either!"

"This One!"

Matthew and Drew - Cherry Crest Farms

2010-12-12T11:31:00.002-05:00

Ben went to a WVU game and I took Matthew and Drew to Cherry Crest Farms for the day. This was early October. We took a tractor ride around the farm. It was a crowded day, but fun.

We picked a REAL ear of POPCORN!

We came home, took the kernels off the cobb and popped it!

Matthew not real thrilled to be in the pumpkin sign!

Drew is a camera ham!

Drew's pick

Matthew's pick

We spent about 45 minutes at the sand art station. This was really fun.

The boys got to ride horses

The boys bounced on the bouncy mat

These were on our way out.

Drew said, "Mommy, it is Bulls Eye from Toy Story 3!"

Ben Goes to WVU

2010-12-12T11:20:00.000-05:00

Early October, Ben had the fun opportunity to go with Dolan and Granpa Wilson, Uncle Jason, and Cousin Justin to a WVU game in Morgantown, WV. This was Ben's first college game and he loved it. GO MOUNTAINEERS!!

Tail Gating - Ben and Justin!

Big Smiles

Ben's favorite place - Uncle Jason's shoulders!

Two buddies

One of my favorite pictures . . . Thanks Grandpa and Nan!

Cub Scout Hike

2010-12-04T19:05:00.000-05:00

Matthew is in first grade. He is now in Cub Scouts and is really enjoying it. Below are pictures of his first Cub Scout outing. We went on a hike at a BSA Camp, Camp Mack.

We started with breakfast.

Off we go!

Matthew's Scout Leader is on the right.

An older Boy Scout talked to the Cub Scouts about the wilderness and camping safety.

There was target practice! The boys got to shoot a bb-gun. Before they were allowed to shoot, they had to learn about gun safety.

Matthew is waiting his turn.

Safety glasses! Matthew is loading his gun.

Getting ready to shoot. He also got to shoot a bow and arrow, but my camera battery died.

This was a really fun day for Matthew.

Kindergarten Field Trip

2010-12-04T18:52:00.001-05:00

The first of October, I had the opportunity to be a chaperone on Ben's (K) field trip to Cherry Crest Farms. This is a wonderful fall experience!

Ben getting on the bus

Ben's teacher

Ben and Mom

Here we are!

We saw lots of baby animals

It didn't smell great!

We got to hold baby chicks

We took a little break and had a snack

We milked a pretend cow

There was a bull to ride!

A super fun sack slide

A bouncy mat

Back to school!

The Last Signs of Summer, The Beginning of Fall

2010-12-04T18:17:00.000-05:00

The 6 ft. sunflower! There is a bee in the middle.

Verbena

Wilsons Go To Washington D.C.

2010-12-04T18:14:00.000-05:00

The boys first school break was early in the year. We took a day trip to D.C. and made the mistake of not bringing a stroller. I think we walked about 3 miles that day. The boys were all so tired. Matthew said, "I think my legs are going to fall off." Ben said, "I think my feet are broken."

Family in front of Washington Monument.

Our one museum - The Museum of Natural History

There were elephants

Dinosaurs

Ben and Drew in front of a triceratop skeleton.

We saw T-Rex!

The Hope Diamond

The Wilson Boys compare their height to that of a dinosaur leg bone!

Drew

Matthew

We enter the Butterfly and Plants Section

Drew observing

We enter the Insect Zoo

Creepy Crawlies!

Insects live in water. Ben is oberserving.

Drew and Matthew observe

Matthew finds more insect

We saw human skeletons

We saw mummies!!

Drew and I fit in the mouth of a shark!

Drew on the other side of the Washington Monument. Blankie in hand.

The World War II Memorial and the Lincoln Memorial

The boys and I in front of the beginning of the World War II Memorial. My Grandfather (PawPaw), Jack Whitaker, served in War World II.

Dolan and the boys at the World War II Memorial.

Every state has a pillar. I found Alabama's in honor of my Pawpaw.

The Washington Monument view from the World War II Memorial

Stacey and Ben

Matthew got to meet a World War II Veteran. His name was John. He was very interesting to talk with.

Drew at the Reflecting Pond . . . can you tell he is getting very tired! We are almost to the Lincoln Memorial.

The boys pause for a picture

Okay, we're losing it.

This part of the tour is over! We are on to the White House.

"Surprise!" It's Nan and Grandpa. They were in the D.C. area picking up Grandpa's new car.

Whew! We made it. It was a beautiful day and a fun experience.

Drew Goes to Preschool!

2010-12-04T17:31:00.000-05:00

It's official. The last Wilson boy has entered St. Peter's Preschool. It seems like yesterday that my friend, Sarah Russell, and I were experiencing the first day of Tendercare with Matthew and Peter. Drew was so excited for this day to come. He started school a little later than his brothers.

Drew walks in. Uncle Wes bought his first day of school clothes too! They were all matching, but Matthew chose to wear his first day of school shirt on the second day of school. My friend, Tedi Sponaugle is holding the door.

Is he really 3? How did that happen?

Drew begins exploring his classroom

Drew cried when I picked him up. He wanted to stay. His sweet teacher is in the background.

First Day of School for Matthew and Ben!

2010-12-04T17:23:00.000-05:00

Being a parent is so bittersweet. We rush our children along only to realize that it all goes by way too fast. Sometimes I long to experience a day with them again as an infant. Releasing them into the world to become independent, to grow their wings, it what it is all about, but it's hard. I love you boys. Dad and I are so proud of you.

Waiting at the bus stop!

Matthew is off to first grade! His first full day of school.

Matthew and his bus driver

Ben and I made cupcakes to celebrate with after school!

Ben smiles wearing the first day of school clothes that Uncle Wes bought him. !

My little man enters his first 1/2 day of public school

Ben's teacher is wearing the white shirt. Ben walked right in. No tears.

Matthew and Ben arrive home safely on the bus. The 2010 school year is off to a great start!

August - Southgate Development Block Party 2010

2010-09-01T10:58:00.007-04:00

A Committee of 6 in conjunction with the Lampeter fire and police department worked diligently to create a "Fun in the Sun" block party to celebrate the closing of summer and the beginning of school!

Kimberly Briner created our block party logo which we used for our t-shirts. Check out Kimberly's web site: http://www.pinkpineappleprints.com/

We decorated our yards with yard signs!

We decorated our bikes for a bike parade. Greg Logan lead the parade. This is Wes, my brother, with Drew. We are getting ready to start the parade. The West Lampeter Police blocked the streets for us!

Mr. Ben

Drew having a hard time pedaling up hill! Yes, that's me on a bike.

Off we go!

Committee Members made a special banner for the parade

After the parade we enjoyed activities in neighbor's driveways.We had sand art, sidewalk chalk,

hoola hooping. Later we had soccer and kickball!

Sand art and Tattoo Station

We had a popcorn and lemonade stand. All proceeds went to the Humane League!

There was a train station with a working train!

After kickball, soccer, and street games we ate together.

Even House Numbers brought a summer side and Odd House Numbers brought a dessert! Each family brought their own grilling meat of choice and buns.

Fun times!

Surprise, Surprise . . . we had the Lafayette Fire Company and West Lampeter Police come for a "Look and Learn" experience.

The adults and kids got to explore.

Drew had just finished putting on the fireman's gear, now he is climbing in the truck.

The kiddos got to push buttons, wear ear phones, it was loud - wild- and fun!

They took families on the lift! We were 40 feet high!! It was awesome.

The West Lampeter Police did a similiar demonstration.

He "arrested" people and explained why and how. Matthew was first in line to experience this! They loved making his lights flash and sirens go!!

Matthew waiting his turn to be in the cop car.

We ended the party with the sno-cone truck stopping by. When the sun went down, we watched a movie projected on a neighbor's house outside on the lawn! The "Fun In The Sun" Block Party was a great experience. Thanks to everyone who helped out and participated.

Camp Invention

2010-09-01T10:48:00.004-04:00

Matthew and Ben were in two separate camps this summer. Matthew went to Camp Invention for one week (8am-3pm) and Ben went to St. Peter's Camp for three weeks (9-11 am). Below are pictures from Matthew's last day at Camp Invention. If you have never utilized this camp and you are a Lancaster parent, I highly recommend it!

Matthew's invention . . . "The Best Robot Ever!"

Matthew and Dolan

Concluding Camp Invention Program

July and the Lemonade Stand

2010-09-01T10:46:00.001-04:00

Matthew, Ben and Drew opened a lemonade stand. They made $3.25

Summer Birthday with Ponies!

2010-09-01T10:32:00.005-04:00

Despite a brief summer shower, we celebrated with our neighbors with an awesome princess party with ponies. There is something magical about turning 4. Ben with his best buddy Matthew The birthday girl goes first!

Drew

Ben

The Celebration!
Happy Fourth Ryann!

Painting Birdhouses in July

2010-09-01T10:28:00.003-04:00

School is out and what to do in July? We go to A.C. Moore and purchase bird houses to paint!

June Part (II) - Camping in Alabama

2010-09-01T00:16:00.018-04:00

"Your some kind of wonderful" . . . that's the song that replays in my mind when I think about my friends and family back "home" in Alabama. For the boys, Lancaster, PA is home, but in my heart Arab, Alabama will always be home. Dolan drove us down to Alabama (14.5 hours) the latter part of June for us to experience a "camping trip extravaganza" at Siebold Creek located on beautiful Lake Guntersville. Dolan flewback the next day to PA on Father's Day. The boys and I stayed for one week with Memaw and Pawpaw (my parents) and then my Dad rode back with us to Lancaster to assist with the boys (14.5 hours)!

He and Mom recently bought an 18 ft. deluxe camper with a slide out unit. It is super nice and made the 105 degree camping weather a little more tolerable. It was also nice to spend time with Aunt Wanda, Mom's sister, as well as the Sims (Wayne and Patsy). These people are well remembered in my childhood memory box!

When we came home, people asked, "So how was it?" I replied, "Oh, our clothes were wet with sweat, the bugs ate us alive, we roasted marshmallows at night in 90 degree weather, the pool water felt like a hot tub, there were a few ants in the bath house, but it was the best experience ever. This trip taught the boys to be versatile and to find fun in what could have been a very miserable experience!" Thanks to everyone for a great Alabama trip.

Lake Guntersville

Getting ready to leave

Drew and Ben in Pawpaw's truck

Matthew's helping Pawpaw check the hook-up

Before arriving to camp, we stopped to buy crickets

Matthew and Ben checking out the crickets!

I love the Redman in the window.

It's my Dad's favorite.

Setting up camp

Drew is helping!

Drew changed clothes again

Wayne Sims - special family friend!

Wayne and Patsy's RV

Patsy Sims - special family friend!

She taught Matthew & Ben to drive her golf cart around the camp ground

Mom relaxing at the campsite

Enjoying the pool

Ben testing the deep end with his floaties

There was a Bass Masters Tournament while we were camping at Siebold.

Fishermen from all over the country were present.

The boys picked out their favorite bass boat rig and sponsor

Ben's favoriteWe walked down to the pier and watched the boats come in

Ben

Matthew

Fishing time!

We parked under a power line and looked up and saw an eagle's nest!

Pawpaw helping with the bait

During our stay there was a hatching of willow flies

and we learned that these are great bait as well.

Drew couldn't hold it

More fishing

My favorite picture

We found red eared slider. We picked it up and it peed!

He lead himself back to the water.

More fun in the golf cart!

The bathroom / shower . . . We used this and the camper shower!

Fun times learning about life in the wilderness!!

Ice Chest

Pawpaw modeled for the boys what it means to be honest -

notice the box to the left of the ice chestDinner!

Matthew relaxing in the camper

The boys met a friend, Noah, from Arkansas

Matthew, Drew, and Noah

After our camping trip we came back to the farm and rode 4 wheelers

Matthew learned to ride his 4 wheeler solo!

Drew is waiting his turn

Matthew is ready to take off!

There he goes!

Pawpaw is riding with Ben and Matthew is leading

Using his breaks on the curve!

Drew gets his turn!

On our way home to Lancaster, we stopped at the Natural Bridge in VA

Walking down to the bridge

There were benches on either side to sit and observe the awesome site!

We are so small and the bridge is so big!

There was a "working" Indian Village along the river beyond the bridge

We enjoyed seeing how life looked several hundred years ago

The End.

June Part (1) - Sunset Beach, NC

2010-08-31T22:46:00.017-04:00

Early June, we had the very fortunate opportunity to spend a week together at

Sunset Beach, NC. Family members traveled from NJ, PA, WV, and TN.

It was a fantastic week had by all. We wore our favorite WVU Mountaineer shirt for the family photo! Wilson boys after the family picture

Matthew, Ben, and Drew
Austin - Everyone's Hero!
One of my favorites
Dolan and the boys

We had many adventures on this trip, but none involved the ER!

Austin caught a sand shark from the pier and

Matthew got to hold it!! He felt like big stuff ; )

We all LOVED the sand, sun, and surf!

Ben and Drew tackle the waves! Building sand castles!
Grace was a huge help with the kiddos.

Ainsley in the sand . . . love her braids!

Grace and Meghan.

Check out her mimicking Grace! Love this.

Dave and Kate

Grace, Ben, and Meghan . . . look at those sweet baby legs!

Meghan LOVED the water!

Ben and Grace are hard at work!

Kate and Drew are in discussion about what to do next!!

Ahhh, the end of the day when the tide rolls in - what fun!

We all enjoyed eating ice cream at Calabash Creamery!

Drew's favorite flavor: Birthday Cake

We took a few breaks from the beach to experience other coastal fun.

This was one of our favorites!The butterfly seat near the museum entrance
The kids enjoyed the arts and crafts table

shark jaws!

It was lunch time when we arrived to the museum.

The kids got to feed the live marine life!

"What do you see Drewby?," asks BenBack at the beach . . . some slept while others played

Some spent hours in the ocean being tossed high

into the air and crashing in the water! Matthew and Austin

Ben and Justin stop to say cheese!

Drew being Drew!

Drew and Grace Dinners were always fun - we took turns cooking.

This is one of our dinner nights!

Carrie and Meghan

Drew being a pirate

Justin being a dude.

The Wilson Boys thought Cousin Austin was the bomb!

Aunt Janie and Nan

Enjoying each other's company before eating dinner and then saying goodnight, only to wake up to another fun day at the beach!

Justin's First Communion and Grace's Birthday in WV

2010-05-16T11:38:00.010-04:00

We celebrated at Grandpa and Nan's the first week-end of May. On Saturday we celebrated Grace turning 10 and on Sunday we celebrated Justin's first communion. It was a great week-end in WV.

Grace baked and decorated her birthday cake . . . it was delicious! Grace and big brother Austin Matthew being Matthew Kate swinging The cousins Family Grace with Meghan

Kate chillin' on the grassy hill

The Whole Gang

Kate and Grandpa

The Frohnapfels with a few other family members!

T-Ball Opening Day!

2010-05-16T11:31:00.008-04:00

Matthew and Ben are playing T-ball on the same team this year. Matthew is not very happy to be playing T-ball. He wanted to play coach pitch baseball, but that's what happens when you and your brother are 13 months a part! I wasn't ready for two different ball schedules. That will come soon enough. It was a fun day. Drew (above) wore Matthew's T-Ball outfit from last year!

Swim Lessons

2010-05-16T11:03:00.005-04:00

Matthew, Ben, and Drew participated in swim lessons this spring. They all really enjoyed it.

Easter in NJ

2010-05-16T10:56:00.018-04:00

We spent Easter with Uncle Dave and Aunt Suz, Uncle Jason and Aunt Betsy, and all of the cousins in New Jersey. Below are some fun memories. Grandpa and Nan were at the NCAA Championship watching WVU play Duke. WVU made history from the 1950's. It was an historic basketball season and we were all glad that they could participate in this event. Unfortunately, WVU lost, but we sent fun Easter pics via phone to cheer up Grandpa and Nan.

The front porch before the egg hunt
Grandpa and Nan's funny bunny faces Aunt Betsy worked hard! Off they go!
Drew hard at work

The bunny glasses helped him!
Matthew trying to find the money egg!

Look at Ben's basket!

Kate finds Easter treats too!

Justin and Ben

Uncle J with Meggie Moo

Grace

Drew is off for more eggs!

Meghan and Uncle J

Mom and Drew

Suz and Kate

Ben opening his loot!

Justin sorting his eggs

Grace sorting her eggs

Dolan helping Drew sort his eggs

Grace, the natural baby comforter

Uncle J grabbing Meggie Moo's piggies

Drew and Kate playing on Kate and Meghan's new swingset.

Drew said, "Here Kate. I give you a push."

Smiles before the sugar crash!

Grandparents Day with Grandpa and Nan

2010-05-16T10:10:00.008-04:00

At the end of March, Grandpa and Nan traveled 4 hours from WV to be with Matthew at Grandparent's Day! It was a very fun week-end. The theme for Grandparents was "bucket filling." The school counselor read this book and if you do not have this in your home library or in your school, this is a wonderful resource. Here is the link: https://www.bucketfillers101.com

Grandpa and Nan got to experience life in the 1/2 day Kindergarten classroom and visit with Matthew's teacher, peers, and see his work! He read to them and they read to him. It was definitely a memory making day.

Mrs. Potter

Matthew

He's proud to show his work!

Reading his journal to Grandpa

Reading a book to Grandpa

Reading a book to Nan

Hearing the story about being a bucket filler!

March: Ben Turns 5

2010-05-16T09:54:00.004-04:00

This was the year of making our own birthday cakes! Ben was a trooper. He let Drew share in the process of making the cake. We shared Ben's birthday with Family from Alabama (Uncle Mike, Aunt Sharron, Cousins Amanda and her family, and her husband's Mom, Heather from Australia). Ben decorated with gummies and green icing!

Chocolate! Stirring the eggs!

We are ready to start! Drew is still in his pj's

The Gift of an Ordinary Day

2010-02-04T12:37:00.003-05:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=olSyCLJU3O0

Above is an excerpt read by the Author of The Gift of an Ordinary Day. Grab your tissues. The book is an intimate memoir of a family in transition-boys becoming teenagers, careers ending and new ones opening up, an attempt to find a deeper sense of place, and a slower pace, in a small New England town. It is a story of mid-life longings and discoveries, of lessons learned in the search for home and a new sense of purpose, and the bittersweet intensity of life with teenagers--holding on, letting go. Poised on the threshold between family life as she's always known it and her older son's departure for college, Kenison is surprised to find that the times she treasures most are the ordinary, unremarkable moments of everyday life, the very moments that she once took for granted, or rushed right through without noticing at all. The relationships, hopes, and dreams that Kenison illuminates will touch women's hearts, and her words will inspire mothers everywhere as they try to make peace with the inevitable changes in store.

Matthew turns 6 - Drew turns 3

2010-01-25T12:42:00.015-05:00

January is always a busy month for us. We have two Wilson boy birthdays! This year we celebrated with our neighbors. Matthew measured, poured, and used the beaters. All of the boys helped ice the cake and decorate with sprinkles. Drew licked the bowl! Birthdays in the past have been theme parties at a special venue like Hands-On-House or Rocky Springs Bowling, but this year was very low key and I have to say . . . .it was by far the boys favorite. They helped from start to finish. My Dad said, "Punkin Head, those boys are telling you something. Bigger isn't always better." You're right Dad. For most things in life, less is definitely more.

Drew (left side of picture) waits patiently for the bowl!

Buddy Bear was visiting from Ben's Preschool Class. He was our special guest.

The party started with Pizza, fruit, veggies, and salsa/chips

While we ate, we had the sock hop cd playing in the background.
It was fun watching the kiddos try to eat and keep beat to the music at the same time!

Ben and his best buddy, Matthew

Our wonderful neighbors, Greg and Alicia, are in the background

Drew fell asleep before we cut the cake, so Ryann filled in for him. She did a great job helping Matthew blow out the candles!

Drew woke up from his nap and said, "Hey duys . . . it's take time!" He didn't realize that we had already had our fair share. It was sweet.

We ended the party with opening gifts and playing the famous party game "Pin the Tail on the Donkey!" Amazingly, Andrew and Matthew pinned the donkey EXACTLY right. Let's just say that the hole that the elastic went through (on the eye patch) was rather large! It was a very fun night and a birthday that the boys will remember.

Sock Hop

2010-01-24T20:16:00.012-05:00

I volunteered to be the PTO Sock Hop Chair for our school's First Annual Sock Hop. My neighbor, Greg Logan, helped me to make the decorations. I wish I had taken pictures of the entry and of the murals on the stage. Greg is a very talented artist and he has a very patient wife! Thanks for all of your help Alicia and Greg!! All of the students and their families were invited to an old fashioned 50's Sock Hop on Friday, January 22nd in the school gym from 6:30-8:00 pm. We wore our 50's attire (Dad, Mom, and Children). Admission was FREE. A guest "50's Star" was present at the sock hop as well as a surprise performance!

Hand Jive - Matthew is on my left!
The Principal and I trying to get the stroll going!

More Hand Jive!

I helped the teachers lead the surprise perfomance of "Tooty-Tah" by Dr. Jean
The kids danced with us. It was a participation song and what FUN!

Matthew is dancing!

Our DJ . . . "Elvis"

Elvis and his lovely wife, Paula

Paula helping Elvis with his cape. Dolan shakes hands with "The King"

Paula and Stacey

Stacey and Elvis. I am holding the Baker's little girl, Maddie!

Matthew

2010-01-24T20:08:00.004-05:00

We used our camera on the tripod during Christmas for our family picture(along with the timer). Matthew found this to be quite intriguing. After watching an episode of Myth Busters using a slow motion camera, Matthew got an idea. He said, "Hey Daddy, I want to capture my tricks on camera. We can use the camera timer and tripod. I can do the tricks and the camera can catch me before I fall down." Dolan and I were both in tears with his simple humor.

Christmas in West Virginia

2010-01-24T19:31:00.025-05:00

Christmas Day we left for West Virginia around 1:00 and returned home to Lancaster on December 27th. Below are pics of the growing Wilson Family.

The newest family member, Meghan (4.5 months)

Christmas at Grandpa and Nan's

Nan helps Ben decide which gift to open first

Justin is a cool cat!

Ben tickles Kate with her "Tickle Me Elmo" Glove

Meghan and Drew

Dr. Kate is mending her patients

She checks Grace's ears

Carrie and Ainsley

Danielle, Aunt Janie, Meghan and Suz

Ainsley and Scott

Matthew building with magnetic shapes

Drew playing with a Little Tykes airplane

Drew in his new WVU Jersey!

Look at all of those kiddos!

Grace works her magic with Meghan

Aunt Janie with her sweet granddaughter, Ainsley

Christmas 2009

2010-01-24T18:55:00.036-05:00

The pictures speak for why we were unable to travel to Alabama on December19th, 2009. Lancaster was hit with a HUGE snow storm. When the snow finally stopped we had 18 inches. Our plan was to go to Alabama Dec. 19-22. Then we were going to travel to West Virginia and stay Dec. 22-24th. Instead we were able to do some really special family activities. We went ice skating during the day on Christmas Eve and then went to Christmas Mass later in the evening. After church we had a wonderful Christmas Eve dinner with our neighbors. They graciously opened their home and made us feel just like family. Christmas Day around 1:00 pm we packed up and went to West Virginia to see Dolan's family.

The front of our house two hours in to the snow storm!

Our back yard Ben is having a hard time seeing!

The boys are trying to play

Dolan is finding the snow blower super useful. The boys are having a fun time following him down the sidewalk.

I love this snapshot!

Matthew making a snow angel

Ben and Drew making snow angels

Ben and Drew made seats in the drifts of snow

Ben and Drew making small talk in the snow!

The next day - no school - sledding time!

Drew is about to take off!

Matthew is lovin' this

Christmas Eve Day

Drew could walk in his skates on the rubber floor

Matthew is ready! He is wearing Dolan's hockey helmet

Ben was checking things out before he put his skates on. Dolan is lacing up his college skates!

Dolan with Drew. Look at Matthew . . . he took one loop around and he was already trying to skate backwards. That boy!

Look! It's Ben!! He was skating to the wall . . .

Oops!

Drew tries skating one more time

Christmas Eve . . .

we were testing our timer with the camera on the tripod

Is this Dolan or what?

Our Family

We enjoyed this new tradition

His name . . . "Elf Wilson" He watched the Wilson Boys carefully this Christmas season. Every night he flew back to the North Pole and reported what he saw. Each morning he returned in a different place and the boys had to find him! It was great fun!!

Santa's special key. This is for families who do not have a chimney!

Ben is preparing the cookies for Santa

The letter that Santa left

Christmas Day 2009

Matthew went to bed very late . . . can you tell?!

Getting Ready for Christmas

2010-01-24T18:44:00.011-05:00

Dad and I took advantage of the Thanksgiving Day Sales! Because Drew is SEVERELY allergic to conifers, Mom and Dad bought us an artificial Christmas tree as an early Christmas present.
Dad, Matthew, and I put the tree together and strung the lights. The other two boys helped decorate the tree. Needless to say, it was a family event and very memorable.

Matthew is helping us string lights!

The train . . . notice it is off the track! I love this picture. It captures Drew's personality perfectly

Ben and his silky

Matthew took the outside pictures

Thanksgiving in Lancaster

2010-01-24T18:26:00.016-05:00

Mom and Dad made a special trip to see us over the Thanksgiving holiday via an airplane ride from Alabama! Wes couldn't come because of work and we missed him. Jim and Ann stopped by for a brief visit on their way home from New Jersey. They spent Thanksgiving with Suzanne, Dave, Kate, and Meghan. We had a great visit with mine and Dolan's parents. Daddy bought us a 9.5 foot Christmas Tree and he helped Dolan decorate the outside of our house with Christmas lights before leaving for home. He also rewired a three way switch in our kitchen without turning off the electricity! That's a real electrician at work! Mom detailed my kitchen and made a list of necessary kitchen utencils that I need to buy. If only I could make her chicken and dressing!

The Table
Dolan bought a turkey fryer and we fried a turkey - CAJUN STYLE

Mom making her dressing and wearing my favorite color!

The spread . . .

Matthew is happy

Ben is happy!

Drew is happy and saying, "CHEESE!"

Pawpaw and his boys

The Whitakers and The Wilsons

Dolan is sharing some left over turkey with Ann

Drew . . . just Drew with finger paint on his face holding turkey cookies!

Stacey Has A New Do!

2009-11-12T13:47:00.003-05:00

This is the "Do" I modeled my new hairstyle after. I'll post a pic soon of how my actual hair looks. It is called a "Modified Pixie!" It is super easy - Let me know what you think!

Godfather had Swine Flu

2009-11-12T12:19:00.008-05:00

Thanks to Snapfish, Dolan and I were able to see our Goddaughter's beautiful Baptism. Dolan was in the midst of recovering from swine flu and I was about to get it (but didn't know it!). Enjoy the pics below of our niece, the latest and last addition to the Wilson family.

Big Eyes!
Meghan, Kate, Dave, & Suz

The Baptism

Cherry Crest Farms Field Trip

2009-11-12T10:20:00.009-05:00

I had the opportunity to go with Matthew on his first (K) field trip! Dolan had signed up to go, but he was very sick with swine flu and couldn't attend. It was a very cold, windy day when we went to Cherry Crest Farms. So cold in fact that the teachers called the buses to come an hour early to pick us up! Despite the cold, the kids had a great learning experience. Click on the link to learn more about this fun place. Matthew got to pick a pumpkin in the field and then have a hands-on discovery with touching the inside of a pumpkin, experimenting to see if a pumpkin would float, estimating how much his pumpkin weighed and then weighing it, and finally, he measured his pumpkin.

A picture of the pumpkin stations His class listening to a volunteer speak about pumpkin factsMatthew is listening (in the green jacket) to the speaker talk about corn facts. The students learned which products were corn based. To get to this station, they walked through the corn maze! It was very exciting.

This is the volunteer talking to the students about corn and corn products. At the end of the presentation they made fun slime with cornstarch, water, and food coloring.

We are leaving to get on the bus. We had just finished eating our brown bag lunch. That brought back memories from my childhood days! I don't have pictures of the petting zoo and barnyard bounce, but that was a big hit! Matthew got to feed baby goats, hold baby chicks, see baby piglets and a Sow, and see real eggs in the chicken coup! The barnyard area is super fun with a hay maze, potato sack slide, and other kid friendly activities.

Trick or Treat!

2009-11-12T10:04:00.012-05:00

You can see in this picture that Drewby felt pretty horrible on Halloween. He woke up right as Dolan was taking Matthew and Ben trick or treating. I said, "Drew, would you like to put your costume on?" He said, "I not want to be Supa Man." I replied, "But Drew, honey, you're not Super Man . . . you are a Transformer." In a pitiful voice that turned in to a cry,"But Mommy, I not want to be a Tansforma. I not want to doe. I stay home with YOU." There was no way he was going to go, I just wanted to help him feel like he was participating, but he just didn't feel like it. Matthew and Ben were very gracious in sharing their candy with Drew. Unfortunately, it was a swine flu Halloween. Matthew had it first, then Ben (he was still recovering the day of Halloween, but was well enough to go). A week later Dolan got it and then I got a mild version. We are all better now!!

Matthew: Star Wars
Ben: G.I. Joe
Star Wars was the theme this year! This is Matthew with the neighbors.

Ryann is an angel. Her brother, behind her, is Fantastic "M" (his very own super hero creation). I love when kids use their vivid imaginations.

Ben and "Fantastic M"

Drew decided to put his costume on for a total of about 5 minutes!

"I want this off Mommy!"

Happy Halloween 2009

Pumpkin Carvin' Time!

2009-11-11T13:41:00.011-05:00

Uncle George Martino Visits

2009-11-11T13:35:00.004-05:00

Mid October, Dolan's Great Uncle George Martino came to Lancaster with his daughter Ann for dinner. We had a great time. Dolan's parents were visiting at the time so we were able to have small family reunion. George is a very talented artist and he provided me with an auction donation for the Night On the Town Gala at Lancaster Country Club. It is an oil painting of a winter scene. We love you George and family and so happy that you came for a visit.

George, Ann, Dolan, and Stacey
Jim and Ann Wilson
Ann and George Martino