Reserved for Memories - Week of July 20th

Jane, Ms. Ann, Auntie Roe, Chris & Cam

"Sometimes you will never know the value of a moment until it becomes a memory" 
~ Dr. Suess


When your week starts with a trip to Spoonlickers! you know it's getting off to a perfect start.

It was one of those weekends with a full, but super fun schedule.

Cam & the beautiful bride

On Friday evening, Cam insisted on wearing his black tux (minus the coat and bow tie due to the heat) for Kelsey's wedding.  We arrived early since a certain boy insisted on not being late.  We found our "reserved" section in the church, something Kelsey had set up especially for the occasion.  Before the ceremony began, Kelsey's mom, Julie, found us so we could meet her.  As she started to laugh, Cam couldn't stop giggling because he said she sounded so much like Kelsey!

It was a beautiful wedding.  The reception was held at an outdoor venue and we dined on a delicious array of food and homemade strawberry shortcake for dessert.  Cam was especially happy about that!
Kelsey will always be a part of our family.  She worked so very hard with Cam on his language, time trials, and swimming this past year.
We're so happy she and Brian are starting this new chapter in their lives and we look forward to making new memories with them both.

Cam & Ms. Ginny

Cam's name was announced as they
crossed the finish line!

This pic went "viral" and is posted on the FB page
for My Team Triumph West Michigan chapter

From a wedding to race day, the very next morning, we all woke up early for Cam's first 5K race with My Team Triumph.  This local organization has chapters across the country and is always looking for volunteers.  Ms. Ginny, the social worker at Cam's elementary school, inquired back in February if Cam wanted to be a part of the experience.  We asked him and he excitedly said yes!  For the race, Cam was a Captain and Ms. Ginny and her buddy, Eric were his Angels and took turns pushing him while running.  Although Ginny has completed the race before, this was the very first time she knew the Captain she was supporting.  Maybe, just maybe, that was why Ms. Ginny had her personal best time for this race!!  Cam already announced that he wanted to do it again next year.

Cam & Jane on the dock

Cam & his mom tubing

That same afternoon, we headed up north to Stony Lake to see our second family comprised of the Hueys, Vincents and VanBokkelens.  It was a perfect day to play on the inland lake.  For the first time, Cam wanted to try tubing behind the boat with his mom.  The warm water splashed as we lightly bounced on the tube while being pulled by the boat.  Cam loved it!

The kids that Jane spent seven summers being a nanny for, now all have kids of their own.  Since the families live in different parts of the U.S. and Costa Rica, they all meet at the summer cottage at Stony.  Cam is considered a "cousin" to these kids and he was quite surprised when he was also included in a birthday celebration with the younger cousins!  We left Stony late that evening and headed to Oma & Opa's for the night.  Cam went to bed quite late, but was ready to go the next morning.

Cam & 'Auntie' Jo

Chris and Cam completed yet another CamMobile (3.0) and it was ready for testing on the shores of Lake Michigan and in the water.
'Auntie' Jo joined us for the day to play in the sand and enjoy the warmer lake temperatures.
The swimming lessons have definitely paid off for Cam.  He's so much comfortable floating on his back and being relaxed.

After making sand pies and castles, floating boats and going for kayak rides, it was time to head back up to the cottage.
We dined outside on the deck, watching our big lake, eating burgers and hot dogs with juicy sweet corn and tasty watermelon.
Ice cream sundaes completed the day.  A big thanks to Oma and Opa for a great time and to Auntie Jo for hanging out!

Sunday evening, as we made it onto the highway to head back home, Cam announced from the back seat that "I am going to take a rest now..." and within minutes, our socially active son enjoy a well-deserved break after an incredible weekend!