A Grand Finale - Week of June 2nd

"Sunsets are proof that endings can be beautiful." ~Beau Taplin

"They may forget what you said but they will never forget how you made them feel." ~Carl W. Buehner

When you finish something, feelings can be conflicted.  It can be a relief that something is over, but also a pang of sadness that it's completed.  Jane brought Oma to Grand Rapids on Wednesday, Chris left for a Canada fishing trip and Cam bid one of his bus drivers farewell.  Ms. Betty, a part-time driver, dressed up like a bee and made all of the students laugh!

Wednesday evening, Jane took Cam's grandma to see a concert- a first-time experience for mother and daughter. At the Van Andel Arena in downtown Grand Rapids, Barry Manilow put on a two-hour show. It was pretty impressive for an 81-year-old.  Cam and Ms. Amanda had fun hanging out back at home since neither one of them recognized any of Barry's music.

Thursday was the final day of the school year!  Cam arrived home at lunchtime and said he was looking forward to his summer break.  

Friday morning, Cameron took full advantage of his first day of vacation to sleep in.  We were scheduled to be at Grand Valley University downtown at 10am.  A working session with the PT graduate students is always beneficial for Cam. He learned there was a connection with two of the physical therapists and the location where he receives weekly PT.  They all loved his t-shirt which reads "I'm going to go stand outsides, so if anyone asks, I'm Outstanding!"  

Chris checked in with us every night and sent a few great pics our way of his Canadian adventures.

Oma and Jane made their way to a local greenhouse favorite, Koetsier's, while Cam was working with Ms. Ann.  

Cam's grandma had asked her daughter to pick out flowers for her upcoming birthday.  They found a beautiful geranium arrangement for the back porch.  Cameron showed off his driving skills via the new sliding glass door that was recently replaced to make for an easier exit/entrance.  He and Oma played games and enjoyed their time together.

Saturday morning was another forthcoming ending.  The spring WMML season held their final games on a perfect baseball weather day.  As an added bonus, the Home Depot crew provided the volunteers as well as grilled hot dogs, chips and water.  Owen was Cam's helper and he told Cameron that his dad worked for Home Depot.  

Ms. Patti and Mr. Steve surprised Cam as spectators and Oma was so happy she could see the baseball fun.  Before leaving the field, we snapped a quick picture of Cameron and Daniel, teammates and friends.  The two of them will be at the same summer camp session this July.  Jane convinced her son to take one more photo with his mom and grandma before heading over to the grilled hot dogs.  After a quick stop at the shoe store, the remainder of the afternoon was spent relaxing and watching a movie. 

On Sunday, Cam and his mom and grandma ventured to the cottage.  They had a bit of a challenge entering when the automatic lock wasn't cooperating.  Thanks to their friends and neighbors, they were able to find a way in.  After some organizing, they made their way over to visit with the cousins.  The youngest of the bunch was on the move and stopped to check out his cuz, Cameron.  His older siblings always love the chance to help secure Cam in the van and they take the job very seriously.

It was hard to believe Cam's grandma had been with us for four nights.  We had dinner together at a sushi place in Grand Haven and then brought Oma back to her place.  We couldn't thank her enough for all of the hangout time with us.

Jane also had to thank her son for a good week while Chris was on his well-deserved fishing trip. He was great company and provided some comic relief.  

Cam also showed off his math skills on Friday.  When Oma, Jane and Cameron were all in the van headed downtown, Cam announced "we will be on this highway a total of 6 times this weekend!"  As his mom counted out the trips, she exclaimed "Spot on, you are absolutely right!"

Camology Quotes:

All of Cameron's former and current teachers hold a special place in his heart...and ours.  Ms. Kathy sent Jane a text this week indicating she was taking down her "teacher board" in her room for the end of the year.  She noted that the one pictured always has a special spot each year.  When Jane showed her son, he commented:

"I do not remember that picture, Mom, but I'm glad Ms. Kathy does."