Cam has always been a huge fan of celebrations, but fireworks have never been his personal favorite.
Our week was filled with multiple opportunities to gather with family and friends.
Late afternoon on Wednesday, we made our way to Holland to visit our aunt and uncle and their kids and grandkids (our cousins) at Maple Beach. We typically see this entire crew only once a year. Two families live in different parts of the U.S. and two other families live in different actual countries all together. It was a very warm afternoon with high humidity. Somehow, our cousins made everything comfortable with a cool mister, beach umbrellas, tasty drinks and appetizers. During our relaxing time, Cameron asked his uncle for the origin story of the Jellema cottage. It was a lively conversation with many questions peppered in. 
The traditional shrimp boil mastered by Dave is always the highlight. Cameron loves the sausage, corn and potatoes. He happily gives up the shrimp to his parents. The cornbread and applesauce were good accompaniments to our feast. The dessert of mini bundt cakes, known as bundtinis hit the spot. That evening the U.S. was a contender in the World Cup so a large screen was set up outside for viewing. We played one of Cam's favorite games "Guess In 10 Animals Edition" which brought on a lively discussion about hair versus fur (which still remains in question!).
Cam's new buddy, Diandre, showed up with a Culver's lunch on Thursday. The guys hung out together for a couple of hours discussing different things and playing some games.
Later that afternoon, we were on our way to Lake Michigan! Jane and Cameron picked up Oma on their way. Chris drove up earlier to change out the kitchen faucet, which is much easier when no one is around. We arrived to full sunshine and couldn't wait to have dinner on the deck.
Friday was a nice day and we enjoyed time with cousins and shared a tasty meal together. A fun nickname we learned about was a new cousin name for Cam's grandma. Instead of Aunt Mary Ellen, they call her "Aunt Melon" which we all instantly loved.
Jane always tells Cam that every sunset is different. When you see a picture, they definitely appear similar but to see the sun making its descent towards the lake and morph and change in person seems almost poetic.
Saturday was the 4th of July! Oma had a shirt for the occasion that read "Party like it's 1776" to honor our country's 250th birthday. We had a relaxing day. The weather wasn't as cooperative until dinnertime so we were still able to have our meal outside on the deck. We could hear the fireworks, but couldn't see them until we went up our roadway. Even so, they definitely subsided much earlier than the typical city fireworks that we hear in Grand Rapids.
On the final day of our extended weekend, the beach was our destination later on Sunday. We celebrated a cousin birthday and actually went into the water to cool off.
Cam's beach chair has to be lifted up one level of stairs so he can be transferred back into his power wheelchair.
We were all thankful to have some Lake Michigan water time before heading back to the city.
Cam is hopeful that in his lifetime, a power wheelchair could transport him to the beach and right into the water, all under his expert guidance and driving. Until that time, the family and friends that surround us are always willing to assist in any way they can. For this priceless gift, Cameron and his parents are forever grateful.
Camology Quotes:
In a recent conversation, Cam learned about the National Parks Lifetime Access Pass that he can apply for since he has a disability. Following his research, Cameron declared:
"For once, my disability is actually a positive thing!"
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