Mighty Machines - Week of June 17th

Cameron, like most five-year-old boys, is quite intrigued by construction trucks.  Early one morning, the trucks could be seen on Cam's street working on the pavement.  Chris pointed out what all of the different machines were doing.
Katherine's mom, Ann, thought Cam may want to watch the vehicles continue their jobs as the two of them viewed from the porch swing.
This week, while Cam's nanny Katherine, volunteered at a muscular dystrophy
camp, her family pitched in to take care of Cam while Jane worked.

Miss Ann, actually "discovered" a new favorite show for the big boy called "Mighty Machines" which depicts real-life video of all kinds of large machines in their native roles.  A narrator is heard in the background talking about what the machine does and how its "mightiness" helps it complete an important job.

Cam was back at Wellerwood School for just four days of summer school.  Cam played with his classmates and enjoyed a game of "hide-n-seek" although his teacher, Ms. Kathy said he likes to "peek" as shown here.

On Saturday, the family drove to see Oma and Opa on a beautiful sunny day.  After a trek down the beach in CamMobile, we stopped to play in the sand.  Chris dug a large hole and Cam wanted to put his feet in it.  He then proceeded to bury his own feet!

Although Lake Michigan is a bit too chilly for swimming just yet, Cameron was so sandy, his Dad had to dip him in the lake just a little.  We are looking forward to many more beach days with Cam's Grandma!


On Sunday, Chris, Jane and Cam all spent the afternoon with good friends Matt, Betsy, Liam and baby David.  We dined together and then chatted in Liam's backyard where there was a kiddie pool all set for the buddies to splash around in.  Betsy made a most delicious strawberry pie and it tasted so good, eating our dessert outside under a shade tree.
Although we don't see our friends nearly enough, the time always speeds by when we're together.  The best part of friendship, whether with children or adults, is that there's always a "next time" to plan!
Happy Splashing everyone!!

Forts & Father's Day - Week of June 10th

Summer Break to most kids defines the ultimate play time.  And this week, Cam and his buddies- Emma, Megan and Sarah made perfect use of their afternoon with Katherine.  Do you remember when you created your very first fort?  Maybe you used couch cushions and pillows; blankets or sheets were a must.

Downstairs our fort architects were busy creating the ultimate "cave" area using as its support system~ barstools, a vacuum cleaner, a swiffer mop and toy hamper.  Enveloping the entire dome was every blanket that could be found in the general vicinity!

After some serious planning time in Fort HQ, the decision was made to do some baking, drawing, and gaming.  Megan did a great job helping Cam steer his car on the Wii and Emma and Cameron made some great pictures in the sunroom.

On Friday, Cam wished Opa a Happy Father's Day in person and had fun hanging out with him.

On Sunday, the actual Dad's Day, Cam and Jane made certain Chris slept in a little bit.  The anxious boy couldn't wait for his Dad to open his presents, or rather, "help" his Dad open his presents.

After a relaxing day, it was time for some serious relaxation outside.  The hammock the boys are lounging in came all the way from Brazil, given to us by "Auntie" Ronda.  It is a beautiful hand-woven material that fits perfectly between two trees right by the deck, as if they were placed there for that purpose.

Jane's message to Chris on Father's Day: To my amazing hubby on a day reserved for dads...most kids would say their Dad is their hero. For our son, you have invented (CamMobile), fabricated and modified countless items to help in his development...while some kids have a hero, our son has a superhero...one who wears the cape effortlessly and is the most humble man ever! Love you so very much.

CLC & Jane's Birthday - Week of June 3rd

Liam & Cam- buddies for life!

Cameron spent the last 4 weeks attending CLC- Conductive Learning Center, here in Grand Rapids.  It is the only center in the U.S. that is a direct transplant of the original center in Hungary.

Katherine & Cam at CLC picnic

Conductive Education was developed in 1945 in Hungary by Dr. Andras Peto.
Peto theorized that people with challenges are characterized by disintegrated function. His theory was that this may be overcome, and that coordinated functioning can be developed through an indirect cognitive route involving teaching and learning. The rehabilitative plan should be produced for the person, not for the function. The plan is not symptoms centered but focused on the personality.  One of Cam's school buddies, Liam, attends CLC and they were fortunate enough to be in the same class!  It was a productive session for Cam and once again, we met people that have affected our lives in a very positive way.

On Sunday, Jane started out her birthday with a wonderful breakfast and present opening with her boys and Auntie Ronda.  A perfect start to a beautiful day.  Everyone then ventured up north to Oma and Opa's to celebrate. 

The customary Ryke's cake was devoured along with some delicious local ice cream.  Cam is a bigger fan of the ice cream, chocolate flavor to be exact, and couldn't get enough!  A long walk on the beach with Auntie Jo and Will made for a fun afternoon.  Aunts and Uncle and cousins rounded out the gathering.

Presents are a wonderful, special way to celebrate a person's birth. 
Jane does believe with all her heart, though, that her boys are the best present of all, and one that keeps on giving more and more every day.

Fishing for Girl Time - Week of May 27th

When Chris ventured out on a well-deserved fishing trip, Cameron had some quality time with his cousins, Coco and Libby.
In addition to some memorable singing and dancing, books and working with flash cards were also on the agenda.
Since Jane teaches at the local gym some evenings during the dinner hour, the girls kept Cam busy with cousin-bonding time.

Chris returned Thursday with a borrowed fishing boat that he parked in the driveway. 
Cam was a big helper for his Dad, holding the hose and helping wash the vessel. 
Looks like next time, Cam may want to tag along and try a little fishing himself.  Although the 9+ hours Chris spent on the lake each day may be a bit aggressive for a six-year-old.
Every week, we have to have a few shenanigans in the Weatherford household.  There truly isn't a day that goes by where you won't hear laughter in our home... whether by a tickle attack, a funny story, a made-up game, or some other spontaneous whim.

A day without laughter is a day wasted.
~Charlie Chaplin
 
Through humor, you can soften some of the worst blows that life delivers. And once you find laughter, no matter how painful your situation might be, you can survive it.
~Bill Cosby

First Cottage Weekend 2013 - Week of May 20th

"Most people see what is, and never see what can be.."
~ Albert Einstein

Before heading to the beach for the holiday
weekend, Cam and Jane both "worked" at Grand Valley this week.

Kayla, Luke, Abby, Justin & Cam

Jane gave a short presentation to the grad students about Cameron and his PT experience.  Cam met with a group of students on Friday to "teach" them how to be better physical therapists.  It definitely isn't all work, and there's always some silliness.  Since the crew all knew how much Cam liked Curious George, the students gave their best "monkey face" impressions!

Cameron and his parents were very excited to make their way to Cam's grandparents house on Lake Michigan.  Even though there wasn't a heat wave on the beach, it was warm enough for some long treks along the big lake.

The "CamMobile" (designed and built by Cam's Dad) made its 2013 debut on the shores of the lake.  Cam pointed out every log along the way and at each log we had to leave the letters C-A-M to show that Cameron had indeed followed this route.

Cam wanted to go into the water, but we convinced him it was a bit too cold for that.  He did settle for walking through the creek, which was definitely chilly enough.

Cam & Harry

On Sunday, the family ventured over to Aunt Mary's cottage to attend a beautiful wedding shower given for cousin Annie who will be married in July.  Cam had big laughs hanging out with his cousins.  Cousin Harry sat with Cameron to read him some excerpts from the year in sports.  Cam was quite interested and Harry's mom indicated that no one else she knew would sit and listen to Harry for that long.

Grandma and Grandpa had plenty of playtime with their grandson and the family greatly enjoyed the peaceful walks and delicious meals.  A big thanks to Oma and Opa for a wonderful weekend!   Tradition holds that this holiday weekend is the unofficial start of summer and we look forward to an abundance of upcoming trips to Lake Michigan!

Summer..already...in Michigan?? - Week of May 13th

"Turn your face to the sun and the shadows fall behind you..."

Maybe because Cameron wore eye glasses at a young age, he had an aversion to sunglasses before this year.  However, we were quite excited to see that this sunny season, Cam was ready for a pair of shades.  He actually picked out two pairs that suited his taste.  Now that he's gotten so many compliments, he wants them on every time he gets in the car or is outside in the sunshine.

Cam had his first official "working" ride on the new lawnmower.  He rode with Chris for over 40 minutes mowing the front and back yard.  Cam's Dad gave him the headphones to wear because it's actually quite loud!

The unseasonably warmer weather continued throughout the week.  Cousin Libby went with Jane and Cam to check out the Meadow Brook Elementary playground.  Since this will be Cameron's school in the fall, we thought it would be fun to see what his favorite outdoor activities would be there.

Libby and Jane were a bit surprised to find that Cam's preferred choice were the "saucers" that you sit inside of.  Of course, he had to check out both of them in case one was different from the other.  It did feel a little cooler inside the spaceship like structure versus the very sunny swings or slides.

Another riding adventure for Cameron was trying out his bike this year.  Last summer, he was still a bit too short to use the pedals effectively.   But, this year....those legs are getting some great exercise!!  When you come for a visit, you may see some road signs in our driveway and a very happy biker!

A Day for Moms - Week of May 6th

Delivery from Auntie Ronda!

Ashley, Peter, Marcie & Cam

Cameron kept himself busy in
preparation for Mother's Day.

Each week, Cam's Advanced PT students at GVSU keep him working on activities.  During a quick break, Ms. Ashley showed Cam her ukelele.  He really liked playing a tune!


Chris had Cam try out the new riding mower.  He decided Cam isn't quite ready to mow the lawn solo, seeing as how his feet don't reach the pedals yet.  But one day, father and son may be flipping a coin to see who wins to complete this chore.

As the person blessed to be Cameron's Mom, it is fun to have a special day reserved for mothers.  And what a day it was!  Chris and Cam woke up before Jane (and graciously told her to sleep in), and quietly drove to one of our favorite breakfast places, Sundance, to pick up our morning meal.  They also stopped at one of Jane's guiltiest pleasures, Starbucks, for a delicious coffee.  When Cam's mom walked in the kitchen to greet her boys, there was a scrumptious breakfast, coffee, and presents!

Water Dancing Speakers

Cam was very excited to have his Mom open presents- he had picked out a sweet smelling candle and both he and Chris gave Jane the coolest speakers ever...

Cousins Coco and Libby joined the family and Oma and Opa to go out for a very late lunch at Carraba's.  Call-ahead-seating seemed like a great idea at the time...however, after a 45-minute wait, we weren't too sure.  Cam was such a trooper waiting in the very crowded restaurant!  Chris was trying to explain the finer points of selecting wine when we were finally called to a table.  The delicious food and great company made our Mother's Day meal so enjoyable- many thanks to Grandma and Grandpa, Coco and Libby for making the day so very special.

Cameron is blessed to have many "moms" in his life and we celebrate you all!

 "God could not be everywhere, and therefore He made mothers."   ~ Jewish proverb  
"At its best, motherhood is a communal project.  It takes a village, sometimes several villages, indeed."  ~Edwidge Danticat
 (Excerpts from the book "Mom Candy"- given to Jane by Auntie Karen)

One Door Closes, Another One Opens - Week of Apr. 29th

On May 1st, Cameron had to say goodbye to some of his classmates at school.  Due to federal funding, the Head Start program ended on Wednesday.  Cam made some great friends this year and he wanted to give them something at school.  At Party City, he picked out sand buckets and bouncy balls to give the kids and he colored a card for each one.

On Wednesday at school, Ms. Kathy told us that Cam picked out the color of bucket for each classmate, remembering favorite colors of a particular friend and also giving stickers to each one.  He wore his "tie T-shirt" and looked very handsome!
He'll certainly miss his classmates, but he is still attending Wellerwood at different times throughout the summer and has already made some new friends!

On Friday, Cam attended his first official graduation!  The family drove to Lansing to watch Katherine and her Mom, Ann, receive their Master's Degrees!   This boy was so excited to see his Katherine and Ann walk across the stage.  After the ceremony, celebratory pictures outdoors in the beautiful weather were a must, followed by a tasty dinner out.

On Saturday, we didn't want the fun to end, so Katherine and her boyfriend, Paul, Ms. Ann, sister Molly, sweet friend, Lily, and Gordy all gathered at Cam's house to have a tasty lunch on the deck.  After feeling full, it was time to play some games.  Headbands was a crowd pleaser and even Cam thought the game was pretty cool.  However, when neighbor, Emma showed up play with Cameron, the best game ever couldn't keep him with the adults...

A big congratulations to Katherine, Ann and our sweet Coco for graduating this weekend!!

Doors close every day and new ones always open- it's the attitude we have accepting each change that makes all the difference.


I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples. ~ Mother Teresa