Cam: Head of Ring Security - Week of July 14th

Cam was busily preparing for his ring bearer role this week!
Of course, a trip to the zoo was the perfect predecessor to the rehearsal dinner. Friday morning, Alena and her dad took Cam and Emma to the John Ball Park Zoo.  Alena had them decorate visors for their outing.  The goats tried to eat the packed lunch out of Cam's backpack, which Cam thought was hilarious.  He thoroughly enjoyed petting the goats.  Many thanks to Alena and her dad!
Friday night, the rehearsal dinner for Molly and Gordy took place in Cam's backyard.  After dining on tacos, chips and dip, and ice cream, the official walk-through commenced.  A Ring Security t-shirt was worn by the official ring bearer.
Upon waking up Saturday morning, Cam sleepily declared, "wedding- yeah!" and couldn't quite understand why he had to wait almost 9 hours until leaving for the big event!
The beautiful sunny day matched the beauty of the bride, Molly.  Cam took his ring bearer duties very seriously and waited patiently until it was his turn to bring the rings to Molly and Gordy!
After the beautiful ceremony, we enjoyed appetizers while pictures were taken and everyone chatted and relaxed in the pretty setting.  Cam's Oma and Opa were invited too so there was plenty to occupy the ring security boy.

We all dined on a delicious array of food and desserts.  To Cameron's benefit, the many choices included quite a few delectable options with chocolate.
The napkin rings at the tables looked like the biggest diamond ring you'd ever seen!  We thought it would be funny to have Cam give one to the bride and one to his favorite Katherine, Molly's maid of honor!

The festivities continued with dancing and Cam seemed to find his second wind.  He loves music and especially likes the upbeat rhythm.  Cameron felt incredibly special to have a solo dance with the bride!

We are reminded that we would not be a part of this family without our connection to Katherine.  Katherine was Cam's nanny for almost 3 years, became a part of our family and in turn, her entire family intertwined with ours.  We are grateful and humbled by their loving ways and giving nature.

We wish Molly and Gordy all the best on their journey as husband and wife...

“Love is always bestowed as a gift -freely, willingly, and without expectation. We don’t love to be loved, we love to love.” 
~Leo Buscagalia

A Chocolate Fountain! - Week of July 7th

Cam is always asking to help his parents complete different tasks.  With the sun shining, he had the heavy duty task of assisting with car washing.  Cam has not complained once about his stitches, but does remind his parents to change the bandage and add ointment daily.

This week included a special visit with close friends from Florida- Greg and Jill and their adorable kiddos- Lucas and Laila.  Cameron had fun meeting everyone for the first time and we shared a delicious cookout with Greg's family.
There never seems to be enough time to hang out with those we love, especially when they live further away.

Another first was Cam's introduction to "the chocolate fountain" provided by Aunt Joyce.  At the extended family birthday party celebration, the wonderful sweet dessert was
set up.  One could dip strawberries, pretzels, cookies and other delights.  Cam's faves were the strawberries and quite frankly, just licking the delicious chocolate off of his fingers!

One of the birthdays being celebrated was for Cam's amazing dad, Chris.  Jane and Cam had fun picking out presents for their favorite guy-  a miter saw, sandals and a glow in the dark football.   Cam and his mom made an ice cream pie with an oreo crust.  The chocolate sauce spelled out "Dad" but we had to put some m&m's on there to make it more legible.  
Ms. Ann graciously hung out with Cam while his parents joined friends out for an early dinner.  She also gave Chris a little plaque that reads "I'm kind of a big deal" and we couldn't agree more.
Not only is Cam's dad a big deal,...He is a gift to us, every day.

Independence Day Parade - Week of June 30th

Fireworks weren't the only excitement for the week...
The day before the 4th of July, Cam took a tumble on his bike in the driveway. The wound on his head was pretty deep, so we went to the med center for a visit.  Our brave boy endured the wound irrigation, shots into the cut, and 4 stitches.  Cam was such a trooper!

We weren't sure if he'd be ready for the Cascade Parade the next morning, but he actually couldn't wait to see it.

This year, Auntie Ronda and Alena accompanied our family.  The fire engines kicked off the celebration and every float and machine that went by also gave away pieces of candy.  Cam even ended up with a beach ball!


By far, Cameron's favorite part of the day was when the school bus made a showing- Cam was quite surprised that a bus was a part of the parade!  He wanted to be up on his dad's shoulder to get the best view.

The evening of Independence Day, we enjoyed a delicious barbecue chicken cookout complete with sweet corn.  The boys are shown here, hard at work, supervising some grilling activity.

On Saturday, it was time to head up to the lake and spend quality time on the beach.  Although the sun didn't show itself until later in the afternoon, it turned out to be a gorgeous day.  Cam helped his mom build a pretty impressive sandcastle and we had a super sweet visit with Katie H.

For an evening dessert, Oma and Cam created a U.S. flag out of fruit- very patriotic, healthy and delicious.

We didn't attend any official fireworks display this year, but did see the sky light up from our home.
It also seems the sparkles from the sun on the big lake never fail to bring just as many oohs and ahhs!

Cooking Class - Week of June 23rd

With plenty of time for summer fun, Cam had a blast making a tie-dye cake with Emma and Alena.  Cam's summer nanny, Alena, found the creative cake mix.  She didn't realize at the time the kids would need 10+ bowls to prepare the colorful dessert.  Luckily, it tasted just as delicious as it looked.  And thankfully, Emma and her sisters were eager taste-testers!

On Saturday, Cam, Chris and Jane ventured up to the cottage to spend the day with Oma and Opa.  It was a picture perfect beach day and Lake Michigan had finally reached a temperature "bearable" for adults.

This summer, the beach in front of our cottage is quite scarce, so we've been walking south a few cottages to hang out in front of the creek.  The natural creek is a favorite spot for kids and where Jane spent most every summer day of her childhood.  Cam loves to help build temporary dams and then break them down to watch the water rush out into the big lake.
Racing toy boats in the creek has become the latest preferred game.  Oma found two toys boats at the store priced at a whopping $1 each.  And of course, they are the biggest hit for Cam.
A summer weekend wouldn't be complete unless there is a visit with cousins.  Coco and Libby were on the beach with friends and Coco couldn't resist having Cam try out the latest fashion accessory- a floral hairband.

It is day like this that we remember why Lake Michigan is such a special spot and why family always brings a smile to our faces.

Summer afternoon, summer afternoon; to me those have always been the two most beautiful words in the English language. ~Henry James

Teaching & Taco Tuesday - Week of June 16th

“A child can teach an adult three things: to be happy for no reason, to always be busy with something, and to know how to demand with all his might that which he desires.” ~ Paulo Coelho

Cameron is back to teaching students in the GVSU graduate PT program.  Every time Cam arrives for one of these sessions, the students greet him with such enthusiasm, eager to learn.  

Because Cam's muscles work differently, the kids glean information in a hands-on atmosphere versus reading a textbook.  As for Cam, he considers the hour a great deal of fun...adults giving him their full attention and engaging him in play.  Although he is "working" there always seems to be a good deal of laughing and smiling during the class.

Since Cam has been involved in the program for the past 3+ years, there have been some very special people we've met and continue to stay in touch with, all because of Cam.  Although not a complete list, we send a "shout-out" to Sarah, Andrea, Rachel, Edriana, Ashley, Marcie, Peter, Justin....just to name a few!  Without Dr. Lisa, though, we would've never encountered the program, the students, or the experiences....

In the picture to the left, Cam is actually wearing Dr. Lisa's glasses as he teaches!

This week, we had a fun visit with cousins Coco and Libby with friends Josh and Parrish.  They ventured over for "Taco Tuesday" and it is definitely one of Cam's favorite meals.  After stuffing ourselves, it was time to relax on the hammock....oh, how we love summer!

Summer in Session - Week of June 9th

There are days when we seem to hear the beach calling our names....

Although Lake Michigan isn't quite tepid enough for the average swimmer, it still makes a good spot for sand castle engineering, hole digging, and water splashing!

Cam believes that any time spent with his Oma (Grandma) is the best time.  She's always willing to create a play atmosphere no matter where the duo are.
As it turns out, when you're on the beach, toys aren't required, but they do come in handy for sand craftsmanship.

Cousin Annie walked down to the shore to hang out with us for awhile and Cameron was happy to see her!  She's excited to take Cam swimming once that lake temp creeps up quite a bit.

Another cousin was our house guest overnight all the way from Texas.  Cousin David, an accomplished musician, played a mini concert for us and left one of his band's cd's for Cam to listen to.  David plays coronet and clarinet, specializing in jazz.  Cam preferred listening to the clarinet.   David's visit was over far too soon- we look forward to seeing him again in September!

Jane celebrated her birthday this week (a few digits past 29) and although she was nursing a double ear infection for the week, her family and friends made her feel so very loved and special for her big day.

Oma secretly dropped off a birthday cake from Jane's favorite bakery, Ryke's.  Miss Ann came and hung out with Cam for the evening.  Chris and Cam toiled away in Jane's office setting up new monitors for her computers and they also gave her a new beach chair.  Cam had to test it out, of course, doing his best pose for the camera!!

All the world is birthday cake, so take a piece, but not too much. ~George Harrison

End of Kindergarten & First Baseball Medal! - Week of June 2nd

Summer fun presents from teachers,
aides & therapists
(Thank You- Ms. Barbara, Ms. Cris,
Ms. Kate & Mrs. Webb)

“How did it get so late so soon?” ~ Dr. Seuss

This week marked the end of Cam's kindergarten year at Meadow Brook!  Cameron is fortunate enough to have two amazing teachers- Mrs. Sluiter and Mrs. Freyling.  Mrs. Freyling, his kindergarten teacher, had a certificate event at the school.  Jane and Ronda attended and Cam was super excited to see them there.


When Mrs. Freyling gave a certificate to each child, she read an excerpt from a personalized message for each kid as well as this common poem: "You're a very special person and I want you to know, How I loved to be your teacher- how fast the year did go!  Please come back to visit me a through the years you grow.  Try hard to learn all that you can- there is so much to know!  The one thing I tried to teach you to last your
whole life through, is to know that YOU are special....just because, you are you!"  Cam's first day of kindergarten seems like yesterday when he was so excited to find out that Mrs. Freyling liked Curious George just as much as he did!

From right: Ms. Kate, Uncle Ray &
Aunt Mary, Kate's hubby,
Scott & son, Noah

From left: Forest, Ms. Kathy, Oma & Opa
baby Noah & Ms. Kate, Kevin, Chris & CAM

On Saturday, we ventured over to Cam's last baseball game for the WMML spring season.  And Cam enjoyed his largest fan section to date!  Aunt Mary and Uncle Ray were cheering loudly as they watched Cam get a hit and make it to first base!
From his Head Start school, Ms. Kathy and Ms. Kate arrived with their families.  Ms. Kathy and her husband, Carl and his son Forest joined Ms. Kate, her husband, Scott and baby Noah.  Oma and Opa and cousin Kevin gave a shout and clapped each time Cam moved to the next base and went up to bat.  It was a beautiful day for baseball.  We were all thankful for the 10am game as the sun was already beaming.  When the game ended, Cam received a medal (shown around his neck) for playing this season.

We are so proud of the confidence he gained and look forward to signing him up for the fall which will commence right after Labor Day.

From left: Oma & Opa, proud
parents & Cam

Many Thanks to everyone for making it to a game- as a family we are humbled by your support and love.
Cam couldn't have been happier to see each of you in the stands!!

A Birthday, Boulder Ridge, Baseball - Week of May 26th

When you're young, birthday celebrations are a highlight, especially when you can share it with a best buddy.
On Memorial Day, Jane took Emma and Cam to Boulder Ridge.... Park Website

Cam wanted to have a special day to celebrate Emma's birthday which was on Tuesday.  The park provides a setting easy to navigate and also allows one to get as close as can be to the animals.


The kids held baby bunnies, baby chicks, a young wallaby, and all kinds of birds in the aviary.
Carrots and treats can be purchased for a nominal fee.  You can even feed the giraffes!
Emma's favorite area was the aviary where, at one point, she had almost ten birds covering her arms.
Cam's most memorable part was the safari ride on the bus- the guided tour provides interesting facts about the animals, how much they eat, their habits, etc. Zebras, emus, ostriches, bison, wildebeests and many others can be seen.
Emma's official bday party was on Tuesday evening.  Cam picked out a new soccer ball for Emma and a craft set.



On Saturday, Cam couldn't wait to go play ball again at the WMML field.  It couldn't have been a more perfect day for baseball!

Ronda, Katherine & Paul as well as Oma & Opa were all cheering Cam on!!
A big thanks to Emma for having a birthday and to Cam's fan base for making it to the game!