Goodbye Tooth, Hello Watersports - Week of Aug. 3th

Cam has already experienced losing that first tooth, but when one of the big front teeth exited, he was very excited!  The second front one won't be far behind...

This week, Sabrina filled in for Cam care and was the eye-witness for Cam's self tooth extraction.  Cameron worked on some schooling, drew lots of pictures and played his favorite games.  As Sabrina heads back to U of M for the school year, we hope to see her again and thank her for hanging out with Cam!

Cam & Uncle Kev

Jane had Thursday off of work and took Cam and Emma to Lake Michigan for a day of fun in the sun.  The water was still a bit chilly, but that didn't deter the group from some kayaking and creek playing.


On Friday, Chris and Jane both took the afternoon off of work to join Cam at an adaptive water-ski clinic on Reed's Lake.  Mary Free Bed hosts the event and this was our first experience.  Cam was situated in the chair on the waterski and was slated to go fifth.  The water was warm and the conditions were good. On the first run around the lake on the ski, Cam was pretty nervous and upset.  But, he gained composure and wanted to keep going (without parental interference).  Chris and Jane were so proud of Cam for meeting the challenge and persevering!  This winter, he wants to take swimming lessons which would make the clinic much more rewarding for him next year.
Chris and Jane are always overwhelmed by people who donate their time and talents to events like these.  Becky was designated as Cam's helper and he took quite a liking to her.  It was a great experience for the entire family and we look forward to this being the first of many times Cam goes waterskiing.

Wendell, Ollie, Cam & Harry

Saturday was cousin Ollie's birthday party at Blanford Nature Center.  The kids had a nature tour and educational talk about birds.  The theme was "Wild Kratts" one of Ollie's favorite shows and it also happens to be one of Cam's.  The kids all wore Wild Kratts shirts (creatively made by Ollie's family) and ate some delicious homemade birthday cake.

To continue with the watersports mode,
we ventured back to the Big Lake on Sunday to see Oma and Opa,
cousin Steff and countless relatives.

Our neighbors at the beach have a couple of snazzy jet skis.  Since Cam had already attempted water skiing, he was totally game to try out the jet ski.

Chris wasn't sure if he was smiling while they were cruising on the big lake, so he slowed down to ask Cam if he wanted to keep going, to which Cam answered "Yes Dad, More!"

A huge thanks to the VanderZyden fam for letting us use their big kid toys!

These summer days spent at the lake are ones we never take for granted.  We are grateful for its sparkling waters, toasty sand, and endless adventures!

Just Swinging - Week of July 28th

"Team effort"- two words that carry so much weight on many different levels.  With Cam's development, we've witnessed team effort excel and succeed with different individuals over the years.
This week included Cam's last few days of summer school and little did we know there were multiple people involved in obtaining the swing shown, now installed on the Meadowbrook Elementary playground!  Note the very smiley boy!  Many people don't realize that a small army is sometimes required to procure special equipment.  Way to go, team!

On Friday, we had a long overdue date with our good friends, the Nolan family.  Cam's buddy Liam, his parents and little brother had never been to Boulder Ridge Wild Animal Park.  And surprisingly, even though Cam has visited multiple times, this was Chris' first visit as well.  Our favorite part about the park is how up close and personal you can get to the animals.  Cam loves feeding them and the giraffe was most cooperative about eating crackers.  The safari tour is a treat - it's a 15 minute ride filled with interesting info, exotic animals, and one of Cam's favorites- the bus itself!

On Sunday, we ventured to Stony Lake to visit our second families and have some fun in the water. Jane grew up with these awesome people and has seen them most every summer.
Cam used the paddleboard as a surf board of sorts while soaking up some sun.  He thought it was pretty cool that he was able to glide underneath the dock.  It was Cam's first time solo on a board and the calm waters helped him gain confidence.
His mom couldn't resist trying out the paddleboard as well and was quite surprised by how difficult it was!  An easier water sport was definitely sitting on the board with Cam.

We shared a most delicious dinner with the families and none of us could resist Oma's homemade blueberry and apple pies she brought for dessert.  Cam had his first taste of blue moon ice cream (what else would you complement blueberry pie with?) and loved it!  The lucky boy even opened some early bday presents.

Sarah, pictured here with Cam, is currently completing her graduate studies in speech therapy in Colorado.  She says Cam is an inspiration to her.  We know she will inspire many children in the future and we're happy Cam can play a role in that.
Team effort- two little words, heavy with meaning bringing lightness to the heart...
For all of our "teams" in this world- our heartfelt thanks!!

Beach Time - Week of July 21st

 A weather forecast can be like an attitude- the forecast calls for chance of showers and mostly cloudy.  An attitude may be destined by one's predetermined mood.  So, with a positive outlook, we ventured forth for a beach day with dear, good friends Karen and Ann.
Both had thrown caution to the wind and made the trek to come with us a midst friends questioning "why would you go to the beach when the forecast doesn't look good at all?"  Thank goodness we all decided it was worth it and Cam's infectious good mood certainly rubbed off on everyone.
The clouds truly seemed to part the closer we were to Lake Michigan.  It was such a perfect beach day!

With Cam in his CamMobile, the creek was dammed up and the boat races began.  Cam formed the bridge with his mobile over the creek and guessed which boat would win the race.  Sandcastles and chilly water swimming rounded out the day and by the time we all dined out on the cottage deck for dinner, our group was pretty worn out.

With all of the activity, someone neglected their picture-taking duties...the picture of Karen, Cam and Ann was taken back in Grand Rapids, but note that they are holding Lake Michigan sand!

Jane received a sweet surprise this week when Alena and Cam made a chocolate pudding pie with a homemade graham cracker crust.  Most delicious and the message was even sweeter than the taste!

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