Chris' Birthday, the Beach, and a Bridal Shower - Week of July 6th

"Life is a celebration, Enjoy it well." ~ Uruj Shahid

Someone remarked recently that it seems our family has a celebration every week!  How true that is this summer...

The festivities commenced with Chris' birthday when Cam and Jane surprised Chris with a GoPro video camera and handmade cards.  The new toy headed to the cottage with us on Saturday.

 For the first time this summer, Lake Michigan was actually bearable for some swimming.  Cam practiced his back float on an unusually calm day.  He's worked quite a bit on his technique in swimming classes this past year.

The family favorite inflatable kayak made its voyage outing for 2015.  The first trip was an excursion for Cam and his dad, paddling along the lakeshore, visiting family along the way.

Next, Oma, Jane and Cam headed out into lake and paddled quite far looking over the edge to see if they could see the bottom of Lake Michigan.

Cousin Katie and her finance Tyler traveled from New Orleans to spend some time at the lake and attend their first bridal shower.  The couple will be married next spring and they have asked Cam to be their ring bearer!  Cam is totally excited about the upcoming trip and wedding in Louisiana.
Katie was explaining to Tyler that Cam thinks "raspberries on the belly button" are quire funny.

Typical of family gatherings, we attempted a cousins picture on the front deck.  Not only were we missing people, but it seemed near impossible to corral everyone.  Regardless, it made for some funny moments with lots of laughter.

We also enjoyed an outing to Pekadill's with Katie, Tyler, Coco and Libby and Oma to enjoy a tasty lunch and yummy ice cream.

A quick birthday celebration dinner with Steff and Heath completed our weekend.  Steff and Chris share birthdays just 1 week apart from each other.
We all feasted on a delicious steak meal followed by the famous Ryke's cake for dessert.

There may not be an abundance of beach in front of Oma and Opa's, but that certainly hasn't deterred Cam from making the most of any day on the sandy shoreline.

"The only thing you sometimes have control over is perspective. You don't have control over your situation. But you have a choice about how you view it."

Festivities & 4th of July - Week of June 29th

Independence is happiness. ~Susan B. Anthony

Karen & Cam

Before starting up the 4th of July festivities, Cam, his parents and 'Auntie' Karen all headed up north to spend the day beach-side with Oma and Opa.
The weather cooperated and sand castle architecture was in full swing.  Lake Michigan hasn't warmed up enough for swimming, but was bearable to transfer buckets of water to the beach.

Chris worked on a project with Mike & Eric using a 'jetty pump' to push sand and water into the old volleyball court which currently keeps collecting rainwater due to the higher Lake Michigan level.  Cam watched the boys with interest seeing the large hose at work.
We all enjoyed a most delicious, healthy dinner complete with fresh fruit for dessert.  Thanks to Cam's grandparents for feeding us all twice and playing on the
beach.

Back in Grand Rapids on Saturday, the Cascade parade was scheduled to begin at 10am.  A live band, fire trucks from past and present, gymnastics, karate and a swimming school were just a few of the notable floats.  When we asked Cam what his favorite part of the parade was, he responded with "the candy" which wasn't a big surprise.  Following the parade was a large carnival
encompassing the library grounds as well as an
adjacent restaurant.  Cam enjoyed a carnival hot dog and fries and was excited to see his teacher, Ms. Barbara and her daughter as well as Emma and her entire family!

Back at home that evening, we grilled delicious steaks for our 4th of July meal situated on the back deck.  It was such a nice evening!


On Sunday, we ventured to Holland to celebrate the 50th wedding anniversary for Aunt Betsy and Uncle Jon.  The event allowed guests to be inside and out, which the younger cousins were all quite happy about.  Pictured is only half of the 2nd generation of Jellema cousins.  One may wonder why the 1st generation isn't included, but corralling even this many kids is quite a feat.
Cam was able to meet some new additions to the family and get reacquainted with cousins he hadn't seen in a year!

Two comical Cam comments- Sunday morning, while Cam was eating, he took a sip of water too quickly and it spilled on his shirt.  With a solemn look, he said "I hate when that happens."

After eating breakfast as usual, our son asked about lunch on the way to the celebration.  We explained that lunch would be served during the event.  Upon seeing his plate filled with brunch items, Cam inquired, "Why am I having breakfast again?"

Much like the sunset peeking through the leaves, Cam is definitely our shining star!

Meet Michelle - Week of June 22nd

Jane, Cam, Oma (from 6 weeks ago)

The crime of loving is forgetting. ~Maurice Chevalier
While Oma graciously stayed with us for three whole days this week, Jane neglected to take a single picture!  Sometimes, we get so wrapped up in the fun situations, the camera doesn't make it to the forefront.  The dynamic duo, Cam and his grandma, made strawberry freezer jam and homemade applesauce.  With Chris' assistance, they also completed a very involved recipe for homemade mint ice cream, made with real mint leaves!  It was Cam's request and Oma was more than happy to help.  We cannot thank her enough for the cooking lessons and game time spent with Cam.  Having Oma in our home not only makes Cam happy, but Jane & Chris are so very grateful.


For the summer months, we have a new addition to our "Cam Care" lineup.  Ms. Michelle has become Cam's buddy after they've spent almost a month together.  Adventures have been on the agenda weekly.  In fact, the first day Michelle arrived, she ended up taking Cam and buddy Emma to a movie.
There was an outing to the library for a special show put on by "Iguana Guy" which Cam deemed very funny.

Each day the weather cooperates, Michelle and Cam head out for a daily stroll, going different directions and places.  Michelle keeps the education rolling quizzing Cam about road signs and nature.

Back at home they work on stretching as well as some school work.  Depending on the day, it may be done at the table or while hanging out on the floor.

Right in line with Cam's personality, Michelle also has a silly side.  After finishing the mixing of ingredients for chocolate ice cream, the two decided to lick the bowl and utensils creating a lovely, sweet mustache for them both.
We're so happy Michelle is with us for the summer, fitting into our fun-loving family just perfectly.

A big shout to Megan, one of Emma's sisters.  Meg was over a few times last week and is always so creative when it comes to thinking up different modes of playtime with Cam.  Here they are both pictured "wearing" tents while Jane provided them with a guided tour of the home.

Cam has termed this game "Tour Guide" and it became the favorite activity of the week!

Saugatuck, Sand Dunes and Sailing - Week of June 15th

Mom & Cam

Sometimes a vacation can consist of 1-2 days.  Although for some, this may seem silly, it worked well for our family to enjoy time away on a Thursday through Friday.

Dad & Cam enjoying the hot tub!

'Auntie' Karen drove from Chicago and met us in Saugatuck.  We stayed at the Ship-n-Shore Hotel located right on the Kalamazoo River and the chain ferry was located adjacent to the hotel.  Cam had many questions about the ferry's operation. The Saugatuck Chain Ferry claims to be the only remaining chain driven ferry in the US. It has been in use since 1838. Three pullies keep it in line as it is being pulled across the Kalamazoo River. When it is ready to cross the river, the operator takes a can of

'Auntie' Karen & Cam

compressed air and blows an airhorn alerting all boat traffic to stop. It is hand propelled! The operator turns a crank on the inside and this pulls the ferry along the chain.  It was quite the sight to see it make the trek again and again.
We had a delicious dinner where Cam scored an ice cream sundae with brownies and chocolate sauce, to go enjoy poolside.  Cam referred to our overnight abode as "his" room and told his parents he would share "his" bathroom with them.   The next morning, we all enjoyed some pool time before heading out to the Saugatuck Dune Rides, just minutes from our hotel.
Cam wasn't sure what to expect and commented that he didn't know what dune rides were.  He quickly realized that the faster the ride was, the the bigger his smile grew!  The driver and commentator provided a history lesson and jokes along the way.  Cam interjected
with "I did not know that" or "wow!"
We can't thank 'Auntie' Karen enough for joining us on our Saugatuck adventure and sharing in all the fun!
It was a perfect day combined with gentle winds and sunshine and Cam's adventures weren't over just yet....


Late Friday afternoon, our busy guy was scheduled for an adaptive sailing clinic on Reed's Lake.  The original date was the previous week, but rain delayed the occasion.
However, the wind was truly just right to make sailing a breeze.
Cam and Jane boarded a boat captained by "Mr. Mark" and headed out.


Mark explained the mechanics of sailing to Cam and also warned of the different noises and movement that are a part of the recreational sport.  Halfway through our time, Mr. Mark asked the young boater if he'd like to sail all by himself.  Cam excitedly said "yes please" and took hold of the rope the captain handed to him.
After our excursion, we went to thank the director of the event and inquired about Mr. Mark and how long he had been working with Mary Free Bed.

To our great surprise, we were informed that Mark had generously volunteered his boat and time upon seeing the clinic in action.
It is the humble offering of people like Mark who remind us that selfless acts can be the most rewarding.

Sunday was Father's Day and we had the pleasure of celebrating the occasion with Oma and Opa by meeting them for a delicious dinner on Muskegon Lake.

Jane's Father's Day message to Chris:
You constantly surprise us with your talents, creating and building without instruction. As a dad, you are the example of unconditional love. You're Cam's hero and believe me, you will always be mine.

School Ends, Jane's Birthday begins- Week of June 8th

The only way to have a friend is to be one. ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

The week started out with an evening to the WhiteCaps baseball game, hosted by Chris' workplace, FTC&H.  At the family outing, we dined on hot dogs, burgers, chips and cookies.  Cam met mascot "sister" Crash.  We didn't stay for the entire game, but we were able to see a few runs around the bases.

Tuesday was Jane's birthday and Cam was super excited to celebrate!  A delicious dinner at Houlihan's for the Weatherford family,  Auntie Roe and her niece Rachel made for a fun evening.  Back at home, Chris and Cam had a cake and ice cream waiting, along with presents.  At bedtime, Jane told Cam it was her best birthday yet.  Cam said "Why Mom?"  Jane explained that this was the first year Cam could clearly say "Happy Birthday, Mom" and "I love you!"

Awesome kids with their parents, awesome teachers,
the best aides, therapists and bus drivers

Wednesday marked the final day of the school year and Cam was hosting an afternoon cookout at his house for good friend and classmate, Natalie.   Natalie's family is moving to Lansing this summer and everyone at school who had contact with her was invited to join.
It was a beautiful afternoon filled with warm sunshine and welcome shade.  Since the meal was a combined effort of the group, we all dined on delicious food.  One of the best parts of the day was watching all of the kids interact with each other and seeing the teachers, therapists, helpers and bus drivers all take a little time to relax.  Cam and Natalie plan on connecting via FaceTime on the iPhone and meeting up at Boulder Ridge Wild Animal Park.

Saturday's trek to see Oma and Opa was a bit rainy.  This meant we had a perfect opportunity to take a field trip to Country Dairy in New Era, Michigan.
Just 15 minutes from the family cottage, the dairy farm boasts an extensive menu, including numerous flavors of ice cream.  It is the only place we've seen where you can help yourself to free refills of milk, chocolate included.

That night, Cam's grandparents made a special birthday dinner for Jane and invited family over for the famous Ryke's cake and Country Dairy ice cream.  Niece Steffanie and her boyfriend Heath were able to spend some quality time with Cam and share some laughs.

Sending out a very heartfelt thanks to Oma and Opa and the countless friends and family who reached out to Jane for her birthday.

In honor of feeling young, summer break means additional time for fort building...enjoyable at any age.

"We don't stop playing because we grow old.  We grow old because we stop playing."  ~George Bernard Shaw