Best Buds, Baseball, and Birthday Parties - Week of Aug. 10th

Before the ride begins...

After the ride...

“Well," said Pooh, "what I like best," and then he had to stop and think. Because although Eating Honey was a very good thing to do, there was a moment just before you began to eat it which was better than when you were, but he didn't know what it was called.” ~A.A. Milne, Winnie-the-Pooh

Waiting for what's to come can be thrilling, nerve-wracking, and overwhelming.  During the week, Michelle and Cam went to a fair where the almost-8-year-old took a ride in his first Tilt-A-Whirl.  He wasn't quite certain what to expect, but he declared that it was so much fun afterwards!
In anticipation of Cam's upcoming birthday, Emma asked us to set up a photo shoot for the two best buddies.  She was very specific about what, where, and which poses were to be taken.

It's so easy to take pictures with this pair because laughter, smiles, and silliness are an absolute given.  Even though the two pals aren't siblings, the friendship bond they share sure seems that way.

The Baseball Crew

The weekend was full of very big plans with the prospect of tons of fun.  On Saturday, we ventured up north for the 3rd Annual Cousin Harper's baseball game in Montague, MI.  It was a beautiful, sunny day and although it was warm, the game was a blast, especially for the younger kids.  After finishing up the ball game, everyone headed to Fricano's in Muskegon where we gobbled up delicious pizza.
Much to Cam's surprise (and his parents!), a birthday cake was presented, complete with baseball players and candles.  Some of Cam's cousins helped blow out the flames and then everyone enjoyed chocolate cake.  Jane's camera was missing from the action and if video would've been captured, Cam's elated face of astonishment would've told the story.  He even opened some early birthday gifts!  A big thanks for the sweet surprise...

Ryke's bday cake- A staple for Cam's birthday!
Special thanks for Oma & Opa for the pick-up.

Cam & Meg

On Sunday, Cam was hosting his 8th birthday celebration (one day before his birthday) in his backyard.  His request for the party?  Fire truck theme and the food of choice?  Breadsticks and  ice cream sundaes.  You wouldn't think the two go together, but the guests all decided the combo somehow worked.

Katherine, Cam, Molly

Cam up to bat, Will waiting his turn :)

After digging into the Little Caesar's bread and Country Dairy ice cream with choice of toppings, it was time for the kids to take a crack at the fire engine pinata!  Each of the kids took two swings every time and after quite a few bats, the candy finally tumbled out!

Uncle Ray had Cam cracking up,
pictured here with Aunt Mary

Cam declared that "this is the best birthday party ever!"

We can't thank everyone enough for coming and being a part of the festivities.  

And to think, his actual birthday was yet to come...

Riding the Dunes and Sharing the Love - Week of Aug. 3rd

Mom & Cam

For the first time in a very long time, Cam's parents took Monday off of work and we took 'Auntie' Leslie, Oma and Opa with us to the Mac Woods Dune Rides, located in Silver Lake, Michigan.

This was Cam's first outing to this particular dune scooter business and it couldn't have been a better day to head out in the sunshine and feel the wind in your hair.  In addition to hearing all about the history of the area during the 7-mile scoot, we also learned that Mac Wood's

brings more than 80,000 customers through its ride every year.  Mac Wood's has been in existence since 1930!  Halfway through the adventure, everyone can walk around and see the awesome view of Silver Lake and Lake Michigan.  Most importantly, your feet feel the soft sand which travels with you all day.

Afterwards, Cam proclaimed that he liked the Saugatuck Dune Rides more because "they were bumpier and faster!"  However, Jane definitely leans towards the Mac Woods flavor, a staple of her childhood.

With sandy feet and hungry bellies, we walked over to the Whippy Dip where we all enjoyed a delicious lunch and maybe a milkshake for the road.  Can you spot whose head is in the middle of the ice cream cone?

Back in Grand Rapids, 'Auntie Leslie' was one of the fam for the remainder of the week.  On Friday, she and Jane took Cam and Emma over to Boulder Ridge Wild Animal Park.  Lettuce leaves were added to the snacks fed to the giraffes.  Cam was able to provide some green sustenance to the tall animal there.

Leslie and Cam had a great time with the pigmy goats.  They took their carrots and cracker treats so gingerly from your hand.  But they were certainly not shy about pushing others out of the way
to be closest in line for a snack.  Cam couldn't stop cracking up over their antics!

Leslie is Jane's dearest friend from childhood.  They have so many memories together and now their families have an opportunity to make new ones.  'Auntie' Leslie couldn't resist giving Cam some early birthday presents, including some silly fake mustaches and teeth.
The week went by much too quickly, especially for Jane, and we look forward to our next visit together!

It is one of the blessings of old friends
that you can afford to
be stupid with them. ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

On Sunday, Cam's parents celebrated their 12th wedding anniversary.  Inside the 'present' was a homemade card from Cam that read "Thank you for being my parents!"
And we thank you, Cam, for being such a great kid...

A Selfie Stick, Dog n Suds, and a Serious Storm - Week of July 27th

“There are no bad pictures; that's just how your face looks sometimes.” ~ Abraham Lincoln

Cam is always up for trying something new. Today's trends include using a selfie stick for capturing everyone in a photo.
Although a silly item, it does come in very handy when taking group pictures!

Friday night was just the occasion to partake in some fun as we hosted game night that evening with Katherine & Paul, Molly, Ms. Ann, Ronda, and Leslie.  'Auntie' Leslie had arrived from North Carolina that day and jumped right in with the crowd!  Cam played a little Catch Phrase and Hollywood Game Night before heading to bed...quite late.

On Sunday, we ventured north, anxious to go swimming.  We stopped for lunch at the famous Dog-n-Suds in Montague.  You can order from your car
and they bring your food out to you, although it appears roller skates are a thing of the past for the waitresses.  We were pleasantly surprised to discover there was a ramp so Cam could drive down by the water.
Apparently, by this point, we had exposed Cam to the selfie stick one too many times as noted by his "I'm done" expressions in the pic.

We finally arrived at Oma and Opa's and scooted right down to the beach.  The lake was rough and Cam stayed on shore playing in the sand with Oma while the Chris, Jane & Leslie swam.  The undertow was incredible as you felt yourself fighting to walk in the water just a few feet.  Cam felt the warm water when Chris held onto him and kept him close to shore.

After a delicious dinner, we noticed the sky darkening.  If you've never seen a storm roll in over Lake Michigan, it is quite a sight to see.  Pictures cannot do it justice.  Cam kept saying "wow- look at the clouds!"  They were moving so quickly and their color deepened as we all watched in wonder.  The storm only lasted an hour, but provided a lightning show like no other.  Chris captured a bolt in the pic below but the way it kept streaking across the sky was unbelievable.

As the rain pelted and the wind whipped, we were happy to watch from indoors.  As intense as it was, the storm moved out completely along to the south and slowly, the sun returned to the sky.
Even though there were various beach toys scattered about and some clean-up to attend to, the storm seemed to have awakened the sky.  The brightest sunset we've witnessed this summer graciously appeared, waiting for its selfie...

Sunset is still my favorite color, and rainbow is second. ~Mattie Stepanek

Reserved for Memories - Week of July 20th

Jane, Ms. Ann, Auntie Roe, Chris & Cam

"Sometimes you will never know the value of a moment until it becomes a memory" 
~ Dr. Suess


When your week starts with a trip to Spoonlickers! you know it's getting off to a perfect start.

It was one of those weekends with a full, but super fun schedule.

Cam & the beautiful bride

On Friday evening, Cam insisted on wearing his black tux (minus the coat and bow tie due to the heat) for Kelsey's wedding.  We arrived early since a certain boy insisted on not being late.  We found our "reserved" section in the church, something Kelsey had set up especially for the occasion.  Before the ceremony began, Kelsey's mom, Julie, found us so we could meet her.  As she started to laugh, Cam couldn't stop giggling because he said she sounded so much like Kelsey!

It was a beautiful wedding.  The reception was held at an outdoor venue and we dined on a delicious array of food and homemade strawberry shortcake for dessert.  Cam was especially happy about that!
Kelsey will always be a part of our family.  She worked so very hard with Cam on his language, time trials, and swimming this past year.
We're so happy she and Brian are starting this new chapter in their lives and we look forward to making new memories with them both.

Cam & Ms. Ginny

Cam's name was announced as they
crossed the finish line!

This pic went "viral" and is posted on the FB page
for My Team Triumph West Michigan chapter

From a wedding to race day, the very next morning, we all woke up early for Cam's first 5K race with My Team Triumph.  This local organization has chapters across the country and is always looking for volunteers.  Ms. Ginny, the social worker at Cam's elementary school, inquired back in February if Cam wanted to be a part of the experience.  We asked him and he excitedly said yes!  For the race, Cam was a Captain and Ms. Ginny and her buddy, Eric were his Angels and took turns pushing him while running.  Although Ginny has completed the race before, this was the very first time she knew the Captain she was supporting.  Maybe, just maybe, that was why Ms. Ginny had her personal best time for this race!!  Cam already announced that he wanted to do it again next year.

Cam & Jane on the dock

Cam & his mom tubing

That same afternoon, we headed up north to Stony Lake to see our second family comprised of the Hueys, Vincents and VanBokkelens.  It was a perfect day to play on the inland lake.  For the first time, Cam wanted to try tubing behind the boat with his mom.  The warm water splashed as we lightly bounced on the tube while being pulled by the boat.  Cam loved it!

The kids that Jane spent seven summers being a nanny for, now all have kids of their own.  Since the families live in different parts of the U.S. and Costa Rica, they all meet at the summer cottage at Stony.  Cam is considered a "cousin" to these kids and he was quite surprised when he was also included in a birthday celebration with the younger cousins!  We left Stony late that evening and headed to Oma & Opa's for the night.  Cam went to bed quite late, but was ready to go the next morning.

Cam & 'Auntie' Jo

Chris and Cam completed yet another CamMobile (3.0) and it was ready for testing on the shores of Lake Michigan and in the water.
'Auntie' Jo joined us for the day to play in the sand and enjoy the warmer lake temperatures.
The swimming lessons have definitely paid off for Cam.  He's so much comfortable floating on his back and being relaxed.

After making sand pies and castles, floating boats and going for kayak rides, it was time to head back up to the cottage.
We dined outside on the deck, watching our big lake, eating burgers and hot dogs with juicy sweet corn and tasty watermelon.
Ice cream sundaes completed the day.  A big thanks to Oma and Opa for a great time and to Auntie Jo for hanging out!

Sunday evening, as we made it onto the highway to head back home, Cam announced from the back seat that "I am going to take a rest now..." and within minutes, our socially active son enjoy a well-deserved break after an incredible weekend!

Fun Friendships & Fireman Cam - Week of July 13th

Keep your face to the sunshine and you cannot see the shadows. It's what the sunflowers do.” ~Helen Keller     

Cam enjoyed a few days in morning summer school and experienced plenty of adventures with Ms. Michelle in the afternoons.  On Friday, they went to Boulder Ridge Wild Animal Park where Cam had to show Ms. Michelle around since it was her first visit there.  They rode on the safari bus and fed lots of animals.

On Friday afternoon, Oma and Opa arrived to spend the night at Cam's house.  Saturday morning included a run to Heidi's Farmstand for Oma, Jane and Cam.  The sunflower was a gift to Cam from one of the ladies who works there.  Upon arrival home, Jane asked if the sunflower should stay in the kitchen.  Cam told his mom, "I would like it in my room, please."  Such a nice sight to wake up to in the morning.

Saturday afternoon offered up some silliness when the family dined on Firehouse Subs.  With every kids meal, an official fireman's hat is provided.  As each family member tried it on, more laughter ensued.

A big thanks to Oma and Opa for hanging out with us in GR.

Most Sunday eves, we gather together with our second family/neighbors.  On this particular evening, we added some additional members to the weekly shared meal.
With a menu of grilled burgers and homemade french fries, I don't know many that could resist an invitation!
More people almost always means more laughter and that's something we can never get enough of.


After a weekend filled with family and close friends, there's no better way to end the day - give a hug, receive a hug, and smile.