Cool Events in our Community - Week of Oct. 12th

Friday night pizza!

"Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower." ~ Albert Camus

As Winnie-the-Pooh would say, "it was a very blustery day, or rather, weekend!"

On Friday evening, we were invited to attend a community event co-hosted by our Katherine (aka Ah-Dah).  The Block Party intended to bring members of the area together to learn more about HQ, a runaway and homeless youth drop-in center.  Food items were donated by different restaurants, there was a craft table, pet goats, and lots of hungry people.  The food went quickly and since we arrived later than expected, we grabbed some pizza at a local spot nearby.  Cam was a trooper without complaint, but definitely didn't feel the need for a photo opp while dining.

"Buster"

On Saturday, we ventured over to Sparta for the first annual Fire Prevention day organized by Katherine's brother, Christopher.  There were fire engines to explore and sit in.  The firefighter even let Cam blow the loud fire horn!

One of the highlights was meeting "the buses" that were actually robotics-controlled.  Dean Transportation volunteered their time and hilarious drivers who provided 'the voices' for the small buses.  "Buster" kept asking Cam if they could race and told him that they wanted to come home with him.  He thought they were so funny!

Of course, the biggest event was the face-painting area that Ms. Ann and Katherine were in charge of.  After inquiring what Cam wanted painted on his face, he choose flames, which made sense since he was surrounded by fire trucks.

From Fire Prevention to Fun Fest, we drove from Sparta to the DeltaPlex arena to participate in 2nd annual Special Families Festival.

Cam was able to try out a new bike and exercised his legs quite a bit, pedaling around the track four times!  There were quite a few games set up with silly prizes for the kids.  Chris and his son practiced their bowling skills and Cam's prize (that he chose) was a notepad to be used for taking planning notes with his dad.

While Chris and Cam were taking a break from some building designs on Sunday afternoon, Patti and Emma stopped over to see if Cam was available.  Emma needed to practice her trail guide skills as part of her homework for Goodwille Environmental School.  The school she attends for 5th grade is built on 28 acres and incorporates using the outdoors as a motivation for learning.  

It was such a pretty, sunny afternoon for Patti, Emma and Cam's adventure.

Cameron had the opportunity to pet a chicken and go on his first official hike.  He listened to Emma explain what they were seeing as they ventured along.  She had created a guide to be used for their hike and quizzed her buddy with questions along the way.

Many thanks to Patti and Emma for asking Cam to join them!

Cam-ology Quote:

"I have never been on a field trip on a Sunday!  This is a new thing for me."

ArtPrize 7 - Week of Oct. 5th

The aim of art is to represent not the outward appearance of things, but their inward significance. ~Aristotle

"The Camper" or... "The Cam" ?

Fall in
Grand Rapids means Art Prize in downtown GR.  It represents 1500+ works of art at 160+ venues across three square miles.  Cam was able to see some of the entries on two different occasions- once on a field trip with his class and again with his parents over the weekend.

The winged mural pictured is a unique, interactive set of wings created specifically for the ArtPrize Grand Rapids competition. Each piece provides an opportunity for people to step into the work and become a ‘living work of art.’
Cam's favorite display was named "Phenomena 117" although he referred to it as the blue shoe tree!

Cam's League Medal

Phenomena 117 is focused on giving things a second chance and a new life. The hand funnel painted tree was not harmed in any way, in its previous life it was dying and slated for removal. It is adorned with 117 hand funnel painted shoes that were all given up and destined for a new beginning.

Michelle & Cam

Every new beginning is some other beginning's end.... Saturday marked the last fall season baseball game for Cameron.

Receiving his medal!

Volunteers hit the field every week and Home Depot was in full attendance.  Many employees from the stores volunteered their own time to help construct the playground there. The weather cooperated for player pictures as well as the medal ceremony immediately following the game.

Two of Cam's biggest fans, Oma and Opa were in attendance for their grandson's last game and headed back to the house afterwards.

We are so thankful they've made the trek so many times to join the cheering section.

And we're all so thankful Cam continues to love baseball and embrace the excitement and camaraderie of the sport.

 Cam-ology Conversations:
"Dad, I will help you a lot and a whole bunch!"
"Why don't you just say a lot OR a whole bunch?"
"Because that means I will help you the most!"

"Mom, can I stay up late?"
"It's a school night, Cam."
"But, I have a 2-hour delay"
"Ok, because you have been such a good boy, you can stay up 10 minutes late tonight."
"Wow, I have never stayed up 10 minutes late on a school night before!"

Team Cam - Week of Sept. 28th

There is an African proverb... "It takes a village to raise a child."  We are so fortunate to have so many in our 'village.'

Jane was honored to receive a leadership award from her job back in May.  It was a nomination by peers and the award was an all-expense paid trip, 3-day weekend to San Francisco.  Now, almost 4 months later, Chris & Jane felt it was time to enjoy the benefits.

Jane's dear friend, 'Auntie' Karen arrived on Friday from Chicago.  Her arrival coincided with Cam's parents cruising under the Golden Gate Bridge in California.

Auntie Karen & Cam

Karen also brought some presents for Cam.  A new alarm clock that changes color when it's almost time to wake up and then again when it's officially time to start the day now sits on Cam's dresser.

Team Cam was ready for the weekend and enjoyed a delicious dinner together on Friday night. (video narrated by Auntie Karen!)

Saturday in Michigan proved to be very chilly and cold leading to the cancellation of Cam's baseball game.  The three musketeers leading the weekend charge, Auntie Karen, Oma & Opa, decided to swing over to Robinette's Apple Haus and Orchard with Cam to explore the pumpkins, apple selection, tasty fudge and donuts.

Cam & Ms. Ann

On Saturday eve, another member of Team Cam, Ms. Ann, arrived to hang out for a bit.

Rolling the dice...

Cam told her all about his adventures thus far and their time spent together is always 'magical' for Ms. Ann.

Each time Chris & Jane had some face time with Team Cam, there were smiles all around and lots of activities.

Baking Time

YAHTZEE!

Sunday included game playing, card decorating and baking.  Cam and Oma had a rousing game of Jane's favorite childhood past-time, Yahtzee!  Maybe you could determine which picture shows Cam's face after rolling an actual Yahtzee!

So much fun packed into one weekend for Cam in Michigan and his parents in California.  Chris and Jane enjoyed multiple ferry rides, exploring San Francisco, and Sausalito wine-tasting.

Chris & Jane in Chinatown

We truly cannot thank Team Cam enough for all of their love and support of Cam.
While Chris and Jane were in Chinatown, they saw this quote:
"The most precious gift we can offer others is our presence.
When mindfulness embraces those we love, they will bloom like flowers."

The Weatherford family certain feels like the biggest blossoming bouquet ever!

Fall is in the Air - Week of Sept. 21st

Cam's bday present from the Ringler fam takes flight!

While the weather remained mild, Cam's first cold came on full force during the week.  After a couple of nights of interrupted sleep and a day home from school, the weekend brought the promise of fresh air and outdoor activity.

We arrived at the ball park early and with time to spare, headed over to the playground.  Oma and Opa met us there and had never experienced the "sway away" area.  While you stand or sit and hang on, someone else (Chris in the background) pushes on the contraption to provide the swaying motion.  Luckily, no one ended up seasick from all of the rocking!


The ballgame was exciting and the helpers were from Merrell Corporation, headquartered in Rockford, Michigan.
Ms. Julie was Cam's buddy and they had a most hilarious time in the outfield trying to figure out which hits would go up to the sky and which would be grounders.  It was easy to see these two enjoyed a special connection right away.

After the game, Cam and his parents and grandparents headed out for a tasty lunch together.  Before heading home, Chris remembered there was a pretty cool street sign nearby.

On Sunday, our Weatherford family drove to Kalamazoo in the late afternoon.  We were scheduled for a short photo shoot.

Following our session, 'Auntie' Amanda and her kids, Sally and Henry, were ready for their pictures.  Amanda's dad, Don and Mary Kay also arrived to help out.  Not only did they come to assist, but they also brought freshly picked pumpkins from their farm.  One was for Amanda's family and the other was for Cam.

"Dad- you are so strong!"

Don asked Cameron if he wanted the enormous pumpkin.
Cam-ology response:  "I don't think this pumpkin will fit in my house!"
We explained that the oversize piece of fruit would stay outside on the front porch.

It was a short visit, but it was so much fun to see Amanda and the kids, as well as Don and Mary Kay.  Many thanks for the biggest pumpkin the Weatherford family has ever had the privilege of displaying in front of their home!

Getting in the Groove - Week of Sept. 14th

Beautiful fall sunset view from our house

The second week of school proved to be a bit more taxing than the first as Cam continued to become accustomed to his school routine again.
Thank goodness, though, his good mood usually prevails even on days when he returns home from 2nd grade pretty tired.

After school, Cam's time is split between Taylor and Michelle to hang out on while Jane and Chris are still working.  Due to our unseasonably warm fall weather, Michelle and Cam took to the back deck to play games one day.  A popular favorite is Guesstures, whereby via talking and gesturing, you can make your partner figure out what you're doing.
A rarity for us was arriving early enough to Cam's baseball game on Saturday to spend some time on the League playground.  The sun was so bright while Cam was pretending to drive the car on the highway.  Lately, our inquisitive son has been asking directions for just about everywhere we go, but not in a vague way.  Cam wants to know exactly
which highways, exits and turns one takes to get somewhere.  And he's been doing a fabulous job at remembering those directions.  Pretty soon, Jane may not need her GPS!

At Cam's game, he was wearing his official baseball pants and the announcer even called them out over the loudspeaker- "Cam Weatherford of Grand Rapids wearing his pro baseball pants today- those are major league style!"
Michelle joined us for the action to see her buddy Cam out in the field.
After an exciting game, what could be better than a lunch outing to Pals? (Pal's Website)  Pal's Diner was built in 1954 and was moved in one piece from Mahwah, New Jersey to Grand Rapids, MI  in 1993.  The entire move involved five states, three government approvals and a police escort for the entire 1638 mile trip.
Cam thinks they have the best homemade chocolate milkshakes around!  Shown here is one of their shakes split into 3 cups.  Cam agreed to split with his parents who are ever so thankful to have such a sharing son!

"Cam-ology" for this week: Thoughts From Cam

"Mom, what was your name when you were little?"
~Jane Elizabeth Harris Jellema~
"Mom, that's a really long name! How did you remember it?" 

Back to School & Back to Baseball - Week of Sept. 7th

Cameron's 2nd grade school year began on a bright Tuesday morning, the day after Labor Day.

A "welcome" from Ms. Barbara at
Meadow Brook's open house :)

Cam made certain his parents had remembered everything for his first day and couldn't wait to get back on the bus with his driver from last year, Mr. "D" and get to his elementary school.
With new teachers in place and new friends to greet, we had one tired kid by the end of the week.

Cam & Carson- WMML Colorado Rockies team

Luckily for Cam, his baseball game wasn't slated to start until 12:30p on Saturday.  This fall, our favorite player is on the Colorado Rockies team.  One of Cam's buddies, Carson, from his Wellerwood preschool days was also on his team, along with another classmate, Gerrit, from his current school Meadow Brook.  The cheering section this week included Cam's grandparents, ready to root for their grandson.  The helpers on the field were from the Women's Hope College softball team.
After the game, we headed out to lunch with Oma and Opa.  Many thanks to them for making the trek in for the game- so happy it was such a perfect weather day for baseball!

Cam's Saturday fun wasn't over yet.  Buddy Will's 7th birthday party was still to come.  Before it started, there was just enough time to take in a few laps on go-karts at AJ's Fun Center.  This was Cam's first trek around the race track and Chris' idea to squeeze more fun into the day.  And what a great idea it was!  Jane even hopped in her own race car to speed along next to her boys.  Cam wanted to go one more time, but we all decided to save it for another day.
Will's party was held at a miniature golf course, where Auntie Jo set up a round of golf for the group of boys.  She then ordered pizza and breadsticks (Cam's favorite party menu!) after the kids finished up their game.  It was quite an action-packed day for the second grader, who decided to bow out of the party a little early.  A big happy 7th birthday to buddy Will and a big thanks to Auntie Jo for all of the treats and fun!
On Sunday, the Weatherford fam headed up north to see Oma and Opa and cash in on one of Cam's own birthday treats- a trip to Dog-n-Suds in Montague, Michigan.

Cousin David, Cam & Uncle Rod

The location was founded by a Montague school teacher in 1963 who ran the Drive-In in the summer months. It was purchased by the current family in the fall of 1965, and re-opened in the Spring of 1966. In our second generation of management, the facility was totally rebuilt during the winter of 2000-2001. In its current configuration, the Drive-In is open each summer from April thru September. 

After a tasty lunch with Oma and Opa, we headed over to the Schulze cottage where cousin David, his dad, Uncle Rod, and many other cousins were having lunch with our Schulze family.  Uncle Rod is quite a storyteller and poet.  He had Cam smiling and laughing from the moment they met.

We spent a bit of time with Cam's grandparents at their cottage too.  Cam requested a piano lesson from Oma on her fancy electric piano.

Our Lake Michigan looks so pretty and peaceful this time of year, even if it is a bit chilly for swimming.