Hello Baseball & School, See You Later Summer & Michelle - Week of Sept. 5th

B-boy Will & Cam

Our anxiety does not come from thinking about the future, but from wanting to control it. ~Kahlil Gibran

The week started off right with Monday as a holiday and our family being invited to Will's 8th birthday party!  We met up for lunch at a splashpad park with Will and friends.  Auntie Jo had pizza, hot dogs, salads and breadsticks- yum!  A pinata full of delicious candy and time in the water on a warm day was the perfect combo.

Brody, Emma, Sarah, Cam

Cam and his grandparents

For the first day of school on Tuesday, we had a sleepy 3rd grader who was feeling a bit anxious about new things in store.  We opted to skip the morning bus and Jane drove Cam into school where he was excitedly greeted by his classmates and all was well in his world.  The remainder of the week was busy and fun for the first few days back at Meadow Brook elementary.

Jane, Cam, Patti

Saturday was the season opener for the
fall WMML game!

Cam & Brita

Cam is a GVSU Laker this year and his buddy and school classmate, Brody, is on his team.  It was quite a day for fans with Oma, Opa, Patti, Sarah and Emma all in attendance!  Miss Kathy, Cam's teacher, was also there and Uncle Ray and Aunt Mary made an appearance too!  The Hope College Girls Softball team volunteered as helpers for opening day.  Cam's helper, Brita, was a freshman at Hope and from Indiana.  She loved hanging out with Cam and told us she is a Special Olympics volunteer back home.

Sunday marked our last play day in Lake Michigan at the cottage.  We were thankful the water temps were normal and the waves weren't too high.  The sand was warm and the lake sported differing shades of blue and green.

Cam still enjoys "baking" with Oma on the beach and each time they create a new concoction with sand and water.

The kayak rolled over the waves and gave us all a fun ride as Chris expertly rowed through the whitecaps.  Cam likes to go on official tours during these rides so we can talk through all of the sights along the lake shore.

Cam @Spoonlickers w/Michelle

We love our time at the big lake with Oma and Opa soaking up the sunshine and playing in the waves.  It's always bittersweet to say goodbye to summer, but we'll enjoy it all again next year.

Hugging our Michelle as she headed off on her move to Florida was also bittersweet.  We're happy she'll be back in her favorite sunshine state but we will miss her daily dose of fun, laughter, silliness and adventure.
She gave us a plaque which hangs proudly on our wall:
"The best things in life are the people we love, places we've been, memories we've made along the way..."
Thank you for blessing us, Michelle.  We look forward to making more memories!

Camology Quotes:

Cam was concerned about the construction we encountered on 96 West on Saturday heading to his baseball game.  On Sunday, as we headed out for our northward journey, he was discussing all of the different routes we could take to avoid the construction zone.  The options were quite detailed...and a bit lengthy...

"Isn't that a great idea?!"

"Oh yeah, sure.  Sounds good..."
"What did I just say?"
(Cam's parents= busted for not listening)

Cabin Camping and Cottage Calm - Week of Aug. 29th

Mom & Cam

Have you heard the term "glamping?"  It's referred to as glamorous camping.  While rustic camping provides the real outdoors experience with tenting and outhouses, we opted to attempt the other side of the axis in a cabin complete with a sink and toilet!  Hungry Horse Campground, located just under 30 minutes from our home not only offered this option but also had a cabin with a ramp for Cam's chair!

Dad & Cam

Cam & Auntie Karen

Upon entrance, the wooded area was inviting and serene.  Cam and Jane had a hearty laugh when they drove up to the cabin because it looked so small from the outside.  But once inside, we saw the mini fridge, microwave, ceiling fan, bunk beds, double bed, small couch, dining table with chairs and even a window a.c. unit.  Of course, the bathroom with toilet and sink as well as a dresser completed the tour.  It felt downright spacious with all of the amenities. Auntie Karen arrived shortly after and the three cabin mates couldn't wait to go exploring and find the solar-heated pool.  The pool included a separate splashpad and even had a lift to help move Cam in and out of the water.

Cam & Miss Rose

Gazebo Theater

The owners Norm and Nancy were so incredibly friendly and helpful.  The campground was full of surprises- live goats that Auntie Karen and Cam discovered on a stroll, a big jump pad (much like a trampoline but larger and not quite as much bounce) jumped on by Jane, Cam & Auntie Karen.  Playgrounds and even nice hot showers and more toilets!  Chris joined us in the evenings after work and was able to get in the pool too.  We grilled outside for meals and made s'mores around our campfire.  We met a new friend, Ms. Rose, who gave Cam a pillowcase with baseballs on it, and talked about her love of teaching and helping kids.  Our last evening included watching a movie that Nancy asked Cam to pick out.  He decided on "Finding Nemo."  The makeshift theater was in the outdoor gazebo.  We all munched on delicious popcorn.
The two nights and two and a half days were memorable. We cannot thank Auntie Karen enough for her time, energy and exuberance when needed most!

After an evening back home, we were off to the cottage to spend the night with Oma and Opa.  The weather was beautiful but Lake Michigan had acquired a chill to the tune of a drop in water temperature by almost 15 degrees!  The beach, however, still looked inviting enough to play in the sand.

Jane & Cam watching the sun set

Auntie Jo and Will joined us and although we didn't do any swimming, the kayak enjoyed full use.
We dined outside, which we were very accustomed to this week, and our family witnessed a picture perfect sunset together.

This week, we decided Cam may be watching old movies when we're not around based upon some interesting comments....
When Cam awoke the morning we were destined for the campground, he declared "I love the great outdoors!"  Upon getting ready for bed, he was snuggled under the covers and said "It's good to be home.  There's no place like home."  Truly Cam, we couldn't agree more.

Camology Quotes:

Cam's Elementary School hosted an open house.  One of his teachers (Miss Kathy) and speech pathologist (Miss Kate) asked what he would be doing the rest of the afternoon.  His reply:
"Happy Hour!"

followed by very surprised looks from Kathy & Kate.  To which Mom indicated:
"Please tell them where Happy Hour is, Cam..."
"Culver's!"  (for those of you unfamiliar, Culver's offer $1 short shakes in the afternoon hours)

Just Be Thankful - Week of Aug. 22nd

Gratitude is the fairest blossom which springs from the soul.  ~Henry Ward Beecher

Sometimes we think of taking that extra step to thank someone, but maybe we get side-tracked or focused on other things.  Not Cam.  He has gotten in the habit of wanting to find a way to thank others.  Besides being verbally grateful, he has discovered there are various avenues and ways to reach out.
When eating garlic bread with
dinner one evening, he remarked that it was his favorite and he wanted to know if we could send them a note.  He also inquired how the bread arrived at D&W (where it was purchased) and if they could please keep sending it.  Lest his parents forget, he proceeded to ask until a note that he had recited was written, a picture taken and printed, all put in a envelope with the address.  In addition, an email of thanks was sent via the website.  Incidentally, all of the information was easily found on the box of bread.  Within two days, we received the following response:
Thank you for contacting T. Marzetti Company about New York Bakery® Texas Toast. It is always a pleasure to receive compliments from our consumers.
The time taken to share your thoughts with us is greatly appreciated. We are happy to hear we are producing items that are enjoyed by our loyal consumers.
Our New York Bakery® garlic breads are baked in our facilities then frozen. Retailers like D&W place orders for our breads where we add them to trucks that haul frozen items to distributor warehouses. Then retailers receive trucks from these warehouses at their stores where they sell our delicious breads.
Thank you for your continued support of our products.
Sincerely,
Deb H.
Consumer Services Representative
T. Marzetti Company

In order to thank the Wyoming Police Dept for the personal tour on his birthday, Cam wanted to bring them treats and pictures of the visit.  Multiple loaves of banana bread and chocolate chip cookies were baked and packed in a basket with the printed pics.  The following email was received that very afternoon: 

Marge & Cam

The banana bread and cookies were a hit but everyone loved looking at the pictures most!  Cam is just the sweetest and has the best smile.  Please let him know, these pictures will be sitting on a lot of Officer's desk at the Wyoming Department of Public Safety!!    

 Thanks again for the treat and please bring Cam back to visit!  We'd love to see him again!

Continuing on with gratitude, a copy of the police picture was given to Marge's Donut Shop.  Marge's baked the awesome police cake and cupcakes that the Police Dept gave Cam.  Who knew Ms. Marge herself would be there when Cam stopped by to thank her and give her the pic?  In return, the nine-year-old received an authentic Marge's t-shirt!

Emma & Cam selfie

We have explained to Cam there are people and things to be thankful for and responses, gifts and reciprocation are never a requirement.  There are many times when it is better to give than receive.

The gift of friends, like Emma, are priceless.

Finding time to take a break from work and head to the shore for a short time is invaluable.

Having a grandma close by who plays on the beach at a moment's notice is something we can never give enough thanks for.
Introducing those we care about to the places we love and sharing adventures at Lake Michigan is a treasure.

Give thanks, every...day.  And don't forget.  If you let us know, Cam will be sure to remind you!

Amanda's 1st visit to the cottage!

Camology Quotes:

After swimming in the big lake and playing in the sand, Cam suddenly announced:

"This is the life!"

Turning 9 is Pretty Fine - Week of Aug. 15th

"You have the right to...a Birthday.  Anything you do or say should be fun today.  That's an order!"

Instead of a birth-day, Cam seemed to enjoy a birth-week!  The celebration began and didn't end until Sunday eve.

A trip to Boulder Ridge Wild Animal Park with Michelle started things out right.  Cam is a fan of the giraffes but Michelle is a bit leary of them and kept telling them to "back off" when they kept trying to lick Cam.  Boulder Ridge even upgraded their safari ride by offering a tram which has 2 lifts so our park fan can now ride up front.


With a week of treats, Culver's has had quite a bit of business from the Weatherfords and friends since they offer a short shake "happy hour" each day in the afternoon.  Any flavor shake is just $1 and it's the perfect size.

Jane took a few hours off of work on Thursday to take Cam and Michelle for a swim at the cottage with Oma.  It was a day filled with infinite sunshine and the warm water called us all in.  Cousin Megan joined us on the beach too.  It was a short visit but any amount of sand and Lake Michigan time is totally worth it!

Cam & Sally

On Sunday, we had an early visit from Auntie Amanda, Uncle Mark, Sally and Henry.  The kids played for a couple of hours and our awesome friends headed back to Ann Arbor.  We were so thankful they drove over to see us and celebrate Cam!

For the official birthday celebration, family and friends gathered to enjoy Cam's early dinner request of pizza, breadsticks, ice cream sundae bar and cake for all.  One cake was from the official police tour and the other from our favorite bakery, Rykes.  And both were filled with chocolate cake, filling and chocolate frosting, and tasted delectably delicious!

Mr. Ken, Cam & Amanda
(Ken's granddaughter/Cam nanny)

Cam's buddy and former Sergeant, Ken Kleinheksel brought over his original uniform and badge for Cam to wear for his big day.  What a thrill!  The birthday boy was able to wear an official deputy
police shirt and Mr. Ken brought over some of his police gear to show the kids.  As a special keepsake, Cam now has an autographed copy of Sergeant Ken from his on-duty days.

Liam & Cam

Buddy Liam and Cam both share a desire to be connected with the police department one day. Liam wore his official police tie and badge for the party.  These were two very official-looking boys.

We enjoyed hanging out with family and friends and the time went by much too quickly.  Jane was remiss that she didn't capture a group photo of all the VIP's, but was able to grab a family shot of a few.   We were so thankful for everyone's time on a Sunday evening, homemade cards and gifts!

Baby Ella, Gordy & Cam

Since Cam has become enamored with everything police, he has been asking his parents to tell a new police story for bedtime reading.  It became clear we had to call in reinforcements.  A month ago, we sent out a request to family and friends to send in their police stories.  Jane gathered them all into a shutterfly book you can see in this link below.

Ella, G, Molly,
Ah-Dah, Ann, Cam

Needless to say, even with 40 pages, we will be begging for more stories before Christmas so a volume 2 can be created.  Please, everyone start writing :)

Cam's Police Stories- Shutterfly Book:
https://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=2Acs2LJi2bs3dg&cid=SM-PBAPP

Camology Quotes:

Saturday included some unexpected excitement as tornado sirens sounded throughout the Grand Rapids area.  

At the time of the warning, Chris and Cam were out running errands.  Jane reached them on the cell phone and requested they go into a store until the warning passed.  

Cam thought the entire experience was a great adventure. Upon arrival home, he announced:

"Mom, we are O.K.!  And it was not a drill!"

Surprise Police Department Tour! - Wed. Aug. 17th

Disclaimer: Blog 1 of 2: Two blog entries this week because there is too much to share!

"Life's most persistent and urgent question is, What are you doing for others?" - Martin Luther King Jr.

Through a series of events, we made a connection with the Wyoming Police Department, thanks to our relatives, the Cornell family.  Cam's parents decided it would be an awesome surprise to take their birthday boy to a police station on his special day.  The plan was set up with a Captain at the department...what is that saying?  Go big or go home!

On Wednesday, Aug. 17th at 1:30p, Cam only knew he was heading out in the van for a birthday event, but had no idea what it was.  Michelle filmed this sweet video of our arrival on location.

Upon entrance, it seemed as if the entire building knew Cam's name and reason for being there.
We were escorted into a conference room with a Birthday sign on a board at the entry.  Awaiting us was a chocolate birthday cake and cupcakes from Marge's Donut Den along with quite a few deputies.  Captain Kim Koster introduced each officer and detective and explained what they do.  Officer Toonstra and his K-9 partner, Dutch, demonstrated a few tricks.  This dog
also showed off his sweet side by giving Cam some kisses.

Tour Guide-Officer Allen & Cam

Officer Allen then led us on our official tour- first we ventured outside in the back of the building where Cam had a front seat

Ms. Tara & Cam

viewing in the squad car.  The officer explained all of the lights, buttons, radar and computer screen to the young recruit.  It was a surprise to us all to see the small printer for printing tickets (how would Cam's parents know about that?!) right inside the police car as well as a secret gun strategically placed.
Next up was the police motorcycle and even though Cam has grown quite a bit, he looked small in stature on the big bike.

Our tour guide led us through the S.W.A.T. (Special Weapons and Tactics) room and then to the holding cells which Cam deemed quite small.  Officer Allen took us to the 2nd floor where the offices are and we met more personnel, including detectives.  As one of our final stops, we even saw the office of the Chief of Police- wow!

The Briefing Room

Lastly, Captain Koster thought Cam might want to bring some treats to the officers during their briefing, which takes place every afternoon.  Everyone we saw in the building gave Cam a "Happy Birthday!" greeting.
As we were getting ready to leave, Ms. Tara gave us a cd of all of the pictures she had taken during our stay!

To say we were overwhelmed by this experience is just simply an understatement.  We were surrounded by a community of officers who felt like friends by the time we left.

Captain Koster showing 
Cam "the Shield"

Cam was given quite a few special souvenirs.  One of his favorites is a special engraved coin that all officers are given after being inducted into the department.  The words ingrained are: "This is my SHIELD.  I bear it before me into battle.  But it is not mine alone.  It protects my brothers and sisters on my left and right it protects my city. I will never let my brothers or sisters out of its shadow, nor my city out of its shelter. I will proudly carry my shield before me, with honor."

Thanks are not enough for the Wyoming Police Department.  We cannot wait to see you all again!

Camology Quotes:
A repeated conversation that took place at least 10 times the day of Cam's birthday...

"Where am I going for my surprise?"
Do you really want to know?
"Yes, I mean no!  Don't tell me."