Kayaks & Cool Signs - Week of Aug. 10th

Whenever Cam is about to embark on a new experience, we tend to research the history or some fun facts.  Many of the planned activities through Mary Free Bed were canceled this spring and summer.  Jane received an email about the kayak clinic with MFB Adaptive Sports and we jumped at the opportunity.

6 Facts About the History of Kayaking
1. Kayaks are at least 4,000 years old. The history of kayaking dates back at least 4,000 years. If you happen to find yourself in Munich, Germany, you can see the world’s oldest surviving kayaks in the North American section of the Museum Five Continents. These kayaks are from the year 1577. 
2. Kayaks were invented by the native people of Arctic North America. The first people in the world to build and use kayaks were Inuit, Aleut, and Yup’ik people. Often referred to as “Eskimos,” these indigenous people live in modern day Greenland, Canada, and Alaska. 
3. The word kayak means “hunter’s boat” or “man’s boat.” Kayaks were originally designed for hunting. These small boats were perfect for creeping up on animals that lived in the water or along the shore. Common prey included seals, caribou, and whales. 
4. The first kayaks were made from animal skins and whalebones. The Inuits and other native people made their kayaks by stitching animals skins together, often from seals, and stretching this material over a frame made from wood or whalebone skeletons. These early kayaking pioneers also used whale fat to waterproof their boats. 
5. The International Scale of River Difficulty was inspired by an Austrian kayaking trip. Class 1 or Class 4 rapids is referring to this system. The creation of an international scale came about shortly after an adventurous man named Adolf Anderle became the first person in the world to kayak the Salzachofen Gorge on the Salzach River in Austria in 1931. 
6. Kayak races were added to the Olympics in 1936. During the 1936 Berlin Olympic games, “flat-water racing” was introduced. In 1948, the Olympics added its first women’s paddling event: the 500 meter singles kayak. The first white water racing event premiered in 1972, and today, the Olympics have more than 10 white water competitions. 

Friday morning, we grabbed Cam's lifejacket and headed to Millennium Park where there is a boathouse used for kayak, canoe and paddleboat rental.  Cam's parents thought he would be out for 30 minutes or so but he and his guide Alaina were on the water for more than an hour!  He said he can't wait to do it again next year.

We arrived at the cottage Saturday afternoon and enjoyed more time in the water with our inflatable kayak as well as some swimming for Cam in the Cammobile.  For family Sunday brunch, we surprised Cam with an early birthday cake.  He chose his favorite pic from last year- his Lego construction backhoe that he and his dad made for Halloween.  Our favorite bakery, Rykes, made a delicious peanut butter cream filled chocolate cake.  Even though it was a day before Cam's actual birthday, we wanted him to have a few extra surprises this year.
As we were driving home on Sunday and pulled down our street, we caught Cam's reaction on video to something that was set up in our yard.
Thanks to a CardMyYard company, it was all ready and waiting when we arrived in the afternoon.
Cam's genuine surprise was priceless and one we will never forget.
Oma and Opa drove into Grand Rapids as well and appeared shortly after we did.
As we settled in, we told our son it would be a good idea for us all to take a closer look at that sign.  Our entourage headed down the driveway close to 4:30pm.
What Cam didn't realize was that Jane had sent out invitations for a drive-by birthday greeting!  As one car after another drove by with signs and a few drop-offs, we saw Dr. Lisa, Ms. Kathy (3rd/4th grade teacher) and Kevin, Ms. Barbara (K-2nd grade teacher), Mary Jo and Ms. Cris, our Flegel friends, Ms. Michelle (school PT since K) Liam (one of Cam's best buds) and his entire family, and Ms. Ann!
In addition to all of that awesomeness, Ms. Ann had contacted the Cascade Fire Dept to request their presence for the drive-by celebration.  They said they would absolutely be there (unless there was a big emergency, of course) and Cam couldn't believe it!  After all of the excitement, the dinner of choice was none other than Culver's.  Ms. Ann stayed too and we all enjoyed an outdoor feast of deliciousness.  Our Raisch family friends stopped by after dinner as well to check out the yard sign and bring Cam a sweet gift.
Oma and Opa gave their grandson a new school outfit and an awesome personalized backpack complete with lunch cooler.
It is said that there aren't too many real surprises in life that one encounters.  We believe we were successful in our quest to multiply the astonishment for a kiddo that continues to amaze us every day!

Camology Quotes:

After Cam's first surprise birthday cake, he told told his cousins he felt like he was almost 13 but more like 25...then he announced to his parents Sunday evening...  
 "I really got the full treatment today!"  

Keeping Secrets - Week of Aug 3rd

The best way of keeping a secret is to pretend there isn't one. ~Margaret Atwood
One of the secrets of life is that all that is really worth the doing is what we do for others. ~Lewis Carroll

The modern English word secret comes from the Latin secernere, or to separate or distinguish. The prefix “se-” means apart, and “cernere” is to sift.

To keep a secret, then, is to keep some particular bit of information sifted apart from a particular person. As a psychologist notes, that’s one major reason for why keeping secrets is so difficult. Even if you’re the most loyal of friends, keeping something sifted is a cognitively demanding task, and our minds aren’t quite as nimble as we might hope for them to be. It’s a surprisingly complex maneuver: You have to keep in mind not only this privileged piece of information, but also what the person does and doesn’t know.  Cam spent the week keeping a secret surprise from his parents and he really did a great job.

On Friday, it was common knowledge that Cam and Jane were scheduled to be interviewed for the MI-UCP (Michigan's United Cerebral Palsy) organization for their upcoming new website.  Jane is on the Board of Directors and was requested to ask Cam if they could both share their thoughts.  It was quite exciting meeting the two professional videographers and seeing all of their equipment.  Our security camera captured the footage shown in the video of Cam racing down the driveway as part of the interview.
Saturday, we were once again on the road to Montague to spend time at the lake.  Chris wanted to install a remote for the ceiling fan and Cam, his safety supervisor, was guiding him through the effort.  The end result - Oma and Opa no longer have to have the light and fan both on at the same time.  Now, they can be controlled independently.
It wasn't quite the beach day we had hoped for, but it was a beautiful sunset.  Oma, Opa and Cam were quite busy putting up some decorations while Chris and Jane were away for a bit.
As the couple walked through the door, they were genuinely surprised to see a Congratulations sign and balloons along the mantle in honor of their wedding anniversary!
After a beautiful sunset, we spent the night and the next day enjoyed a picture picture sunny afternoon lakeside on Sunday.
There were still a few surprises in store for Cam's parents, though.

With the menu planning courtesy of Cam and Oma, we feasted on steaks and salmon, sweet corn, fresh garden beans and Oma's famous potato salad.  A decadent Ryke's Bakery cake along with Country Dairy ice cream topped off the meal.

17 years ago on this day, Chris and Jane exchanged vows on the Lake Michigan shoreline.  The beach has changed quite a bit in those years, as we all have, but it still holds strong, just as our family does.
Cam told his parents "I wanted you to have an anniversary you will never forget!"  And because of Cam and his grandparents, we never will!

Camology Quotes:

Cam has become much more 
independent sending emails, text messages and audio messages.  With email he will use the speech to text conversion.  During the week, he was sending correspondence back and forth to his grandma.  When his parents asked if he needed any assistance, his response was immediate.
 "Do not read my email.  Oma and I are conspiring!"

Masked Meetup - Week of July 27th

Distanced backyard deer

“Masked, I advance.” ~Rene Descartes

It is strange that social distancing, wearing a mask and coronavirus updates are a part of Cam's daily world.
His school district formally released a plan for back to school on August 31st.  Cam's special needs class plans to have the option of attending in person.  General education 7th graders will be splitting their time between in-person and virtual school for the first 4 weeks.  It did get us thinking about the history of special ed.

The story of Special Education begins in the early part of the 20th Century. Parents formed advocacy groups to help bring the educational needs of children with disabilities to the public eye. These groups gained momentum mid-century. In 1961, President John F. Kennedy created the President’s Panel on Mental Retardation. The panel’s recommendations included federal aid to states. In 1965, Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, which provided funding for primary education, and is seen by advocacy groups as expanding access to public education for children with disabilities. Despite these two important events, by the 1970’s, only a relatively small number of children with disabilities were being educated in public schools. Both enacted in 1975, two federal laws would change this: The Education for All Handicapped Children Act (EHA) and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). 
The EHA establishes a right to public education for all children regardless of disability, while the IDEA requires schools provide individualized or special education for children with qualifying disabilities. Under the IDEA, states who accept public funds for education must provide special education to qualifying children with disabilities. The IDEA sets forth specific guidelines regarding Free Appropriate Public Education. Among these is the idea that education must be tailored to meet the needs of the individual child with a disability. This education must be of benefit to the child and should prepare the child for further education (i.e., college) or to live and work independently. The IDEA also requires that education occur in the least restrictive environment and requires schools to take a child’s disability into account when enforcing discipline. Although not all children with disabilities are covered by the IDEA and EHA, these two acts have been instrumental in ensuring a free public education to millions of children with disabilities each year since passage. Prior to these acts, parents of children with disabilities had few choices as to the education of their children. Today, these children receive their education alongside all others.

Cam had a social smoothie break planned at Brody's Be Cafe on Thursday.  Liam and his brother David, along with Cam and Brody all enjoyed a mid-morning break and catching up.

After work on Friday, we headed over to Lowell to see Mary Jo and celebrate her graduation.  As president of her graduating class, it was a different senior year for her since Michigan schools were out of session as of mid-March.  She was super excited to see Cam and made certain there were some Chick-Fil-A nuggets and Heidi's doughnuts for him to enjoy.

Our summer season is far too short and once again, the pull of Lake Michigan and the beach could not be resisted.

On Saturday we arrived in time for lunch and headed to the beach in the afternoon.  It was a partly sunny day and by the time dinner rolled around, it had clouded over.  As the evening progressed, though, the sun shone itself again.  It was visible enough to see it "dip" below the horizon, appearing to sink into the big lake.  The afterglow was especially picturesque with the different hues illuminated in the sky and reflected in the water.

We never tire of seeing the poignant colors and still believe each sunset is entirely different.  Something else we don't get tired of... eating s'mores!  Although they do pretty much taste the same each time, they are still one of the most delicious desserts around!!

Camology Quotes:

Cam and his grandma have always loved baking together in the kitchen and also pretending to bake on the beach.  Often, those lucky enough to be in the vicinity may be offered a treat.  
 "What kind of cupcake would you like?" 
"A mint chocolate one, please"
"It is only free if you make it yourself!"

Summer Sleepover - Week of July 20th

“Water does not resist. Water flows. When you plunge your hand into it, all you feel is a caress. Water is not a solid wall, it will not stop you. But water always goes where it wants to go, and nothing in the end can stand against it. Water is patient. Dripping water wears away a stone. Remember that, my child. Remember you are half water. If you can't go through an obstacle, go around it. Water does.”  ~ Margaret Atwood

Every weekday, weather permitting, Cam and Amanda head out on their two+ mile hike around 10am.
Typically, they will see different animals and wildlife.  This week, the highlight was a beautiful butterfly.

After a long work week for Chris and Jane, our family was excited to be driving northwest on Saturday mid-morning.  This trip was a bit more unique than others as it contained two special elements 1) We were stopping at Dog-n-Suds for lunch and 2) As a family, we had opted to spend the night at Oma and Opa's for the first time in almost two years.

The Montague Dog-n-Suds is a fam favorite.  The location opened in 1963 and is only one of two left in the state.  Every time we visit, it is always busy.  Customers can sit on the outdoor picnic tables or stay in their vehicles and have the food delivered.  Usually, Cam drives down the ramp to a lower sidewalk next to White Lake.  However, the area is closed due to the high water!

The afternoon was spent lounging and playing on the beach.  After a delicious dinner, we made plans to make a sandy campfire.  It was time to break out the first s'mores of the season.

Interestingly enough, no one knows for sure who invented the s'more. However, the first published recipe for “some mores" was in a 1927 publication called Tramping and Trailing with the Girl Scouts. Loretta Scott Crew, who made them for Girl Scouts by the campfire, is given credit for the recipe.  That seems fitting since Oma and Jane both have history with the Girl Scouts.

As we all devoured our delicious marshmallow, chocolate, graham cracker dessert, there was only 1 individual who requested s'more #2....you were thinking, Cam, but it was actually...Oma!

Sunday afternoon brought us another treat with cousin time in the fresh Lake Michigan water.  As we socially distanced and enjoyed swimming together in the waves, Jane, Meg and Liz were reminded of their own childhood summers spent laughing and playing together.  The best memories are those that bring a smile to our face and this day brought that smile right to your heart.

We are grateful for the refreshing water and family time. 
It is said that not every lake dreams to be an ocean.  And we selfishly believe that the Lake Michigan sunsets are the most breathtaking.

Camology Quotes:

Cam likes stories and details.  If you attempt to provide a "Readers Digest" version of an experience you're relaying, he will promptly interrupt and request that you start over.  Many of these conversations take place in the van when Chris is driving.  
 "Dad, start from the beginning.  Dad, turn up your volume, please."

Finding Shade - Week of July 13th

In Michigan, we anticipate the summer months like a tasty dessert.  Sometimes, too much of something helps us remember why moderation is a good thing.
The hottest temperature ever recorded in Grand Rapids was 108℉  on July 13, 1936.
The steamiest day in recent years was July 6, 2012 (104℉) which was a very memorable summer for us since our air conditioning suddenly stopped working in the home we had just purchased.

It has been an unusually warm July thus far with many days in the 90 degree range.  Cam appreciates the sunshine, but excessive heat is definitely not his favorite.
At Tuesday's Farmer's Market in Ada, he met a puppy who quickly found a cooler area under Cam's feet.  The market is set up every Tuesday in the summer and early fall in the parking lot adjacent to Brody's Be Cafe.

In the mornings while it is still a bit cooler, Ms. Amanda and Cam try to schedule in their daily stroll in the park.  This beautiful creature was near a marsh area.  After a bit of research, it appears to be an Eastern Box turtle.

Thursday evening, we headed over to Thornapple Church for an outdoor graduation party in honor of our dear friend, Megan Raisch.  Every one wore masks and there was a delicious dessert bar set up.  Our family gave Meg a remote-controlled lighted name box for her dorm room this fall.  We all agreed to a quick picture without masks.

Saturday, we were northward bound once again.  The waves were higher than usual so it wasn't the ideal day for swimming but still fun to hang out on the beach for a bit.
We watched an enormous shelf cloud make its way toward us.  It's quite mesmerizing to watch the weather change over Lake Michigan.

An author, Yasmina Haque, described the fresh water this way: “Lake Michigan’s definitely moody. It’s not just bi-polar, but beyond schizophrenic. It’s dozens of surrounding lakes and waterways...never know what to expect on a day to day basis. She is awesome at calm and awesome at dangerous.”

Camology Quotes:

On Sunday morning, we had quite a severe thunderstorm in the area.  Around 9am, we lost power.  After we logged in online and reported it, the restoration time indicated was 6:45pm!  Cam and Jane decided to take a drive.  While they were out and about, this conversation took place.
 "Mom, we had planned on leftovers for lunch, right?"
Yes, that was the plan.
*pause* "I cannot have leftovers because we cannot heat them up with no power."
*pause* "I guess I will have to have Culvers!"

Chill-axing - Week of July 6th

Friendly bunny seen daily!

“Unplugging for a while fixes computers and humans” ~Freequill

A chance encounter is the unknown and unpredictable element that causes an event to result in a certain way rather than another.

When stopping at Starbucks (Jane's guilty pleasure), we saw our neighbors parked right next to us.  After chatting for a bit, Thad, who is closest in age to Cam asked if he would like to see his air gun.  When we arrived home, Thad came over soon after and explained the safety and usage.  He even made a target for Cam to practice on.  Since it was an air gun, it was very quiet which Cam thought was especially cool.
A trip over to Brody Be's during the week included a meet up with some GV graduate students and their puppy named Kobe.  It was nice hanging out in the shade and chatting.  The small dog was super cute but barked a bit too much for Cam's liking.
After the GV guys left, we had a special treat.
One of the Be-rista's at the cafe loves singing Elvis songs.  Liam treated us to a mini concert outside and we were all very impressed.  It turns out Elvis recorded more than 600 songs and Liam's mom told us that her son knows at least 300 of them- wow!

Cam and his dad spent some time outdoors during the week working on the deck.  It's pretty fun when the leaf blower doubles as a cooling fan on a hot day.

Friday, we celebrated Chris for his birthday!  Beginning with breakfast and picking out one of his favorite spots for takeout, Cam led the way with ideas.
Presents for the best guy were a new set of camping chairs- one from Oma and Opa and one from Cam and his mom, along with some t-shirts and shorts.  The comfy chairs had to be tested out after dinner.  Chris proclaimed they were just right for chillaxing!

Camology Quotes:

At the cottage, Cam takes pride in saying a family blessing before eating.  Each one is unique and oh so truthful!
 "Everyone stay safe.  Thank you for the beautiful day.  Thank you Oma and Opa for letting us stay for dinner even though it was not planned.  Amen."