Children's Museum Field Trip - Week of Mar. 24th

There is one family member in the Weatherford household always taking in the early spring sunshine...Stella follows the sunbeams everywhere they land, just waiting to feel their warmth.  If only we all had this much time to factor such necessities into our day.

As a parent, one of the joys of having a child in school is attending the all-important class field trip.  This week, Cam's kindergarten class headed to the Children's Museum in downtown Grand Rapids.

Chris opted to venture along and meet the group there.  With over a hundred kids from Cameron's school, the place was quite busy!

Cam and his dad took turns at the kaleidoscopic iPad area that created a cool mosaic to view on the screen.

One of the most interesting areas for both guys was the enormous vats of bubble solution.  With the many different "wands" of various shapes and sizes, the bubble-making fun produced some of the biggest soap creations ever seen!

Chris is trying to determine if he can make one of these for the backyard.
It was a special day for father and son and Cam was so very proud to have his dad with him!

On Sunday, the weather felt as if it was on the verge of bursting into spring, which is why we gathered with the Raisch family for our first "burgers on the grill" supper.  Maybe it's the fact that we'd waited so long through the cold winter, but the grilled feast tasted extra delicious.  The homemade french fries accompanying our meal certainly added to the backyard barbecue feeling.

Cam and his buddy Emma went to hang out in the play tent only to find the cat, Stella, stretched out in the middle.  After gently moving the feline along, Emma created the following sign that we affixed to the train: "Cam & Emma aloud only."  Emma's sisters commented that "aloud" wasn't spelled correctly, to which Emma responded: "it's ok, Stella can't really spell anyways!"

Happy St. Patrick's Day - Week of Mar. 17th

May your blessings outnumber The shamrocks that grow, And may trouble avoid you Wherever you go. ~Irish Blessing

Cameron brought home his leprechaun artwork on St. Patrick's Day.  Although spring arrived this week, the snow still lingers on the ground.  But the promise of changing weather is in the air as we listen to the birds singing every morning now.

On Saturday, we made a quick trip to Oma and Opa's and realized we are quite anxious for summer.  Cam was excited to see how Oma decorated his room at the cottage with letters and numbers all over the floor.

After a speedy trek back to Grand Rapids, we all got ready for a dinner date.  Saturday eve, we were invited to celebrate Katherine's birthday with Katherine, Paul, Ms. Ann, Molly, Gordy, Christopher, Zach and all of Paul's family!  This was a new venture for Cam as it marked his first outing to a hibachi restaurant where they cook and serve dinner right at your table.
Although the noise was a bit overwhelming at first, Cam settled right in and eagerly awaited each food course.  Incidentally, he wasn't super keen on the fact that the food was presented as "courses."  The hibachi chicken was definitely his favorite, but much to Cam's surprise, it was the last thing served!  Many thanks to our extended fam for inviting us out for this special occasion....great food, good times, and the best company!

Everyone Needs a Best Friend - Week of Mar. 10th

The week started off with a birthday celebration dinner for Ms. Ann at Outback Steakhouse- yummy!  Ms. Ann is such a special person in our lives and we were honored to be a part of her b-day festivities.

Cam's buddy, Emma, announced that Saturday would be "Cam & Emma Day" which would include, but not be limited to, the following itinerary:

• Swim in the jakoobi tub (also known as jacuzzi tub)
• Watch a movie
• Eat Popcorn
• Play Games
• Have a Snack (um, we thought that's what the popcorn was)

With bathing suits on, the two friends had a great time playing school and water games in the tub.  The bubble jets were turned off and on depending on the need for letters to stay on the sides.  After successfully pruning their skin, it was time for a movie.


"Frozen" was playing on the home theater computer.  The duo were quite intent and committed to their movie experience, only looking up slightly to be sure the popcorn made it to their mouths.

The silliness continued when Emma, with her wet hair, wanted to see what Cam would look like if his hair were to grow extra long.  I think you'll agree with our assumption to continue with regular visits to the barbershop!

Thanks to Emma for making up such a special day reserved for two very special buddies!

Friendship isn't about whom you have known the longest... It's about who came, and never left your side... 

“Some people come into our lives and quickly go. Some stay for a while, leave footprints on our hearts, and we are never, ever the same” ~ Flavia Weedn

Melting Towards Spring - Week of Mar. 3rd

Ohio Clock in U.S. Capital
being turned forward in
first DST observance- 1918

"Spring Forward" -
when families lose an hour of sleep and it feels like jet lag...

Cameron had a bit of trouble sleeping this week, quite possibly due to the strange weather patterns of bitter cold one day and springlike the next.

In honor of daylight saving time, we felt it fitting to provide a little background on the history of DST as well as highlight fun stories about Cam's bedtime.

Daylight saving time in the United States is the practice of setting the clock forward by one hour during the warmer part of the year, so that evenings have more daylight and mornings have less. Most areas of the United States currently observe daylight saving time (DST), the exceptions being Arizona (except for the Navajo Nation, which does observe daylight saving time), Hawaii, and the overseas territories of Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, and the United States Virgin Islands. 
During World War I, in an effort to conserve fuel, Germany began observing DST on May 1, 1916. The rest of Europe soon followed. The plan was not adopted in the United States until the Standard Time Act of March 19, 1918, which established standard time zones and set summer DST to begin on March 31, 1918.
Interestingly enough, Michigan didn't observe DST in 1969-1972 due to legislation passed.

Cam has a typical routine at bedtime- a bath every night, teeth-brushing, Dad reads, then Mom reads and silliness usually ensues before the reading begins.  On this evening pictured, it was determined that some stuffed animals may want to sleep closer to their bunk mate.  The balancing act didn't last long but did bring big laughs!
If Cam's grandparents stay for a visit, then it's bonus time for reading books as one more person is added to the story routine.

Cam & Oma

Some nights are more difficult to try to get to sleep than others and typical excuses range from Cam being hot, to needing a drink, to somehow having Curious George falling (or being pushed) onto Cam's face.
For the most part, our boy is a good sleeper and we're most thankful to hear giggles every night and see smiles every morning.

~A good laugh and a long sleep are the two best cures for anything~ Irish Proverb

While Mom's Away, the Boys will Play - Week of Feb. 24th

Cameron and Chris dropped Jane off at the airport for her work travel to Florida.  Jane explained to her boys they had no need to be too jealous since extended work hours meant feeling the warm air in the early morning and late evenings only.

In the Weatherford household, Cam battled a cold and Oma stayed for a visit to help out with things while Jane was away.  With the current Michigan temps, it seems many people are still battling the cold/flu season.

Even when Cam isn't feeling the greatest, he still strives to be the best helper ever!  Chris wanted to run additional cabling into his home office and his son couldn't wait to be of assistance.  The boys also think (for some odd reason) these projects are best completed when mom is away...

Jane returned Wednesday evening and Thursday was a snow day for Cam- no school!  The only benefit to Cameron's mom taking a trip is that sometimes she brings home a few goodies for the family.  Cam has been dancing with a wind-up robot toy we've named "red man."  The backpac
ks below were at the conference Jane attended...Cam thinks he needs two.

Although it was a long week, due to travel and sickness, our thanks go out to many...

To Karen, Jane's close friend and co-worker, who kept her company while away, to Oma & Opa who give so much of themselves to hang out with their grandson, to Katie and Ronda providing extra assistance when needed, to Chris for still holding everything together through a couple of sleepless nights, and most of all, to Cam for being such an awesome kid and wearing a smile when most others wouldn't!

Cam: A Working Man - Week of Feb. 17th

As winter continues to hang around, the "lawn tractor-turned-snowplow" for the colder months has gotten quite a workout.

Once again, Cameron has returned to his university job, working with graduate students at Grand Valley.  This semester he is working with two young ladies he had met before- Kayla and Abby.

Abby, Cam and Kayla

Every Wednesday evening, they "learn" from Cam while conducting a physical therapy session with him. The girls have termed him "the heart-breaker" as he continues to flash his winning smile and subtle flirtations while they work together.
Cameron enjoys his time and is paid to "work" with the students.  Let's hope any future jobs are as enjoyable as this one!
Kayla even created Cam's first driver's license for his powerchair, which is now proudly displayed on the back.  She's quite creative and her buddy, Cam, was very pleased with his new card.
Jane was out of town for two days this week working in Baltimore for her company.  Luckily for her, this is where cousins Meg, Chris and Gavin Taylor live.  Jane had a fun visit with the cousins and even had a FaceTime session with Cam so he could say "hi" to his cousins as well.

Jane & cousin Gavin

Gav & his beautiful mom, Megan

Technology is a wonderful thing when Chris or Jane has to travel for work and we're thankful for the ability to stay in touch.
Many thanks to the Taylor fam for having Jane in their beautiful home and making her feel so welcome!

Even being gone for two days feels like much longer and having some quality Mom and Cam time was on the schedule for the weekend.
Sometimes, quality time includes some relaxation and a super snuggle.

"Wherever you go, go with all your heart." ~Confucius
It's easy to travel with all your heart when you have such great love waiting for you at home.

A Lovely Mid-Winter Break - Week of Feb. 10th

Flowers for Jane from her boys

Since the 19th century, people have been giving and sending Valentine's.  This was the first year Cameron had to prepare valentine cards for his entire classroom.  Jane made them on the computer and with assistance, Cam wrote each classmate's name as well as his own.  He couldn't wait to give out all of the cards to his friends.

At school, a holiday party was planned for Thursday.   Cam's mom brought a treat and stayed to help out.  The selection of goodies was delicious!  Since watermelon is a favorite, we thought it would be fun to use a cookie cutter and make watermelon hearts- they were a hit!

Cam sat next to some of his friends for craft time as they created a fruit loops heart for birds to eat, a decorative cut out of their hand, and a heart hanging decoration.
The kids used cereal boxes to collect all of their cards.  Cam reviewed all of his valentines quite a few times at home after school.

The weekend is normally reserved for a special Saturday breakfast and on this day, Chris decided to use the letter cookie cutters (found by "Auntie" Jo- thanks!) to create "CAM" pancakes.  Of course, they tasted more delicious since they were in the shape of his name.

With winter still hanging on, one of our neighbor friends, Thad, ventured over for some sledding and tubing.  The tube is a fast ride with its slick surface and also provides a welcome resting place after all of the fun!

The Case of the Missing Tooth - Week of Feb. 3rd

Everyone loves a good mystery...                                                       Cameron was experiencing his second loose tooth this week.  He took pride in wiggling the bottom front tooth back and forth, all the while giggling about the experience.  After a peaceful night of rest, we heard some very early morning chatter and laughter coming from Cam's room.  When Jane opened the door, she saw that there was definitely an open spot where Cam's bottom front tooth had been!  So, Chris and Jane searched the bed, floor and surrounding area - no tooth...back to that story later.

Cameron doesn't use a pillow at night so prior to the first tooth falling out, the decision was made that the tooth fairy would deposit any monetary gifts into Elmo's pocket (since he does hang out in Cam's bed every night).  The generous giver left four quarters in the furry animal's zippered compartment.  Cam was excited to take his money directly to the piggy bank in his room.

Fortunately for us, our wonderful neighbors (the Raisch fam) brought over an old wooden train set this week complete with a working remote control!  Cameron has asked to set up the train almost every day so he can control its journey.

Speaking of journeys...did you figure out what happened to the tooth?  Well, it just so happens that Cam's tooth took a direct route to his stomach!  The laughter we heard was our comedic son getting a chuckle out of the fact that he swallowed his own tooth!  Luckily for him, the tooth fairy still made an appearance...