Overnight at the Lake - Week of May 19th

Memorial Day weekend has always felt like the kickoff to summer.  On Saturday morning, we headed to Lake Michigan to stay with Oma and Opa.  We couldn't have asked for better weather.
Oddly enough, the big lake was incredibly calm the entire weekend.
We spotted this paddleboarder (a rarity on Lake Michigan) with his dog- very impressive that the pup stayed so still.

We happily headed down to the beach for the afternoon and had some company with us- Molly, Gordy and his girls, Kendall and Kiley.  Although the water was a bit too chilly to swim in, playing in the sand was a blast. Cam couldn't get enough of digging holes, playing with the bucket, and putting his toes in the water.


After all of the sand construction work, the group headed up to have dinner on the deck.  It was a perfect evening, complete with a lake breeze.
Someone noticed that Gordy and Cam had similar plaid shorts on, so we had to capture them together.  Gordy loves to give Cam tickle attacks and make him laugh hysterically.
Not only did the shorts match, but it turns out, Opa and Cam were actually wearing the exact same shirt- Lake Michigan Unsalted!
Please note, these parallel wardrobe choices were completely unplanned.
Saturday was Cam's first overnight at Oma and Opa's since last year.  He almost made it through the night without waking up, but it is tough to be away from your own bed.

Even with interrupted sleep, though, Cam was ready for a beach day again on Sunday.  Aunt Joyce brought Cam some of her beach "treasures" to play with (this term "treasures" comes from finding a bucket or shovel or beach toy during the off-season while walking).  After a day of plastic boat races and sand castle design, we made our way back to Grand Rapids.

We are left with the comforting realization that the beach, the lake and more beautiful sunsets await us...

Fans in the Stands - Week of May 12th

"Trying to sneak a pitch past Hank Aaron is like trying to sneak a sunrise past a rooster."

This was the one week when our family could attend Emma's soccer game in the a.m. and still make it to Cam's baseball in the afternoon!
Emma played defense in the match and her buddy, Cam, cheered her on excitedly from the sidelines shouting "Yay Emma!" and "Emma Yay!"

After a quick lunch and some added sweatshirts, we all headed out to the ballpark.  The league has had something unique for each game day- this Saturday, we were greeted by our minor league team, the Whitecaps! The players volunteered their time to help out with the game and happily posed for pictures, mascots included.

It was a bit chillier than we all would've liked, but the fans had a warm welcome for the players.  Cam had a big contingency of cheering spectators from relatives and best buddies.  Karen drove all the way from Chicago to be in attendance and proudly wore a purchased sweatshirt in support of the league.  Aunt Joyce, Uncle Joe, Aunt Gay and cousin Mike drove in from Montague to watch Cam play ball.  And our dear friends and forever neighbors- Patti, Anna, Megan and Emma kept us dry with multiple umbrellas!

With each baseball game, Cam seems to gain more confidence with his overall playing ability.  We have gained more fans whom we cannot thank enough for providing Cam with an extra large cheering section in the stands!

Mom's Day 2014 - Week of May 5th

We never know the love of the parent until we become parents ourselves. ~Henry Ward Beecher

The lineup for Cam's Saturday baseball game was quite extensive.  The Astros were set to play the Yankees, the sun was shining, and important guests were headed to the game.
Kathy and Richard Verlander, Justin Verlander's parents, were at the WMML field to sign their book, "Rocks Across the Pond."  Being the parents of a Detroit Tigers pitcher and West Michigan Whitecaps right fielder, the Verlanders graciously signed a personalized copy for every player on the WMML league!
In Cam's fan club at the game were some more famous people, in Cam's life...Oma & Opa, Auntie Jo and Will, as well as Cam's teacher, Ms. Barbara and her daughter Carly!  Wow- it was quite a crowd.
And when you gather that many people together, chances are everyone might not be looking at the camera at the same time...

Another memorable surprise was a bouquet of flowers provided for every mom of a WMML player. Cam happily presented Jane with a sweet arrangement of blossoms.

At school, the kids made homemade hand cream, which truly smells wonderful, and Cam proudly gave it to Jane and Oma.

The Mother's Day treats just kept coming with a homemade card and very special mug that Cam picked out.  Pictured here, the words and picture on the mug only "become visible" only when hot liquid is added to the cup.  The sentiment reads "RAWR" means I love you in dinosaur."  "Rawr" is one of Cam's favorite books about a dino's insistence that roaring means I love you!


On Sunday, the Weatherford family traveled northward to see Oma, Opa and cousin Steffanie.  More Mother's Day gifts were exchanged- beautiful flowers for the gardens and pretty clothes.  Steff gave both Jane and her grandma bouquets inside of watering cans- so clever.
The big excitement for the day occurred when cousin Mike happened upon a blue racer snake.  Cam giggled as his dad and Steff tried to corner the slithering reptile. Such a fun day and being able to walk on the beach again with our feet in the sand was a gift in itself!
We were thankful to be surrounded by family and friends this weekend, to soak up the sun and to celebrate all moms everywhere!    And this guy sure makes a mom proud!!

Cam the Baker - Week of Apr. 28th

"Baking is love made visible...."

Cam ended up with a little extra time on his hands this week.  Due to the rainy weather, Cameron's baseball game was cancelled Saturday morning.

With a boy who asks to help with projects on a daily basis, this week 'Auntie' Ronda stepped in to do some delicious baking with Cam.  And Ronda's niece, Rachel, paid a visit to take a selfie with her buddy.

An inherited trait from both Chris and Jane is Cam's sweet tooth.  Chocolate of almost any kind is his favorite dessert choice.  The baker's agenda this week included homemade banana bread.  The bread tastes just fine on its own, but when the bakers add chocolate chips, it takes this treat to the next level.  The mini chips are mixed into the batter and also sprinkled on top before the loaf pans take a trip to the oven.

Of course, licking the batter before cleanup is required.
Next up on the list - a true favorite...brownies with chocolate chips.  Cam couldn't decide if the brownie batter or the actual brownie tasted better!
Our household enjoyed banana bread for breakfast and brownies for dessert after dinner.
Here's some sage advice for the week: "Strength is the ability to break a chocolate bar into 4 pieces with your bare hands and then eat just one of those pieces..."

Play Ball! - Week of Apr. 21st

 There are people who watch things happen and people who make things happen...
The story about the West Michigan Miracle League embodies people who make things happen...

It provides a place for kids with all types of abilities to play baseball together (WMML website ) on a field with a surface suitable for walkers, crutches, powerchairs, etc.  The league accepts children age 5 and over and this is the first year the WMML has hosted a spring season.
Opening Day landed on Saturday, Apr. 26 and although the day held a brisk wind, the sun shone brightly on the field.  Cam was eager to get into his orange Astro uniform complete with his name emblazoned on the back.  For a kid who has never liked to wear a hat, Chris and Jane were pleasantly surprised when Cam not only wanted to wear his Astros cap, but kept it on for the entire game!  Each player swings a bat until they get a hit, so everyone gets a chance to make it around the bases.  Chris hung out with his son on the field, while Jane snapped pics and talked to friends who had kids on other teams.  What a fun first game and we look forward to the others!


That same afternoon, Jane and Cam headed over to an open house for one our GVSU students, Ashley.  Ashley has known Cam for two years and just received her Doctorate of Physical Therapy.  It's quite a humbling feeling to arrive at a celebration where everyone seems to "know" Cam before they've even met him.  Ashley's mom had some of Cameron's fav snacks on the ready.  We're excited for Ashley to start the next chapter of her life and we feel fortunate that she'll always be a part of ours.

Cam & Liam- these two 
always make each other smile

The weekend activities continued on Sunday with a birthday party for Cam's good buddy, Liam.  Although these two friends don't get to see each other that often, it's always a great time when they get together.  Liam's family and friends met at a park with a playground and although the weather started out shaky, it was a beautiful late afternoon.  It's a tough call who enjoys playing together more...the kids or the parents.

Chris & Matt showing 
the kids how it's done

Although our two families have only known each other for 4 years, it seems more like a lifetime as we've shared in celebrations as well as life's ups and downs.

At the heart of it all, this is what speaks to both of our families: "Children with disabilities aren't given to strong people, they're given to ordinary, everyday people. Raising a child with different abilities doesn't take a special family, it makes a family special."

We...couldn't...agree...more!

Happy Easter! - Week of Apr. 14th

“There's nothing better than a good friend, except a good friend with chocolate.” ~Linda Grayson

Our Easter celebration weekend began with a trip over to the ball field where Cam will be playing baseball in another week!

The Easter bunny was there to greet all of the kids and volunteers helped with crafts and finding chocolate eggs.

Cooler winds pushed most families out earlier than expected, but there was still time for a little face painting.  This professional artist used to work at Universal Studios in Florida- we certainly felt fortunate to be in the midst of such a pro.  Cam opted for a baseball to be painted on his cheek.

Back at home that afternoon, Cameron couldn't wait to help with the yard work.  Chris and Cam put together a new wheelbarrow and thankfully someone volunteered to test its strength and durability...

Easter Sunday began with a church service with our favorite neighbors and longtime friends, the Raisch fam.  It was such a beautiful morning and Cam loved sitting next to his buddy, Emma.

Oma and Opa arrived at their grandson's home just in time for an Easter egg hunt.  Chris expertly hid plastic eggs (and real ones) filled with goodies all over the yard.  The five finders quickly gathered up all of their treats.

This was the first holiday dinner celebration that Jane opted for a non-traditional menu.  Eating grilled steak and seafood seemed fitting for outdoor dining.  Most of the real colored eggs were quickly turned into a tasty appetizer.  Mashed potatoes, broccoli and biscuits complemented the meat and fresh fish.

Oma and Opa brought a pair of gorgeous daffodils and tulips, which were promptly planted next to the mailbox.

At the end of day, we were filled with good food, the love of family and friends, and the renewal of life.

Early Easter Egg Hunt - Week of Apr. 7th

Nicer weather seems to bring out the smiles and silliness in everyone....

Spring break continued through this week and once again, we were so happy to have Oma stay with us for a couple of days to play school with Cam!
As a special treat, we had a surprise meeting set up with Ashley & Peter, two awesome grad students that have worked with Cam over the past two years at Grand Valley.  Of course, on a warm sunny afternoon, what better place to meet up than Spoonlickers where you create your own sundae with a frozen yogurt base and then pile on all sorts of goodies.  A sweet treat all the way around!

To continue the chocolate brigade, Auntie Jo and Will arrived Saturday morning so the boys could embark on an early Easter egg hunt.   While the eggs were being hidden outside, the two anxious buddies watched a little Curious George together.

The eggs were hidden in some pretty precarious places- in trees, perched on top of outside lights, nesting inside car tires, under bushes, in the yard.  Truly, no stone was left unturned!

Auntie Jo found incredibly cute chocolate bunnies for Will and Cam- a soccer bunny for Will whose soccer skills will be in full force on Tuesdays and a baseball bunny for Cam in honor of him playing on the WMML league for the Astros starting next Saturday!!

The families shared a picnic lunch outside and the boys played tag and hide and seek for over an hour.  We couldn't have asked for better timing as the rain held off until the afternoon when egg hunting and boy playtime had almost come to an end.

Although, the boys apparently thought they may have further adventures if they left the area in a getaway vehicle...

Spring Break Begins - Week of Mar. 31st

Thursday marked the beginning of spring break!  Although our family didn't have plans to travel anywhere, there was plenty of activity at home.
Cam's Grandma arrived to help keep the kindergartner busy with some homework over break by playing school.  Oma's school day included working with letters, numbers, flash cards, memory games and comprehension story questions.  And some of you reading this know that Oma used to be a teacher herself!

As an added spring break surprise. Oma gave her grandson a calendar to utilize and update on a daily basis.  Every morning, Cam has to choose the month, day, and today's weather on the magnet board.

Even with spring break school in session, there's plenty of time for some clowning around.  Cameron thoroughly enjoys making people laugh.  As a part of his nightly routine, he's taken to "hiding" from Mom, with Dad's help. He tries to be very quiet when his mom comes in to find him...and he did a great job while he was tucked away in his laundry basket!

It was such fun to have Jane's mom stay with us for two nights, which of course means that one lucky boy is treated to three story readers each evening Oma is around, and maybe, just maybe a few extra hugs and kisses as well.