Dinners Out - Week of Sept. 19th

Chris traveled to Chicago for work this week, so Cameron and Jane kept themselves extra busy since they knew they'd be missing him.
Cam's nanny, Katherine, created this chalk picture as they waited for the bus one day and Cam did a great job picking out which colors to use.
Wednesday evening, Cam & Jane traveled to Muskegon to meet Grandma, Grandpa, Steffanie and Aunt Tracy to celebrate Tracy's birthday. After a tasty dinner, Cameron was very happy to see an oreo ice cream cake for dessert! It was most delicious.
The very next night, cousin Coco and Carter invited Cam and Jane to Holland to see Coco's place and go out to dinner again. What a treat! At the Boatwerks restaurant, Cam really liked the fresh fruit and some creamy mac-n-cheese. Carter put on a very impressive puppet show for Cam during his dining experience.

Friday evening, Chris arrived home to his family, who were so happy to see him! Cam couldn't stop smiling and laughing.
On Saturday, Chris & Jane took Cameron to see the "Dolphin Tale" movie at the theater. Cam liked the dolphins jumping out of the water and for the first time, ate quite a bit of movie popcorn. Even at 10am, popcorn is still quite tasty!!
Many thanks to our family for the dinners out and gratitude and appreciation to Chris for being the greatest hubby to Jane and Dad to Cam!

My Caterpillar to Butterfly - Week of Sept. 12th

When one of our neighbors stopped by with a caterpillar on a leaf branch for Cam less than two weeks ago, we weren't sure what the outcome would be. Every day, we made certain that Cameron saw the caterpillar and each day, the leaves kept disappearing as the caterpillar ate. One morning, we noticed the cocoon, which was quite small. The cocoon was green and then on Wednesday, turned black. Thursday afternoon, a beautiful monarch butterfly pushed its way out and the remnant of the cocoon could still be seen. Cam was quite fascinated!

Katherine, Cameron's wonderful new nanny, helped him release the butterfly in the backyard. The monarch was quite content and actually stayed on the back porch until the next morning.

Since Saturday was such a sunny day, the family headed up north to the cottage. Grandma's favorite flower nursery was hosting wagon rides for the day. Jane, cousin Coco, and Grandma all rode on the tractor/wagon with Cameron and listened to the history of the farm.

After an afternoon rest, Chris decided to "pour" blocks on Cam and then proceeded to build many towers. Playtime with Coco, Grandma, and Grandpa, Annie, Aunt Joyce and Uncle Joe rounded out the weekend.
A perfect Lake Michigan sunset topped off the evening.

"There is nothing in a caterpillar that tells you it's going to be a butterfly." Richard Buckminster Fuller, An American engineer who authored over thirty books and became the second president of Mensa International, a society of people with high IQs.

First Day of School! - Week of Sept. 5th

The warm fall weather provided the perfect excuse for a park outing! Cameron's Dad introduced him to the "swing chain twist"- twisting the chain so that it releases and twirls you around and around.

Cam went down the slide solo and then wanted to wait at the bottom for any other kids to go! Such a sweet boy...

Before Cameron attended his first day of school this fall in a new pre-school classroom with a new teacher, he had to have a haircut. Chris took Cam over to Snip-Its and the school-bound boy sat in the chair by himself and had a great experience.
When Jane arrived home from the gym, there was her handsome son proudly showing off his new do.

Thursday was Cameron's first day of school and he anxiously awaited outside for the big yellow bus. He decided that Elmo should wait with him, even though Elmo doesn't travel on the bus ride to his class. He was excited about riding the bus again and since he's a "seasoned" student now, it didn't phase him at all.

Cousin Coco couldn't wait to see her buddy after his first day back at school!
And Cam was definitely happy to see her and show off his first day of school smile!

Last Days of Summer - Week of Aug. 29th

It seems impossible that we welcomed in September this week. An appropriate quote to sum up our last few months ..."Summer should get a speeding ticket!"

An end of August task was handled by Cameron and his dad this week. It was time for the drainage and re-fill of the hot tub. Cam was an eager helper, helping Chris hold the hose.
Other chores included getting the backyard ready for the annual neighborhood picnic, which Cam and his parents hosted this year.

On Saturday, it was off to buddy Will's 3rd birthday party where Cameron met some new friends. Auntie Jo and Will made delicious cupcakes, complete with sprinkles. Cam went for a ride in Will's car in the playroom and he made sure to look both ways before crossing.

After celebrating with Will, it was off to see Grandma and Grandpa at the lake. Chris, Jane and cousin Coco decided to take Cam and Coco's puppies on an extra long walk. They ventured all the way to Meinert Park (4 miles round trip) and Cameron thought the puppies provided the best entertainment!
Although one of the pups was a little tuckered out and wanted to hop on the Cam Mobile for a free ride.
The family watched some kiteboarding, played at the park, and had a most relaxing weekend...goodbye summer...you will be missed!
From Sarah Jewett: "This was one of those perfect days in late summer where the spirit of autumn takes a first stealing flight, like a spy, through the ripening country-side, and, with feigned sympathy for those who droop with August heat, puts her cool cloak of bracing air about leaf and flower and human shoulders."