Pumpkins & Cool Cars - Week of Oct. 24th

Do you remember the first time you saw something transform? Like the Bat-Mobile into a Bat-Speedboat or Clark Kent into Superman?

Just as impressive, Cameron's Dad took his summer creation, Cam-Mobile and with some fabrication, turned it into a super race car for Halloween!
The collaborative idea was hatched in September when Chris and Jane started pondering what Cameron might want to be for trick-or-treating. Cam always has fun riding in his beach dune buggy, so why not figure out a way to use it for the October festivities?
By adding some wood along the outside, a little paint, checker-flag cloth and some duct tape with flames (who knew?), Cam Racing was a reality.
On Friday, Chris, Jane, Cam and Grandma ventured over to Chris' work, FTC&H where kids can walk around to each desk and collect some candy.
As a surprise treat, a co-worker, Mike A., left a "talking" Elmo next to a bag of M&M's with a sign around his neck that read "Cameron, can I go home with you?" Needless to say, it was Cam's favorite stop and a big bonus to have a buddy ride next to him!
Big Thanks to Mike!!

The company pumpkin shown here can be added to the list of Chris' many skills! Not only can he build a Cam-Mobile and transform it into a Race Car, but he also has a hidden talent of being an expert pumpkin-carver!!

Fall Photo Shoot - Week of Oct. 17th

In an effort to hang on to our beautiful fall weather and retain all of the vibrant colors, our nanny Katherine, took Cameron on his very own photo shoot.
It was difficult to choose a handful of pictures from the one hundred plus that were taken because Cam is a pretty photogenic kid!

When the forecast cooperates Katherine and Cam take a nature walk in the park at the top of our hill. There are trails through the wooded areas and plenty of places to stop and play in the leaves that are much too quickly falling to the ground.
Accompanying them during their stroll is none other than Cam's buddy, Elmo. Typically, Cam likes to have a snack on the journey which means Elmo gets one as well. A keen observer may note that Elmo's mouth is definitely full of cheerios.

This week, Cameron had his first trip to ER after a viral infection got the best of him. It was a long afternoon/evening, but we knew Cam was fine when he started asking for Elmo and friend, Emma. He also gave his sweet nurse that winning smile as he was leaving the hospital.

By the weekend, it was time to enjoy the outdoors again so Jane and Cam met up with cousins Coco and Libby in Grand Haven for a stroll along the boardwalk and some tasty milkshakes!

Many thanks to Katherine for her adorable photos and extra hugs to Grandma for staying with us at the hospital.

For our Cam, this quote makes us think of you: "If I had a star for every time you made me smile, I would be holding the night sky in my hand."

School Events - Week of Oct. 10th

Every year, Cameron's school hosts an event called "VSA" - Very Special Arts. The kids can visit different rooms where they mold pottery, play music and dance, make crafts, and even get their face or hands painted. Cam liked painting the pottery best and kept admiring the picture that was painted on his hand by one of the teachers.

School fun continued when a field trip to Robinette's orchard was hosted during the week. The school's teachers joked that Cam had his own "entourage" with Chris, Jane, 'Auntie' Ronda, and nanny, Katherine all alongside him. The kids listened to the orchard's history during a wagon ride tour, walked into the huge refrigerator where all of the apples are stored, and watched how the apple cider is made. To top off the day, the kids picked their own apple and were given a homemade doughnut and fresh cider as a treat! (even the entire 'entourage' received the snack:-)

The weekend included another outing - this time to a pumpkin patch with buddy Will and 'Auntie' Jo. Cam picked out his own pumpkin and everyone dined on some delicious McDonald's goodness for lunch.

With the sunshine still smiling on us, the family couldn't resist some backyard photos, and who should appear but Cam's sweet friend, Emma.

Hope your week makes you feel like you can reach for the sky too!!

Picture Day, Picking Apples, Practicing Biking - Week of Oct. 3rd

The unusually warm fall weather provided the perfect excuse to be outside. On school picture day, Cameron looked so handsome in his button-down shirt and new jeans. He was practicing his "cheesy grin" for Jane and Katherine before the bus arrived to pick him up for school.

During the week, after an early evening of playtime outside, Cam's friend, Emma, was helping him color a picture.

Over the weekend, cousin Harry had a super cool birthday party at the Robinette's Orchard. Each guest picked out 3 apples to take home from the orchard! Cam had fun playing games which included finding fake flies in a pan full of sand and making a leaf crown to wear. Harry's party was a treat and so was his delicious birthday cake!

Since the awesome weather continued, it was a great time for Cam to ride his tricycle again. It's a lot of hard work for our big guy, but he doesn't give up. He's learning how to use the pedals all by himself and is very proud of every accomplishment.

The best part of riding bikes is when friends join in the fun. Emma couldn't resist getting a pull from Chris, while Cam kept checking behind him to be sure his buddy was still there.

Nothing compares to the simple pleasure of a bike ride.
~John F. Kennedy

Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance you must keep moving.
~Albert Einstein

Elmo & Emma - Week of Sept. 26th

Cameron has been rather finicky in his affection towards Elmo. When he was younger, Elmo was his favorite toy and book. Then, there was a period of time when Elmo fell by the wayside. Now, at the age of four, Cam definitely has Elmo on his radar again.

However, the red character does come in second place when there is a choice between his neighbor Emma and Elmo. Cam's buddy Emma had quite a bit of playtime with him this week. On Wednesday, Jane and the kids were cozy on the chair warming up on a chilly evening.

The kids played together again on Friday evening and then Saturday was the highlight of Cam's week. Emma's sisters, Megan and Sarah, had a soccer game and Chris, Jane, and Cam were all invited to watch. The sun was shining, but the fall wind demanded a blanket to stay warm.

Emma knew another girl at the game and the three kids watched the soccer ball go back and forth. Even though Megan and Sarah didn't come out ahead against their opponents, it was a winning day for Cam!

He definitely felt head and shoulders above the rest!!

"I cannot endure to waste anything as precious as autumn sunshine by staying in the house. So I spend almost all the daylight hours in the open air." Nathaniel Hawthorne