Halloween or Bus! - Week of Oct. 27th

Ready to drive into school!

Sometimes we underestimate a kid.  Not intentionally, but maybe because we're unsure of a choice or decision they'll make...

Each year we've "helped" Cam decide what to be for Halloween.  This year, when asked, he emphatically indicated he wanted to be a bus.
It may sound a bit strange to some, but Cam has been riding a school bus ever since he was 2 and 1/2 years old.  He loves his bus ride to school and home and we truly believe he's had the best, most caring drivers around!

The lights turn on when Cam
pulls a rope inside the bus!

Cam and Minnie Mouse- Natalie

The challenge for Chris and Cam was creating a bus that was also "drive-able" for Halloween.  Thursday was the big reveal at Meadowbrook elementary school.  This was the first year Cam was a real part of the Halloween parade, able to maneuver by himself.  As our bus driver waited for the kids to come out of their classrooms, each student passing by kept remarking how cool his costume was.  As proud parents, we watched Cam take it all in and expertly drive around the gymnasium as other parents clapped and cheered!  Quite a day to remember.
We were quite pleased when the school schedule called for a record-marking day on Friday, meaning Cam had the day off of school and could sleep in.

2014 Halloween Crew

Oma & Opa arrived in the afternoon and we transported the bus over to Chris' work where they have trick or treating at the office desks.  The kids and adults all stopped to check out the driver steering carefully through the hallways.

Immediately following that fun venture, we headed over to our neighbor's home for dinner and the official neighborhood candy collecting!

Forest Hills Public School Bus
headed to the next house

Cam & neighbor Mickie

The kids were bundled up in the very windy, chilly evening air, but we were all thankful the rain and sleet had stopped.  As we approached each doorway, Cam declared "trick or treat" each time and said "thank you," and of course, was immediately ready to head to the next home.  Unfortunately, Cam's parents were happily chatting away with neighbors and had a tough time keeping up with their expert driver!
(The video below is a "time lapse" taken by Karen- pretty cool!)

'Auntie' Karen & Ms. Ann

Cam's Bus all lit up!

The weekend brought 'Auntie' Karen and Ms. Ann to visit and check out the now-famous Halloween creation.  They remarked how awesome it was that Chris & Cam painted the bus, added the lights, and made a workable "whoa" sign.  The best part was the bus simply "fit over" Cam's powerchair.
Jane's biggest contribution was finding the hat for her favorite boy on Amazon- it had a picture of a school bus with the caption "You Can't Scare Me- I Drive a Bus!"

In a culture where technology can take hold, we're thankful for simple traditions, creative minds, and happy kids who can gather together to head out on a cold Halloween night and participate in the candy trade afterwards!