Bring on 2023 - Week of Jan. 2nd

"What the new year brings to you will depend a great deal on what you bring to the new year." ~Vern McLellan 

"And now we welcome the new year. Full of things that have never been." ~Rainer Maria Rilke

Our New Year began with our Arizona family consisting of Grandma Sue and Layna with us until Thursday evening.  Monday was our busiest day trying to fit in multiple things.  Cam and his cousin played lots of different games together and luckily, they aren't too competitive and actually enjoy the interaction of the games.  

Everyone assisted with the removal of Christmas tree ornaments.  Layna was on her uncle's shoulders (and head) to reach the highest decorations at the very top. 

For lunch, we made our way to a newer place, Bobcat Bonnie's, to dine in their outdoor igloo we had reserved.  Each of us ordered something different and we all approved.  The heater inside the dome and blankets to use were greatly appreciated.  Plus, it was a new, unique experience for Cam's grandma and cousin.

We traveled to Ms. Amanda's home on Tuesday to say hi and to see her puppy, Otis.  Grandma Sue and Layna spent quite a bit of time with Amanda last summer and wanted to be sure to see her before they left.

On Wednesday, Cam had a scheduled haircut and his cousin wanted to come along as well.

When Thursday arrived, it seemed all too quickly that we were taking our final pictures and packing up.  

Cam and Grandma Sue have a standing picture each time they see each other now to determine how much Cam has grown.

Layna had to get in on the standing shot so we can begin checking her height progress as well.  

At the airport, there were hugs all around.  This was the very first time we could say, "see you in a few months!" 

One of our family Christmas presents we announced is for Chris, Jane and Cam to travel to Arizona in the spring to spend time with family out west.

Friday felt much too quiet in our household.

That evening, Cam and Jane rented the movie "Lyle, Lyle Crocodile" to watch since they had read the books together.

On Saturday, we were looking forward to another family Christmas present- dinner and tickets to our local minor league hockey team, The Grand Rapids Griffins.  As an added bonus, it was also the 2nd annual sensory friendly game.  

Cam has always had an aversion to very loud noises and this game promised the following: no goal horn, decreased microphone volume, decreased music volume and a quiet room if you wanted to watch the game away from the crowds altogether.  

We ate a delicious meal at a restaurant we didn't even know existed inside the arena!  Thankfully, we had made reservations because it was quite busy.  

We found our seats and settled in for the exciting view of the hockey game.  

We were all laughing at the sign depicting "Wacky Kids Cam" knowing it was showing camera shots of kids in the stands but cracking up with the play on words.

Before leaving, we stopped in the quiet room to check it out.  Not only was it quiet, but so relaxing.  Cam thought it was especially cool that you could see the game on big screen tvs as if you were right in the front row seats.

Although the Griffins didn't win the game, we definitely felt like the night was a big winner for us!

Camology Quotes:

Cam and his cousin, Layna seemed more like friendly siblings during their time spent with one another.  Jane told them they were like a brother and sister who got along really well.  When they were playing games together, they both commented.

"You're fun, Layna, and funny!"

"We're good together, forever and ever." ~Layna