The leaves keep falling here on Pontiac and it’s got me all kinds of giddy for the holiday season. You better believe our Christmas shopping is well underway, family photos in the books and I’m SO ready for all the holiday parties coming our way. In the meantime, here’s the October recap…
We spent a good chunk of our October in Palm Springs enjoying some time off with the kids. We got some quality time with Grandma and Grandpa Kladder, did lots of hiking, golfing and swimming, and we even took a day trip to Disneyland. You can read more about our California trip HERE.
Just before our vacation we spent the weekend in Schoolcraft with my family for the annual bonfire. The fire was as big as ever and we always enjoy spending the time catching up with local friends and family. One of our favorite parts about weekends like these in Schoolcraft is getting to stay overnight at my parents which always includes a giant breakfast and endless Folgers coffee served by my Dad. It’s always good to be home!
We had a great time celebrating Halloween with our kids and my folks who drove our way for the evening. The kids decided they both wanted to go as puppies so I countered their costume and went as a cat. And because we’ve got a ‘no Kladder left behind’ policy, we looped in Jeff (along with a decorated umbrella) and together we became ‘Raining Cats & Dogs’. We ate chili around the fire on the porch and handed out nearly 600 pieces of candy to the hoards of trick-or-treaters.
GrandFriends Day at GRCS was a smashing success - a good time was had by all! With Jeff’s parents out in Palm Springs, the kids shared my parents for a fun filled morning of classroom visits, playground time and donuts! I also had a good time volunteering with mom friends at the front coffee table. The event is a fun way to see all the parts of the GRCS community working together. Go Eagles!
Tootsie was showing on Broadway last month and Jeff and I joined some friends for dinner and the show downtown. Dinner at Reserve was fabulous as always, but the show left a lot to be desired. We heard the show originated from an 80s movie staring Dustin Hoffman which had me hopeful; I love Dustin Hoffman. But the broadway version felt outdated. There were no stand out cast members, the set design and choreography was basic and the music fell flat. After two back to back broadway disappointments (we saw Dear Evan Hansen earlier this summer that, in short, left us feeling extremely depressed instead of entertained) we will return to the theatre this weekend for Come Far Away with our fingers crossed for a better experience.
The kids are crushing it this Fall at school and in their extra curricular activities. Natalie is super hyped about gymnastics and continues weekly piano lessons. Last week she began preparing for her Christmas Recital and it totally added to my excitement for the holidays hearing ‘Deck the Halls’ and ‘Do You Want to Build a Snowman’ coming from the piano. Natalie has also recently showed interest in baking after a visit to the Ottawa Hills Libaray where she found a cake decorating book. Check out this first attempt at a panda bear cake. Personally and selfishly, I hope this hobby does not evolve past this one book - I do not have the strength to limit my intake of baked goods.
Thomas wrapped up Fall soccer and continues to build excitement for the game. He’s also asked to get signed up for golf (simulator) lessons this winter - something I have yet to look more into. But if there’s anything Jeff and I support without question for both our kids… it’s golf. And with Natalie at GR Gymnastics located right on the same campus as Watermark, I’ve been able to take Thomas to hit balls at the driving range while she tumbles and twirls inside.
Last weekend we enjoyed Restaurant Week GR at Greenwell with friends and finally tried out Less Traveled for a cocktail afterwards - cool vibe in a great location. I also had a great time celebrating our friend Dana’s birthday with a bunch of other women with wine and a favorite things gift exchange party. Jeff celebrated too that night with yet another win for U of M football - Go Blue! In the next couple of weeks we’ll be soaking up the last of these 50 degree days and happily working towards holiday prep. Have a great November, everyone!
POSTSCRIPT - Other things worth mentioning…
Copper Corners - Our new artwork is now hung over our bar in the dining room and I’m obsessed! It’s titled ‘Up North’ and is by local artist Mary Catheryne at Copper Corners. Check out her brick and mortar shop and online purchase options.
Nonna’s in downtown Ada - Jeff and I had date night a few weeks back at Nonna’s and were blown away at both the service and the food. We will be back soon.
Star Wars - We are HOT on Star Wars at the Kladder house right now after watching the originals with the kids before Disney last month. Now we’re working our way through the rest of the series together. Both kids are super into it and I’m loving the blast from the past.
Appertivo in the Downtown Market - Need a spot for drinks with the ladies… Appertivo is perfect! It’s also a great place to order a cheese board for holiday parties or fill a gift basket with fine charcuterie items.
MudPenny - For a quick business lunch or healthy bite with friends. Super cute and super tasty! My protein salad is pictured below. Yum!
