The kids start school this week, and I have to admit—I’m a little sad. I could easily use another four weeks of summer break with them. These last three months have been packed with summer camps, a trip to the U.P., plenty of lake time, endless golf, and lots of fun with friends. While part of me is ready for the rhythm of a solid routine again, I’ll miss the slow mornings and late nights that summer allows.
Still, reality is here: school supplies are purchased, first-day outfits are picked, and tomorrow we’ll meet the kids’ teachers and get the lay of the land. This weekend I mapped out after-school activities, which honestly takes some serious brainpower. Natalie will juggle volleyball three times a week (plus games), along with her weekly piano lessons. Thomas is signed up for flag football—two practices a week and Saturday games—along with tennis once a week. And because quick dinners will be a necessity, I caved and bought Kraft Mac & Cheese cups for the first time in years. The kids are thrilled. I’m just glad to have another option on those nights we’re sprinting from one activity to the next.
Speaking of quick meals—we’re also starting a home renovation this week. The past month has been spent packing up rooms and prepping for demo. After five years in this house, we’re finally ready to make both needed updates and dream changes. Is the timing—right at back-to-school—ideal? Not really. But as anyone who’s remodeled knows, there’s no such thing as perfect timing. We’re excited to honor the character of our old home while making it more functional for our family.
Of course, summer wasn’t all logistics and planning. We snuck in our annual adventure to the Upper Peninsula. On the way, we stopped in Petoskey for an amazing day on Lake Michigan and Bay Harbor Yacht Club with Jeff’s YPO forum group. Perfect weather, perfect company. From there, we drove north to Munising and met up with family to rent a pontoon boat on Lake Superior. Four hours cruising along Pictured Rocks in 85-degree sunshine felt more like the Caribbean than Michigan. Our favorite stop? Anchoring near a waterfall and diving right in—pure magic.
The rest of the week was spent at my parents’ cabin near Ontonagon. It was the usual mix of four-wheeling, fishing, swimming, target practice, big family dinners, and of course a day at the beach on Lake Superior. (You can read more about our U.P. trip here.
Another highlight for the kids was “Kladder Cousin Camp,” the annual tradition Jeff’s parents host. This year’s surprise was a scavenger hunt leading to the big reveal: a trip to Michigan’s Adventure the next day. The kids wait all summer for Cousin Camp, and they always come home with wild stories. Meanwhile, Jeff and I enjoyed a rare kid-free weekend—which we filled, naturally, with golf.
I played in the Stonewater Women’s Invitational for the fourth year with my friend Ashley Adkins. The theme was “Hoe-Down Show-Down,” complete with mechanical bull rides and plenty of cowgirl attire. It was equal parts golf and party (and a blast). That same weekend, Jeff played in a tournament at Watermark. Neither of us placed high enough to make playoffs, which honestly worked out because it meant we didn’t miss out on the opportunity to watch one another play in a shoot-out. Sometimes it’s better to “lose.”
We also squeezed in a date night to see Hamilton with Broadway Grand Rapids. Fun fact: last time we saw it, we ended up moving houses, and this time we’re renovating. I’ve decided maybe we shouldn’t risk seeing it again anytime soon.
Another first for us this summer? Attending Breakaway Festival, an electronic music event headlined by ZEDD. A friend of ours knows the founder, so off we went—30- and 40-somethings dropped into a sea of 20-somethings. The people-watching was unforgettable. Let’s just say we were the most overdressed group in attendance.
Jeff rounded out the season playing the Watermark Men’s Member-Member with his partner Nate Zokoe. They played well, but not quite well enough to win their flight. The weather was spotty—sunshine one minute, a downpour the next—which made for soggy final holes and a delayed dinner. But the party carried on, as it always does.
On the work front, things have been busy for both Jeff and me. He’s been traveling as his company integrates new locations across the tri-state area, while I’ve been focused on transition planning of my own. Mercantile Bank recently announced its acquisition of Eastern Michigan Bank, which is big news for both institutions. My team is gearing up to manage the brand and marketing transition for 12 new locations—a challenge we’re both excited and ready for. Earlier this month, I also attended a CMO Summit in Dallas. The city itself didn’t wow me, but the time away was motivating, and I came home with fresh ideas and energy to bring back to my work. I also had the fun opportunity to give the welcome at the most recent Crains Grand Rapids Business event on behalf of Mercantile. Jeff also had his turn at the mic at the DJs employee appreciation summer event hosted at the Public Museum. And Jeff got his turn at the mic too, speaking at his company’s summer appreciation event at the Public Museum. As much as I enjoy being in front of a microphone, I think I enjoy watching him do it even more.
It’s been a full summer. Between travel, tournaments, work, and home projects, life has been wonderfully busy. And while I’m not quite ready to say goodbye to the season, I’m hopeful this fall will bring its own adventures. In the meantime, we’ll be soaking up as many tee times and poolside invites from friends as we can muster. Stay safe out there, friends.
