Thank goodness for photos—without them, I’m not sure I’d remember all the fun we had last month!
May was packed with social events, from business luncheons to garden parties and year-end school activities, making each day feel full to the brim.
The kids started summer break this week and have already checked off a few items from their bucket list, including a visit to John Ball Zoo where they braved the ropes course, and a super-hot afternoon at the Watermark pool. Just yesterday, they held the cutest lemonade stand with neighbor friends. They made a whopping $20, split four ways, and I've already been told there are big plans for the next one.
Thomas kicked off summer sports with golf lessons, and his first report back included the need for a new driver—just like his father. Speaking of reports, Thomas cruised through 2nd grade at Grand Rapids Christian Iroquois with marks that made us proud. Beyond academics, it’s been a joy watching him build strong friendships with his classmates. A huge thank you to his incredible teacher, Mrs. Vandebunte!
Natalie also finished the school year strong and is gung-ho about heading to middle school next year. On the last day at GRCS, the graduating 4th graders received a special sendoff, including a fun car parade and a fourth-grader-focused chapel service. Jeff was a hero with his big red truck, letting the kids decorate it with paper signs and ride in the truck bed. Thank you to Natalie’s amazing teacher, Miss Stark!
Natalie also performed in her first piano recital since joining the Piano Cottage with her new instructor, Miss Maria, and did wonderfully. She’s chosen to continue lessons through the summer and is already practicing her next set of songs. With her beautiful singing voice, we’re curious to see if she’ll add vocal lessons in the future.
Looking ahead, the kids have a packed summer lined up: football camp, basketball camp, Junior Achievement camp, golf lessons, and—next week—a 4-day, 3-night adventure at Camp Roger. Needless to say, they won’t be bored.
Mother’s Day weekend was amazing. We golfed together as a family, had dinner at Terra (one of my favorites), and I enjoyed a massage at Woodhouse Spa. The kids made me the sweetest cards at school, the weather was incredible, and I definitely felt the love. I’ve decided I need more massages in my life.
Memorial Day weekend was another highlight. We spent it at the lake with family. Despite chillier-than-desired weather, we soaked in our usual lake life fun—and yes, the kids even went tubing! It was the first time we’d all been together since Christmas, and the extended weekend was a welcome reunion.
Jeff is working hard and playing hard this summer, with several golf outings already under his belt—including a first-place finish in the Watermark Wilson Cup with teammates Nate Zokoe, Scott Therrian, and Brad Keough. Between the two of us, we have at least four multi-day tournaments coming up and plans to hit the course as a family as often as possible. So far, we’ve established a fun tradition of playing 9 holes after church on Sunday afternoons.
The annual Great Gardens Party benefiting Frederik Meijer Gardens was a showstopper this year!
In celebration of their 30th anniversary, they truly pulled out all the stops. We’re so grateful to live just minutes from The Gardens and are proud to support their world-class experiences.
Speaking of garden parties, Brad and Amy Darooge hosted the most incredible backyard dinner party at their East Grand Rapids home. We had a blast catching up with old friends and meeting new ones. The evening started warm, ended cool, and kept us up way too late on a school night—but it was so worth it!
As for me, I’m breathing a little easier after a jam-packed May filled with luncheons, conferences, and fundraising events. But I won’t complain for a second—because if you know me, you know I was made for this. I am exactly where I belong. And in the middle of all that May madness, we launched a brand-new Mercantile Bank website—check it out! Here’s a little photo roundup from the last four weeks.
June is here, bringing with it more sunshine, more summer adventures, and (drumroll, please) ... my birthday! Life is good. Wishing you health and all the joyful summer scenes your heart can hold!
