Fall in Grand Rapids has been outstanding this year. We’re talking Hallmark-movie-level gorgeous, and we are soaking it ALL in! So far, we’ve cheered Thomas on from the football sidelines, watched Natalie on the volleyball court, hosted a few dinner parties in the new house, and settled into our school-year routines. There’s something pretty great about this time of year!
The house has been SO, so great. We love every single room, but perhaps our favorite feature is having friends over to enjoy it with us! We hosted two dinner parties this past month and are still riding high on the fun. After all those months of renovation chaos, it feels pretty great to fill the house with good food, good friends, and a little extra noise. Consider this your warning: we’re just getting started!
Before fully embracing fall, we squeezed in one last summer hurrah at the lake over Labor Day weekend. Michigan delivered another stellar stretch of weather, complete with final boat rides, late nights around the fire, and some extremely stressful Michigan football. As much as we loved summer, we’re happy to be back in a routine and enjoying a new season.
Work has kept things interesting, too! Our Strategic Leadership Team headed to Detroit for our annual retreat, which included a behind-the-scenes tour of Ford Field. Such a fun experience (pics included!). I also received the exciting news that I was named one of Crain’s Grand Rapids 40 Under 40 honorees this year. Needless to say, that gave me some serious wind in my sails.
This week, I had the privilege of giving the toast at the Grand Rapids Chamber’s annual ATHENA Awards, one of my very favorite events in our city. It celebrates women who lead with purpose and live out the ATHENA principles. I always leave feeling inspired by the incredible women doing great things right here in West Michigan.
And for the most unexpected work event of the season… the annual Bankers Shoot Out. Our commercial bankers and credit team face off in a series of friendly competitions, and this year, I walked away with the top score in “Pistol Plink-O,” a quick-fire moving-target challenge. You can call me G.I. Jane.
We also enjoyed a night out with Jeff’s parents at Grace’s Gala, supporting the wonderful work Grace’s Table is doing for local moms and their babies. It was a fun evening together for a cause that matters, and we’re always grateful for opportunities to support organizations making a difference right here in our community.
The kids also enjoyed GrandFriends Day at school welcoming Grandma Kladder for some special one-on-one time. With Grandpa Kladder tied up with board meetings and Grandma and Grandpa Smith still enjoying the U.P., Grandma Kladder was the VIP of the day! I was happy to help greet everyone at the door, too. Such a sweet tradition.
On the completely different end of the entertainment spectrum, Jeff and I danced and sang our faces off at the Pitbull concert at the amphitheater with our super-cool friends, the Van Vels and Wixstroms. Mr. Worldwide put on an incredible show, and it easily landed in our top five concerts of all time.
More recently, Jeff and I returned from an incredible European getaway to Italy and Croatia. We spent three days in Venice before setting sail for Croatia, with stops in Pula, Hvar, and Zadar. It was a trip to remember, and you can read all about it HERE.
I also snuck away to Northern Michigan for a retreat with my small group forum, and it was just what I needed! We meet monthly for distraction-free conversations about business, leadership, family, and everything in between. These women bring different perspectives, challenge me, make me laugh, and remind me that some of the best advice comes from people who know you beyond your job title. I’m incredibly grateful for this crew and our time together.
And finally, I’ll leave you with a photo of our kids feeding giraffes and my three favorite people holding hands. Jeff’s company hosted their annual family event at Bolder Ridge Animal Park and we had a great time touring the animal exhibits and visiting with co-workers.
Looking ahead, we’re grateful for a lighter extra curricular calendar with ZERO kid sports until after the new year. Instead we’re gearing up for the Halloween fun, anticipating some Detroit Lions induced stress, and look forward to a super fun get-away to Arizona with girlfriends. See you soon!
