It’s been a little while since I’ve shared a true “life lately” update, and after looking at the calendar I realized it’s been nonstop since February 1st. Between travel, sports, family celebrations, and the house renovation that has started to feel like normal life lately, we’ve had a full last couple of months.
Since February, we’ve squeezed in quite a bit of travel, and it’s been such a gift. We kicked things off with our family ski trip to Big Sky, Montana, which was exactly what we needed after spending back-to-back months (since October 1st to be exact) living through our house renovation. Outside of escaping the dust back at home, there’s something about that mountain air and ski days that just resets everyone.
Then we headed to Panama for our West Michigan Chapter YPO trip, which was filled with sunshine and adventure. It was such a fun trip and a reminder of how much we love exploring new places. We made incredible new connections with other chapter members and had plenty of time just the two of us at the resort.
And most recently, we spent spring break in Washington D.C., which was such an incredible trip as a family. The kids are at the perfect age to soak in history and actually appreciate what they’re seeing. Between monuments, museums, and so much walking, it was a trip we’ll be talking about for a long time.
While we were off enjoying spring break, our house renovation crew clearly did not take a vacation. We came home to a ton of activity and real progress, including most of the cabinets and built-ins framed in, the staircase railing complete, primer paint finished in the lower level, and the outside pathway leading to the front entrance underway.
It finally feels like we’re rounding the corner. We’re not done yet, but we are definitely getting there. If everything stays on track, we’re hoping we’re looking at about 4–5 more weeks until completion. Fingers crossed because we are ready!
Thomas wrapped up a strong basketball season and we’re so proud of him. He’s been working hard and really enjoying the sport. But the big news is… we officially signed him up for Southern Little League for the first time, which sort of took us by surprise. He’s never been interested in baseball before and now he’s asking Jeff to play catch any chance he gets. He’ll be joining his buddies from school and our neighborhood on the Detroit Tigers Team — which he is beyond excited about.
And the timing of his 9th birthday could not have been more perfect because he was gifted all the necessary baseball gear. Gloves, bats, gear bags… it’s like baseball season arrived and took over our house overnight. We kept his celebration simple this year with a night of family bowling, pizza, and cake, which was exactly his kind of day. We’re planning to do a bigger friend party later this summer once the house is finished.
Thomas crushed his role at the school Spring Program by delivering his memorized line at the microphone. The spring program happened to be the same day and time as the Michigan basketball game that night and he gave the crowd a giggle by wearing his Michigan jersey overtop his Sunday best attire.
Our guy also danced the night away with his buddies at the Iroquois Elementary Spring Dance. With a fun Hawaiian theme the boys went all in and had a blast. I also had a great time with my own friends volunteering at the ticket table and welcoming all our party goers.
Natalie also finished up her own basketball season a few weeks ago, and we have a feeling it may have been her final season. Her exact words: “Basketball just isn’t my thing.” But we are incredibly proud of her because she gave it a try, showed up, worked hard… but she knows what she loves. Because skiing? Ski racing?? That is absolutely her thing. Natalie found her groove in ski racing this winter and totally surprised us with how much she was into the competition part of it. She’s been skiing since she was 6-years-old but this was the first time we’ve really seen the competitive side of her. She’s already talking about next season and is determined to lower her race time.
Natalie turned 11 this week and similar to Thomas’ birthday plans, we kept things simple in leu of a delayed slumber party celebration she’s planning to host this summer, again when the house is complete. She was spoiled with Target and Starbucks gift cards from family that she plans to spend on makeup, hair care, and pink drinks next chance she gets!
Last weekend we were marveled by Broadways the Lion King at DeVos Performance Hall. Broadway Grand Rapids continues to bring amazing shows to our city this was no exception. This was both Natalie and Thomas’ first time seeing the show and were blown away at the costumes. Beforehand we enjoyed a fancy bite and cocktails at the gorgeous MDRD atop the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel - another first for the kids. While impressed by the dessert design, they said they both preferred their store-bought birthday cakes to the fancy treats at MDRD.
We enjoyed delayed Easter celebrations with both families last weekend — belated since we were out of town for Washington, D.C. over spring break. But honestly, it was so nice to still get everyone together and celebrate. Nothing beats family time, even if the holiday is technically already behind us.
The Kladders gathered a the Lake House including Jeff’s parents who aren’t usually back from Palm Springs this early in the season and enjoyed another round of birthday cake celebrating both kids. The kids had fun with an egg hunt and it was nice to play catch up with everyone since our last family gathering which hasn’t been since Christmas.
On Sunday after church we headed south to Schoolcraft for the annual Smith egg hunt at my parents. My mom always does a fantastic job putting together awesome baskets for the kids full of sugar and fun toys. Kudos to my Dad who always brings down the house with his cooking skills. This year he tried his hand at his new smoker.
Now, our main focus is summer planning. It’s that time of year where the calendar starts filling up fast and suddenly you’re registering kids for everything under the sun including golf, overnight camps, and my most favorite… penciling in all the weekend at the lake.
As we head into the warmer months, there are a few things we’re especially excited about including golf season, drinks on the porch, and of course the house finally being complete. And I won’t hide my excitement over getting to hang with my new bleacher buddy crew for the games at Southern Little League.
More updates soon… and hopefully a “renovation is DONE” post coming before we know it. 😉