If you ask Holly Bodner what she loves most about life in Lake Forest, her answer is simple: community. Friendly neighbors, kids running between houses, and evenings spent walking the neighborhood when the weather turns warm. It is the kind of place where friendships come easily, and memories seem to make themselves.

Holly and her husband, Michael, have called Lake Forest home for nearly 13 years, and in that time, they have built a life centered around family, fun, and staying active. Both Louisville natives, the two met in a way that still makes Holly smile. It was at a friend’s wedding reception, where Michael was busy showing off his moves on the dance floor. Holly could not resist, and the rest is history.

Today, their days are filled with the busy and joyful rhythm of raising their two boys, Beckett, 11, and Bauer, 9, who both attend St. Patrick. Sports are a big part of life for the Bodners. The boys stay active year-round with soccer, wrestling, cross country, and golf. Michael has even coached their wrestling team, which means plenty of time spent traveling together for tournaments. It is a full schedule, but one that the family embraces.

Beckett has also found a love for the stage, participating in a play this past year, and enjoys golf with the Lake Forest Junior PGA program, as well as soccer with Javanon. Bauer is just as driven, balancing soccer and football, and recently earned an impressive honor by being named to the Kentucky National wrestling team. He competed at the National Duals in Council Bluffs, Iowa, an experience the family will not soon forget.

While the school year keeps them on the move, summers bring a change of pace. The Bodners spend much of their time at their lake house on Nolin Lake, a favorite family tradition that offers a chance to slow down and enjoy being together. Whether it is time on the water or a quiet evening, those lake days are something they look forward to all year. When they are not at the lake, you can often find them gathered around a puzzle or deep into a board game at home. They are also huge University of Louisville fans and have season tickets for both football and basketball, so a lot of their fall and winter weekends are spent at games cheering on the Cards.

At home, the Bodners are also outnumbered by their furry companions. Their two Shih Tzus, Sammy and Waylon, each bring their own personality to the mix. Sammy, age 12, prefers sunbathing and keeping a little distance from his younger counterpart, while Waylon, not quite two, is all about belly rubs and chewing on anything he can find, including hangers.

Holly’s path has been one of dedication and heart. After earning her Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from the University of Kentucky and her Master’s degree from the University of Louisville, she spent 13 years working as a Regional Director for a therapeutic foster care agency. In 2021, she made the decision to step away from her career during COVID and focus on her family, even taking on the role of teaching Beckett during his kindergarten year.

Michael, meanwhile, has built a successful business of his own. As the founder of Ingenium Talent, a professional search and staffing firm established in 2016, his company has earned recognition on the Fast 50 and Best Places to Work lists multiple times.

When it comes to dining out, the Bodners keep things local and relaxed. Fiesta Time and Gander are go-to favorites, while date nights often mean a visit to Brasserie Provence if they can sneak away. On more casual evenings, they enjoy grabbing carryout or heading to the 19th Hole.

Travel is another passion for the family. They love heading somewhere warm whenever they can, with favorite destinations including Folly Beach and Puerto Vallarta. Closer to home, they enjoy trips to Asheville and Red River Gorge, especially when there is an opportunity to get outside and hike together.

The Bodners are also active members of the Lake Forest Country Club, where much of their social time is spent enjoying events and connecting with friends. It is just one more way they stay rooted in the community they love.

For the Bodner family, life is full, active, and centered around the people and moments that matter most. Whether it is cheering from the sidelines, relaxing at the lake, or simply walking the neighborhood together, they have found their place in Lake Forest and are grateful to call it home.