Our eldest son, Jonas (19), is in his second year at Cornerstone University, studying business and serving as a worship leader. His love for music runs deep. You can even find some of his songs on Spotify! He’s excited to combine his business degree with a future career in music production and recording. Since the moment he could hold a drumstick, Jonas has been a natural, a true drum prodigy who later taught himself to play piano and guitar. His creativity and drive have made music more than a passion. It’s become his purpose.

 

Our 2nd son, Levi (18), is a freshman at Calvin University, also majoring in business. A true athlete at heart, Levi has always brought energy and focus to everything he does, from playing soccer and tennis to competing on the golf team at Western Michigan Christian. When he’s not on the course or the court, you can find him playing bass alongside his dad and brother in their family band, Dutton Hollow, or helping lead worship at local events. Both Jonas and Levi also work as lifeguards at the Spring Lake Aquatic Center.

 

Our daughters Ezra (10) and Micah (8) attend Jeffers Elementary, where they bring the perfect mix of curiosity, kindness, and humor to their classrooms. Both girls love baking! They’ll often challenge each other to friendly bake-offs at home; it’s the cutest thing to witness!  They also enjoy paddleboarding, snowboarding, and riding bikes with friends around the neighborhood.

The girls enjoy spending time outside, whether it’s sledding in the winter or playing a quick game in the front yard with the neighbor kids. Both girls also love to read and play music. Micah serves on the Student Council, while Ezra is a Library Leader at school.

And then there’s Oliver, our spirited little Yorkipoo who’s convinced he’s one of the kids. He keeps life full of love, barking, and laughter, often sneaking off with a stolen sock or stuffed animal, only to drop it off at a neighbor’s mailbox as a surprise for them to find later. His little “gifts” have become a running joke on our street.

JP and I met in Grand Rapids, where he had moved from Utah to attend college. I worked at my family’s insurance agency and loved doing photography and wedding coordinating on the side, while he was a drummer playing in local bands. We started hanging out with the same group of friends at church, spending late nights talking about life, music, and dreams — and what began as friendship slowly turned into something more.

 

We’ve always shared a love for adventure. Back then, weekends meant gathering with friends at the lake, going to concerts, or chasing sunsets along the shoreline. We’d take spontaneous road trips, driving through the night just to spend the next day exploring the Upper Peninsula before turning back home. One by one, the group outings faded, and we found ourselves always choosing each other’s company.

 

Before we were even engaged, I told JP my dream was to see all 50 states before we had kids, and together, we started chasing that dream. After getting married, we packed our bags for a honeymoon adventure across the Northwest coast, exploring Vancouver, Seattle, and Victoria Island. It was the first of many journeys and the start of our quest to see the country together.

 

By the time we reached 32 states, we welcomed our first son. Just twelve weeks later, in true Dutton fashion, we traded our house for a motorhome with a rock band coming off Warped Tour and taking a break to write an album. We hit the road and headed west — a season that was wild, creative, and full of the unexpected. It was unforgettable, filled with stories we’ll tell forever.

 

Our next adventure became a cross-country chapter. Moving from the East Coast to the West Coast, each place teaches us something new. We lived in a southern mini-mansion in Richmond, Virginia, on eight acres in the Colorado mountains, and eventually found ourselves in Las Vegas, where we could see both Red Rocks and the glow of the Luxor Hotel from our upstairs windows. Every move was a new experience — a new rhythm, a new kind of beauty.

After having our third child, our hearts started to pull back toward Michigan, to the place where our story began. We missed the water, the seasons, the simplicity of home. So we packed up once again, and this time our adventure led us to Spring Lake, where we’ve finally found the balance between creativity, community, and peace.

 

Today, JP serves as the Worship Pastor at Watermark Church in Grand Haven. Music continues to be his greatest passion. Whether he’s leading worship, playing at local events, or performing at cozy lakeshore spots like Dockers in Muskegon, he loves sharing his gift of music with others. JP, Jonas, and Levi often travel together, leading worship for youth camps and church events, which has become a meaningful way for them to use their talents together. JP also has a deep heart for missions and is preparing for an upcoming trip to Ethiopia, where he’ll help lead worship and connect with local ministry teams.

 

After years of helping friends design, remodel, and stage homes, I took a leap of faith and launched Dutton + Co. Design, a design and staging company serving the Spring Lake area. It’s been such a joy to combine creativity with connection, helping homeowners and realtors bring spaces to life in meaningful, beautiful ways. I’ve always loved photography, and when I’m not designing, I still find joy in capturing the beauty of our West Michigan Lakeshore.

 

Our home is full of music and life, from the sound of the piano drifting through the rooms to echoes of songs being recorded in the studio downstairs. It’s a space where creativity and family blend together naturally, where laughter, melody, and the hum of everyday life create their own harmony.

 

When we’re not working or performing, you’ll find us soaking in everything this community offers — from boating with family on Spring Lake to taking walks along the river, playing games together at Odd Side Ales, or simply catching a sunset by the pier.

 

After years of moving from city to city, we’ve discovered that nothing compares to the community here. The friends, neighbors, and sense of belonging in Spring Lake are truly top-notch. It’s where we feel most grounded and grateful to raise our family.