Here’s more of what bank employees are looking forward to as summer begins to happen:

Northside and Westgate Financial Center Manager Sara Luther Hagerman writes: “Recently, while in Cozumel, Mexico, my husband and I completed our scuba diving certifications. I am looking forward to diving around Wisconsin this summer — specifically, in and around 100-year-old sunken ships in Lake Michigan!”

(That sounds amazing, Sara — here’s hoping we hear more about your adventures. Take pictures, please!)

“Every summer I look forward to two events that have become traditions for me over the last few years,” writes Franklin Teller Elise Plesser. “First, there are the Fourth of July fireworks on Lake Tichigan, where my parents live. Every year, they have all our family over for a barbecue, boating, tubing and all other activities lake-related. We finish off the night watching fireworks from the boat on the lake. The second tradition is an annual girls’ trip to the Dells. We always make it a point to go to Noah’s Ark each time, rain or shine!”

(GIRLS’ TRIP. Don’t party too hard, Elise!)

Building Engineer Bob Effinger has a pretty cool one: “As a member of the Sport Car Club of America, I enjoy participating in Performance Driving Experience (PDX) events at the Milwaukee Mile road-race course.  I have a 2000 Ford ZX2 S/R I use at the PDX events and am also chief registrar for the Milwaukee Region PDX program. At these events, you take your car — yes, the one you drive to work every day — out on the track at whatever speed you’re comfortable driving. Almost any legally licensed car is eligible to run in these events.  (Almost any — sorry, no SUVs or pickups.) Instructors are available for first-time participants and will guide you until you are comfortable running solo. It’s a real rush, flying down the front straight of “the Mile” at over 100 mph, LEGALLY!  If you or someone you know would like more information, you can contact me or go to www.milwaukeetrackdays.com.”

(That sounds scary, and also VERY FUN. Wear your seat belt, Bob!)

And Network and Card Specialist Marie Piek says: “My favorite summertime activity is just hanging out and relaxing in my backyard. I have a pool and enjoy floating in it in the summer. I like to listen to music while in the pool, as well; my family and I will play water volleyball and other games. Then we grill out and relax on the patio. To keep bugs away, we have a bonfire, where we roast marshmallows or make pudgy pies and — my favorite — fire-popped popcorn. At night, because there are woods behind our house, we count the fireflies and humor my husband by looking in the sky for satellites. We usually don’t see any. We started these simple things when our kids were very young, and now they’ve become tradition. The children share them when they have their friends over, too.”

(Color some of us jealous. Sounds simply lovely, Marie.)