My husband’s family is coming into town this weekend and staying the week. So, I am trying to figure out where to take them and what fun and interesting things to do while they are visiting. I would like to give them an opportunity to see the unique things we have in this community.

After asking around I have come up with a couple of ideas. First we will probably head to Leila Arboretum and the Kingman Museum. With my kids, nieces and nephews, this would be a great way to start off a day and entertain them for a while. The hands on experiences and the opportunity to learn new things will keep them focused.

Someone else suggested taking them to the Historic Adventist Village. With the important local history so embedded in our community, I thought this is a great way for everyone to learn about Dr. Kellogg and the Seventh Day Adventist founders. Of course, who wouldn’t have fun looking at, and testing, all of those great inventions!

I also had suggestions of the mall to shop, to Cornwell’s Turkeyville USA for dinner and a show, as well as the Kimball House Museum. All of which are great options.

If you have any ideas, or thoughts of where I can take the kids and the family, please let me know! I would greatly appreciate it… and I know they will too; I’m sure!

Easter is springing up on us this year. I have barely gotten the Valentine’s Day and St. Patrick’s Day decorations down and now it’s up with the Easter ones.

Traditionally we have the family over for Easter; however with renovating the kitchen (which is its own disaster) this may cause problems. So, I am looking into a variety of different things for the family to do for our celebration.

I noticed a couple of options that are going on around the community. Cornwell’s Turkeyville USA is having their Easter Brunch. I have never been there for Easter, but I have been there numerous times before. This could be a wonderful option to get the whole family out, see a show, eat some candy corn and enjoy a delightful turkey dinner.

I also saw that Schuler’s Restaurant is having an Easter Brunch. I am sure that this will be just as great as the rest of their menu and is quite the deal. They need reservations so I should probably decide what we’re going to do….

There is always the option of eating in our saw dust filled, tool covered kitchen; but I like the idea of not cooking.

If you know of anything else, or have any ideas of where I can take my family; please forward me the information!

Happy Easter – and happy spring!

Have you noticed it too? The weather…dare I say it… is warming up… (and now this is where you knock on wood).

After being cooped in the house for so long I couldn’t wait to get out of the house and get some fresh air. So, last night, I got in my car and drove downtown. I haven’t been down there much at all this winter but I was ready for something different.

I met one of my good friends down there. Downtown has such a friendly and welcoming environment. We walked through the stores and found some great things. Last summer I started getting into biking so Team Active was a must-stop on our excursion. They have a great collection of everything you need and they even have a track to test out a bike you are considering to buy.

I think we went into every downtown store and it was great – I am going to make a point to go down there more often. Especially in the summer when I can take the kids to Mill Race Park – they love it there.

After shopping we worked up quite the appetite. Not showing any favoritism to any restaurant downtown (because I love them all) last night we chose to eat at the Griffin. It was so nice not cooking dinner and actually having a conversation with a friend; rather than telling the kids to sit up straight and put the food in their mouths. The Griffin's food was excellent, the service was friendly and the beer was refreshing.

I am going to have to make these downtown stops more often – hope to see you down there!