Tyler here – Cassie is running around crazy. I started reading her blog and wanted to add my thoughts. I took our boy down to see Grandpa perform at the Barbershoppers convention last weekend.

The barbershoppers stayed at the McCamly Plaza Hotel so we met Cassie’s dad there. Unlike my wife, I need my coffee; every morning. First stop: Starbucks.

Anyway, Kyle, my son, soon discovered the “treats” in Starbucks as we waited in line. Being the ham that I raised him to be, he started attracting attention from all the females. The girl behind the counter offered him the ‘biggest, most-special cookie,’ in the cabinet. He was pleased.

Then we went to watch Grandpa perform. I had seen barbershop performances before but it still astounds me each time; they are very talented people. Kyle and I even got to experience a warm up session as we ventured to our seats.

He sat still the entire time and watched patiently. He was in awe of the singers, but I have to thank the lady at Starbucks for kind giving my son, the best cookie in the bunch.

Over the years I have realized that everyone has their own escape or release from the world. Some people like to bake, others like to clean (I kid you not), and others work out. I’m the latter – I love to run.

This passion didn’t come to me until later in life but I found it to be quite addictive. Living through Michigan winters is torturous for me; I refuse to run in the frigid tundra. However with this beautiful weather I have been on the Linear Trail everyday.

There is just something about running outside; running past the beautiful landscaping, the flowing river and the other trail users. Everyone is so friendly! You smile at one another, wave and do the occasional head-nod. Life isn’t always so complicated when you are out on the trails, it’s simple: it’s a beautiful day and you are outside.

Ok – so I guess I should go for a run now, I’ve pretty much talked myself into it! Be sure to check out a map of the trails if you are interested. Grab your walking shoes, your rollerblades, or your bike and take advantage of the beautiful spring weather!

Tyler, my wonderful husband, has decided it is time to plan his 'boys weekend.' He informed me they were using the local Michigan's Southern Swing program.

It is a package program where you can stay at a hotel and golf for the weekend, or however long you have. I thought this was excellent! So- I wanted to share it with all of you.

Our budget is a little strapped this year (as I am sure most everyone else is too...) and with gas nearly $4 a gallon, this is the perfect way to get out for a bit. You know, I may even schedule my own weekend once he gets back....
Anyone else familiar with this program? I'd love to hear your adventures!

So the family is still here and they are having a great time! We went to the Heritage Adventist Village and it was such a great experience! The kids loved trying out all of Kellogg's inventions! My daughter was so focused on digging for tools in the sand box and my son loved looking at all of the pictures of Dr. Kellogg and his parrot! Plus, we as adults, found it fascinating how advanced he was in his thinking: excercise machines, light beds...who knew? Our relatives raved about it saying that it was such a great place to learn the local history and heritage of Battle Creek.

So I wanted to let all of you know what a great experince we had there and suggest that you take some time to visit them as well! If you have questions about our trip, be sure to let me know!

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!