It’s the middle of June; the sun is shining and my kids are out of school for the summer. I had to drive down Michigan Avenue this morning and saw tables lining the sides of the street and realized it is once again that time of year: Cereal Festival.

The Festival runs along Michigan Avenue and begins tomorrow (Saturday June 13) from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. However, activities and entertainment will run until noon. The World's Longest Breakfast Table, 150 tables long, will be set up from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.

It’s supposed to be a beautiful weekend and I, for one, look forward to this event every year. It is great to see so many familiar faces and meet new ones…. Not to mention the kids loving the breakfast and all the “happenings” downtown.

Hope to see everyone out there tomorrow!

Winter… when it first begins is associated with beautiful snow falls, skiing and snowboarding and the holiday season. However, months in, it becomes associated with bitterly frigid temperatures, ugly brown snow and days that are far too short… leading us to Cabin Fever.

As many of you probably are experiencing similar situations, my children are in desperate need of things to do (as am I).

So, I am compiling a list of fun activities for the family to do locally. With the economy suffering as it is, and family budgets doing just the same, I am definitely incorporating those thoughts into these plans. If I leave anything out, PLEASE add to it…

Go bowling! – Places are offering deals with food/shows and rental equipment
Open skate – the Rink offers a variety of hours to get out and get moving
Check out the Digistar Planetarium at Kingman Museum – only a few dollars admission
Go swimming – Battle Creek Family YMCA – get moving and get ready for summer
Hands on fun for the kids – Kids ‘n Stuff in Albion
Watch a game – The Battle Creek Knights play at Kellogg Arena – fun for an entire evening
Hit ‘em Here Golf Driving Range and Riverview Recreation – mini golf, batting cages

Another great idea, that my husband and I will be doing this weekend… is renting a local hotel room for the night. The kids can swim in the pool; we can order a pizza, rent some movies, play games and enjoy a mini vacation right in town. No need to spend hundreds of dollars to get those quality memories… and it gives me a break from having to clean up from everyone.

I’d be interested in hearing other suggestions!

The world moved around me so fast that all I could do was stare in amazement. Traveling through the ancient Roman ruins to following the Christmas Star, I was worlds away; yet still in Battle Creek.

Kingman Museum hosted an-invite only reception last week celebrating the new planetarium. During the event guests were invited to see sneak-peeks of the shows to come! And let me tell you, I was fascinated! I know it’s something my children will love and I cannot wait to take them to Mystery of the Christmas star! I myself am looking forward to seeing it!

To see for yourself be sure to catch one of the regularly scheduled shows and visit www.kingmanmuseum.org for more information.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!!

The ghouls and goblins will be making their way through the shadowy streets this evening. Halloween in Michigan is never a time to depend on the weather. Hail, snow, sleet or rain; we’ve had it all. This year, however, will be perfect! Temperatures in the sixties and bright, sunny, skies (until dark that is)!

My kids are so excited and can hardly contain themselves. We have a Halloween tradition of going to some family friends of ours. About four families get together and we order pizza, get the kids dressed and then take them out into the neighborhood. Every year we rotate who passes out candy and who takes the kids. This year, the dads are the ones roaming the streets!

If you haven’t quite finalized your plans yet, be sure to check out the CVB’s events Web site. What is your favorite Halloween tradition? I’d love to know!!

Do you ever find yourself being impatient? I do. Earlier this week I was driving home only to find myself behind a bulky tractor that seemed to be winning its own 5mph race. So, I did want any logical driver would do, I turned down the next street and knew that I would eventually find my way back to my original route.

The second I turned the corner I was in awe of the fall colors around me. I’ve never been down that road and I was stunned at how gorgeous the afternoon sun looked on the vibrant reds, yellows, and oranges that decorated my site. The windows were down, I turned the music up and it was a simple, perfect moment.

So next time you feel a little impatient, don’t forget to take that other route because you never know the sights you’ll find!