As the engines roared, the smell of gasoline wafted through the air, and my kids stared in awe at the trucks, I had to smile.

Ever since I was a kid, I loved going to drag races and going to everything my dad would let me tag along on. So, when I heard that Monster Trucks were coming to the Kellogg Arena, my husband and I decided it would be the perfect family event; and it was. We bought Pit Passes to go and check out the trucks before the event and my kids had a blast. They were amazed that the tires were bigger than Daddy! My son seemed to be nervous before everything got started, and I was worried we wouldn’t be making it through the entire event. However, the drivers put on an excellent program and by the time the event was over, my husband and I were pretty much dragging our kids away!

In anticipation of another family event, I discovered that the American Strongman “Live” is coming to the Arena on May 16 at 7:00 p.m. I have seen them on T.V., but to watch the athletes show their strength in person (as they rep 300 pound car axles, battle 360 pound Atlas Stones) I can’t wait for it! If you are looking for something new and fun for everyone, and something that fits in your budget, be sure to get tickets! (Contact Kellogg Arena for those). After the Monster Trucks, I anxiously await this event and the opportunity for my kids to see something different! (And for my own entertainment as well, but we won’t let them know that…)

Welcome to 2009! After the difficulities of 2008, everyone is surely anticipating, and hoping, for an upswing in the coming year! This New Year's Eve, my family and I went to some friends of ours. We enjoyed appetizers and games as the children played together. Staying up to midnight was quite the challenge for me, but I was glad to welcome 2009. Now that the hustle and bustle of the holidays are over, it's time to look ahead of what to do to avoid the 'winter blues.' With money tight, and the temperatures bitter cold, there are still things to do in the area! Try glow bowling at Nottke's, or head over to Kingman Museum to see the all new planetarium. I would also suggest going to a Battle Creek Knight's game at the Kellogg Arena, or the Revolution Ice hockey team at the Rink! No need to stay in and suffer the blues, get out and about and enjoy these great ideas perfect for any budget!

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!!