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…)

Love is in the air as Valentine's Day is only one day away! My husband says he has the evening all planned, we'll see what he does! Blues artist, Clifford Babcock is playing at McCamly Plaza Hotel... I would love to hear live music!

Have you heard, Binder Park Zoo's, Zoorotica, has been all over the news lately! What a topic! I turned the TV on last night, and it made CNN! I wish my husband and I would have signed up for it. What a great concept! You can tour the zoo and learn of the animal's love lives... and enjoy hors d’oeuvres with a DVD presentation. The event is only for participants 21 and older. Hopefully with this year's success, it will be back again next year.

Side note: a star was born out of the wildfires in Australia; Sam the Koala. She was the one the firefighter fed the water bottle... and out of it comes a love story, which I find perfect for Valentine's Day. She met boyfriend Bob, when he too, was hurt from the fires! Just another way proving we all meet our match one way or the other! Read the story here

Doing anything special this Valentine's Day? Did you go to McCamly or Binder Park Zoo?

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!

Some things in my life are so unconsistent that I don't know which way is up; especially with kids. One thing though, that is a staple in our household is Kellogg's Fruitloops. The cereal is always on the shopping list and it is always a great snack with, or without, milk.

The other morning, taking the kids to school, I smiled as I smelled the familiar scent in the Battle Creek air. Something that I've grown accustomed to from living here for all these years. Sometimes I think we ignore it, but you have to stop and smell the Fruit Loops sometimes... or the Cocoa Crispies, or whatever the cereal companies have baking.

Interesting fact - did you know that Fruit Loops are part of the diet for a variety of animals at the zoo? Yup. Sure is.

So, when you get up tomorrow morning, or drive home this evening, remember to stop and smell the Fruit Loops.... or whatever delicious goodies are being baked.