January 27, 2018

Winter Fun Fest

Get your Winter Fun Fest passport stamped
at three events and get a free t-shirt and tote bag!
Many of my readers will know that I am a scout leader for both of my children. My son is now in Boy Scouts and I am his Assistant Scoutmaster and my daughter is a Junior Girl Scout. What makes scouting amazing to me is the amount of outdoor activities the scouts do. The non scouting part of me also likes to be outdoors - Playing sports, hiking, sitting in the woods or foraging for good eats. Basically the outdoors is a big part of our lives.

This winter your family can enjoy the outdoors too during the Winter Fun Fest happening throughout Washtenaw County. Winter Fun Fest runs from January 27th until Feburary 25th with over 20 fun winter events in three weeks! Whether you like warming up by the fireplace with a cup of hot cocoa or tromping through the freshly fallen snow, we've got something for everyone to enjoy.

 At the first event you attend you can pick up your Fun Fest Passport - if you attend three events in the next three weeks, you will win a free T-Shirt or Tote! A full list of Winter Fun Fest events can be found here: http://www.ewashtenaw.org/government/departments/parks_recreation/activities/winter-fun-fest/calendar-of-events-winter-fun-fest

Did I mention that these are free events? Certainly there may be some parks that require an entry fee but get ready to have some free fun with the family!

October 20, 2017

Take the Family to the Hyatt Place Ann Arbor

Last weekend my family was hosted overnight at the new Hyatt Place Ann Arbor (223 S State St, Ann Arbor, MI 48108). I have got to say, it is a lovely hotel. I have already told my best friend where she should stay on her next trip! If you have the need, you too should have your family stay at Ann Arbor's newest hotel!


Upon walking into the lobby we knew we were someplace that we would like to come back to. The lobby was open yet quaint and inviting at the same time. The kids wanted to hang out to watch TV or sit at the dining bar. They even commented about reading a book in the nook next to registration.

I had to laugh though, because the first words out of my daughters mouth was, "Mom the lobby smells good." And it did. We called it the "new car smell" of hotels.


When we got to our room the kids were thrilled by the view and the modern, clean lines of everything. You would have thought they had never seen a bathroom before too as they were even excited about that.

I loved the room layout and how bright the room was. The Michigan decor was fun too. I would love to find out where the pillows came from!

The kids were not sure about sleeping on the pull out couch but in the end said they had a super comfortable night! My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed the King size bed, which is much bigger than ours at home. I always rate a hotel on the comfort of the bed and pillows and this one was perfect!

Since it was a quiet weekend (i.e. not a home football weekend) we seemed to be one of the few people in the hotel. I saw many people the next morning, so I know that we were not alone, but it was so quiet and enjoyable. When I took the kids to the pool, we had our own private swim time!

I especially appreciated not needing to leave the hotel for dining after swimming too. The food was good, and the staff was even better.


My daughter and I had to head out early the next morning but not before breakfast. I liked the variety of offerings and my daughter easily found something (or several somethings) that she liked too. My husband and son also commented about the free breakfast. There was a variety of cold and hot foods, juices and of course coffee.


In all, my family had an exceptional experience at the Hyatt Place Ann Arbor and have already recommended it to several friends. There are several times throughout the year when a group of neighbors chooses a local hotel to stay and swim at, and this one was recommended for our next staycation. Thank you Hyatt Place Ann Arbor!






October 19, 2017

October is National Pizza Month

To celebrate National Pizza Month, Cottage Inn Pizza sent my family two yummy pizza's. Doesn't it look good? It was! We love pizza, especially the kids, and while it was not on my current diet, I did indulge. Thank you Cottage Inn!








October 3, 2017

Fall Fun Fair and Wild West Fest

On Saturday, October 7th & 14th from 10:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. families can enjoy the Fall Fun Fair at Northfolk Farms and Outback. Experience ​a hayride to the Native American village, western games, horse and pony rides and an exciting exotic animal petting farm. Feed fish in the pond, ride the train eat donuts or try your hand at a sling shot shooting apples into an open field.

​No reservations are needed, payment can be made at the gate. The cost is ​$15.00/child and $4.00/adult but be sure to bring your quarters for the feed machines. With admission, kids will get a free pie pumpkin and decorations.

Free Event: Campfire Fun at the Leslie Science & Nature Center

I am planning on taking my children to this fun event, I mean who wouldn't want to? It's free, sounds fun AND is educational. It would make the perfect way for a family to end their weekend. One Sunday each month from 6:30-8:00 p.m., the Leslie Science & Nature Center is hosting a campfire /story session. You bring the chairs, blankets and roasting sticks (maybe some hot cocoa and fixings for s'mores too) and they'll provide the music, entertainment and marshmallows! 

The Fireside Fun program is FREE and designed for all ages, just come out, bring the necessities and enjoy the night. I'm planning on taking my Cub Scout den and my Daisy Troop too! The dates of this fantastic program are:



  • Sunday, October 15
  • Sunday, November 19