If you moved into your new construction dream home during the spring or summer and have school-aged children, odds are that they are a bit nervous about starting at their new school.  A positive attitude and some organization will help the transition go more smoothly.  Here are six steps to help your children adjust to their new school.

1. Punch up your positive attitude. Kids have wild imaginations which can sometimes cause them to focus on everything that could go wrong.  Starting at a new school can cause anxiety for children, however by reinforcing that other kids have the same feelings, hopes and expectations, you can help them feel more comfortable.  Focus on the fact that they will soon meet many new friends and learn lots of new things to help minimize their fears.

Before the kids return to school, pack in family fun this Labor Day weekend!  Here are our top five picks for Labor Day events in Southeast Michigan.

1. Saline Community Fair is a week-long event on the Washtenaw Farm Council Grounds that kicks off on Monday, Aug. 29th and runs through Labor Day.  This year’s theme is, ‘Proud of the Past, Poised for the Future,’ which means you and your family can enjoy traditional fair events like the car and tractor show; live animals on display and draft horse pulling as well as new activities like the Healthy Kids Fair and Ice Cream with a Hero.  View a schedule of events.  On Thursday, Sept. 1st, military and law enforcement members receive discounts on admission, and women and seniors receive a discount on Friday.

​What are some of your favorite memories of celebrating July 4th while growing up?  Most likely, they include family, friends fireworks, fun, festivals and food!  You still have time to plan the perfect patriotic way to celebrate Independence Day.  In the spirit of celebrating our great nation’s birthday, here is your Southeast Michigan Independence Day Celebration calendar.

June 29   Start the celebration early by heading to the annual Hudson Mills Metropark Fireworks from 7 until 11 pm on Weds., June 29th.  The entire family will enjoy beats and eats as a DJ will be spinning tunes before and after the pyrotechnic display.  The cost is only $10 per vehicle before 5 pm and $15 after 5 pm.  The park is located at 8801 N. Territorial Road in Dexter.

At Echelon Homes, we know how important it is to plan ahead.  If you haven’t already mapped out a family summer vacation, now is the time.  Here are the top five places to visit in Michigan this summer.

1. Climb the big dune at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park. The Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore was named the “Most Beautiful Place in America” on ABC’s Good Morning America for many reasons.  Visitors have named the Dune Climb, Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive and the Glen Haven Maritime Museum and Life Saving station, as their favorites.  If you enjoy hiking or biking, the views will take your breath away as you traverse dozens of trails.  The communities surrounding Sleeping Bear Dunes offer unique shops, galleries, food, music and wine, and plenty of places to stay while you visit the dunes.

Here are our top five family activity recommendations so you can have fun without freezing in Southeast Michigan.

1. Check out some hot wheels.
Automotive enthusiasts look forward to two winter events all year long—the amazing North American International Auto Show and AutoRama. Start your engines and head to the Auto Show which is going on now at Cobo Center in downtown Detroit until Jan. 24th. Classic car, truck and motorcycle lovers must mark their calendars for AutoRama which roars into Cobo Hall from Feb. 26th through Feb. 28th. This quintessential hot-rod show features custom vehicles that will wow the entire family.

Thanksgiving is a time to share appreciation and amazing meals with our loved ones –without having to wrap umpteen gifts and worry about decorating deadlines.

Here are seven activities to enjoy this Thanksgiving:

1. Indian Discovery– On Saturday, Nov. 21st, travel back in time at Indian Discovery at Indian Springs Metropark. Learn what life was like for Native Americans by learning to use a pump drill, how to start a fire, build shelter and make a simple noisemaker. The event begins at 10 am. There are entry fees of $6 per person and $7 per vehicle.

For many Michiganders, fall is the most beautiful season of all. Make memories your family will never forget by attending some of the best events around—for all ages and every budget!  Here are our top four picks:

Hayrides and Pumpkin Picking at The Petting Farm at Domino’s Farms Office Park
Join in on fall fun for the entire family without any fear or fright at the Domino’s petting farm in Ann Arbor. Enjoy daily hayrides which depart hourly starting at 11 am through 3 pm. Pick a pumpkin, take a hayride and visit the animals including a new baby calf. You can also ride a pony and check out the new indoor bee hive sold to the Petting Farm from the Ann Arbor Children’s museum. There will be even more activities offered on Halloween—Family Fun Day, from 10 am until 4 pm.