Ok, I first discovered Zumba at Gold's Gym when it was in marchwood. And I LOVED it. My husband asked if I would wear the funny pants, and I asked him how he knew about the pants? He was referring to the chef's pants popularized in the, what was it, the 90's?

Anyway, I admit, I bore easily. Sculpt classes find me watching the clock. But I really need to be active, it helps my mind as much as my body. And now that I have broached the mid life marker of forty (gasp), I saw that the slope to a larger pant size was getting slippery.

So after a fall of trying to save money and work out on my own (HA!), I did a search and realized that my favorite Zumba instructor has her own studio on 113 in Chester SPrings, pretty close to where I live.

Love 2 Be Fit

I dropped in for a class and the magic was back. It is the best workout I know of, and so much fun. I always get a feeling of complete acceptance and empowerment, even when I am flailing around, missing steps and just keeping up with a new routine. And the endorphins are absolutely the best. I came home, my husband went out, and I still rode cheerfully through two Kindergarten post holiday melt downs and settled everyone in enough for a reading of When We Were Six.

They have 6pm classes most weeknights, and are adding more morning classes as well. Seriously - it is worth a try. Here's to a fun and healthier 2011!!

Have you checked out the Tumblebooks page on the Chester County Library site? Interactive books and games for kids, free and easy!

This week we're heading up to Koziar's Christmas Village. I have never been, but five-year-olds love lights.

Last week we went to Hershey Park's Christmas Village - that was really nice, we caught a not-to-cold day... still, all kiddie rides are open, as well as the skylift and monorail where you can check out their wonderful light displays... and who can resist Santa's REAL reindeer?

Yesterday, my Mom and I took the kids up to NYC, my daughter checked out the American Girl Doll Store and then it was off to Top of the Rock, Lego land and lunch at Mars 2112... a space themed eatery on Broadway... however, be warned, the ambiance is Kindergarten fabulous but the food is pretty awful! We finally found the only Mac n' cheese my son refuses to eat.

It was tough being in New York, being a food lover, and having to dine on unpalettable overpriced fare, but my kids loved it, and it was their first trip to the big apple.

Parenting, right? I never knew I'd do the things I do!