If you didn't make it out to the Champaign County fair last weekend, there are plenty more around the area this week. Champaign's continues through Saturday night, and several others are opening as well —  plus a Kiddie Tractor Pull at Arcola's Rockome Gardens!

School starts in a matter of weeks, and state health officials are reminding parents to make sure their children's immunizations are up to date.

More than 2 million schoolchildren head back to the classroom in August, which has been declared National Immunization Awareness Month.

Parenthood is full of enchanting “firsts” with your little one.

I still remember opening my son’s first birthday invitation with delight, shopping with him for just the right present for his friend, and taking a zillion pictures at the party.

He was not yet 1. I’m not even sure he realized what was happening.

It’s time for the annual Champaign County Fair —  but there’s plenty of indoor musical theater this weekend if you get too hot and sticky. You can even enjoy a parent date night!

Have you ever uttered these words to your kids (because I have): "Would you two leave each other alone?"

Necessary at times, as when games turn into wrestling matches.

But it's not the best way to get them to actually like each other, says Laurie Kramer, a University of Illinois professor of applied family studies.

It's another swingin' musical weekend in C-U, but we also found some low-cost family fun in Paxton, Rantoul, Tuscola and Westville. And you can start your Saturday off with a bike tour around Urbana.

Let's take a look:

Cha-Cha! "Outside at the Research Park," 6:15 p.m., UI Research Park, 1816 S. Oak St., C. Free.

Lots of family-pleasing music on tap this weekend, from Broadway tunes to blues to ukeleles, along with a little magic and plenty of vintage vehicles. Here are some highlights:

Champaign Music Festival: 6 to 11 p.m. Friday and noon to 11 p.m. Saturday, downtown Champaign. Free.

Last week’s weather was a dream in Champaign-Urbana: 70s and sunny, low humidity, San Diego-type weather.

Of course it was. I was back at work.

I had taken the previous week off, quite possibly the worst choice for a summer vacation, weather-wise, in my entire career.

It’s all about fireworks this weekend, of course, but many holiday celebrations include other family friendly activities — parades, 5K races, cookouts, pancake breakfasts, baseball, music and talent shows.