BVT: Library

Can't believe I'm finally making this post. This is one of the very first projects we started when we moved in. We knew when we made the offer on our five-bedroom home that one would ultimately be a library. Two things we really wanted-- a library for Brian and a craft room for me. Done and DONE! This was so much fun and seriously still is. Even since I took the pictures things have changed. I'm constantly changing up art and adding new things on the walls. 

Keep reading..... »

Spring Break: Petit Jean to NWA

Day two of Spring Break and we woke up at Petit Jean, had breakfast at the lodge, and then hit a couple more trails. It was coolish in the morning so we took advantage of it! The girls (and ME!) liked the pace of these trails much more :) 

Keep reading..... »

Spring Break @ Petit Jean, Day One

We made a quick trip to Petit Jean during spring break and it's safe to say that everyone loved it! We planned on hitting up Devil's Den but they were all booked up by the time we decided. Last spring break, we did a night at Village Creek in a cabin and the girls loved it! Then in the summer we stayed at the lodge at Mount Magazine and it was another hit! So we're trying to make some stops at State Parks since the girls are so into it. 

Keep reading..... »

It's a Bugz Life!

Emmy did the cutest performance at school this spring. She's seriously been practicing since Kate did the same performance last year. Kate was a butterfly but Emmy was confident she would be a ladybug. And you should have seen her face when she found out she was picked to be a lady! 

Keep reading..... »

Cocktail: Gin Erye

This is my absolute favorite cocktail-- it started as a gimlet. Then one day I added some grand Marnier and Brian suggested a shake of orange bitters and seriously, it's perfect. Going to try to recap the proportions below. 

Keep reading..... »

Emmy's Spring Workday

Got my sweet little helper with me. Toting her perfect for the occasion, stanley wagon! She loves working outside and helping mom with plants. I think Kate was at a sleepover so we got some quality mom and Emmy time. 

Keep reading..... »

DIY Sweatshirts, Volume 2

I've made these before but the girls grew out of them so I tried again! I found the sweatshirts at Hobby Lobby, ordered these iron on letters from Etsy, ironed on and BAM! They have such a cute and special little sweatshirt. Try it! 

 

Valentine's Day 2026

Always love to celebrate Valentine's Day around here! The girls love it so much and I think it's so sweet how they act like it's a real holiday :) Also love a good excuse for them to wear all pink, bows and hearts. They look precious! 

Keep reading..... »

Mardi Gras 2026!

Happy Mardi Party!! We did very little fat Tuesday, Mardi Gras related things this year so the pancake breakfast at church had to be our big event. The girls do love this, unlimited pancakes and sausage.. what's better?!

Keep reading..... »

100th Day of School

Happy 100th day of school from the cutest little grannies around! Kate went more for headed to the club to play bridge, and Emmy is just in her PJs and a robe I guess? The glasses were their favs and Emmy wore hers the entire day WITH the lenses in. We had to pop them out when she got home and still wears these on occasion. 

Keep reading..... »

Rainbow Tigers 2026

We're back! Year two of the rainbow tigers! And it was so much fun again. Sad we missed some games to snow and had no makeups. These girls are so fun to watch and to witness how much they have grown as players. Sad that Kate will age out of this team next year! 

Keep reading..... »

Trip to Asheville

We took at trip to Asheville at the end of January to attend my cousins wedding. It snowed leading up to us flying out. We kept thinking it would melt. It didn't. We had to have my brother-in-law come pick us up and take us to the airport to get out of town. But we made it! And had zero travel issues the entire way there. 

Keep reading..... »

NYE 2025

Breezed right over NYE and on to snow days in January. I'm so out of order. But I'm also so very close to catching up on this blog! I'm afraid to make another list after the one that had me at 60 posts behind. Eek! Anyway, we're here to talk about New Year's Eve! And we celebrated with the Lars again, our favorite! 

Keep reading..... »

DIY Broach Momento

This was really fun and special to make. We added some bookshelves to our living room back in January and I've been working on styling just the way I like. I ran across this broach that my mom gave me after my mamaw passed. I remember wondering what I would do with it. When I found it, somehow the perfect idea popped in my head. 

Keep reading..... »

Snow Days 2026

I feel like the last few years that we've pretty consistently received a large snow event each winter. It's actually a whole lot more fun now that we live on a street where the kids can play and we can happy hour with friends we call neighbors. We also have friends and family who know how to drive so we feel a little less stranded. Now don't talk to me if we lose power, I'll be singing a different tune. 

Keep reading..... »

Christmas in El Dorado 2025

We left the day after Christmas to go to El Dorado to celebrate with the Hale family. Love this sweet little picture of the cousin girls in their matching little dresses. They are so precious!!

Keep reading..... »

Christmas Day 2025

Another red letter day! The most exciting day of the year for these little sisters. They love Christmas so much and I love watching their joy and excitement as they rip open each package! 

Keep reading..... »

Christmas Eve 2025

Christmas Eve has always been one of my favorites! The last two years we've hosted and the Hall and Holland Families have joined us for dinner, dirty santa, and kid gifts! It's so much fun and I really love this tradition we've started. 

Keep reading..... »

Christmas in NWA

We made a quick trip up to NWA before Christmas to celebrate with Brian's family! Lots of fun with these sweet group of cousins! 

Keep reading..... »

Kate Does the Orthodontist

She is so excited for her expander and then braces.. I never knew a kid could be this excited! We found out at a dentist appt a few months back that Kate has a tooth coming in but not enough room for it. So they sent us to the orthodontist and then thing I know, Kate has an expander and we're turning that guy every single night. 

Keep reading..... »

Rice Christmas Tree

I love this one so much! I don't usually post about work but I was so darn proud of this Christmas tree we made for the annual food drive. This year we took up money collections for people who didn't want to shop and we raised enough to buy a whole pallet full of big 50lb rice bags from Sam's Club. Which, if you didn't know, is Arkansas rice! And then we made it into a lovely Christmas tree with lights and little rice gifts beneath. Cutest little guy ever!! XOXO

 

Capitol Lighting 2025

One of our favorite things!! The holiday lighting at the capitol. We missed last year but went to Brian's office this year and we able to watch from the side view. It wasn't AS good but we had plenty of good company and delish hot cocoa from daddy's office. The girls always love it! We snapped this picture of them behind Justice Wood's desk to send her :) 

Keep reading..... »

Ras al Hanout

We loved this! Have already made it three times. It's extra good with crispy bread. We have made it twice when I have homemade bread and it's wonderful. We've also paired it with rice but prefer the bread. It's super easy, lots of protein and delish! Try it!! 

Keep reading..... »

Thanksgiving in El Dorado 2025

Doing all these Christmas posts and I forgot we haven't even covered Thanksgiving. Poor Thanksgiving just gets passed over and forgotten. But this past year we spent Thanksgiving in El Dorado. We ate Thanksgiving food and then did plenty of Christmas things! 

Keep reading..... »

Christmas Tree Shopping!

We always love this day of the year!! Christmas tree shopping!! We love our little Christmas tree farm in the city and always hit it up the day it opens. I love when we shop in short sleeves!! 

Keep reading..... »

Santa Visit + Wicked?

We missed Holidays in the Heights this year so we took a little trip out to Pleasant Valley when their Santa came for a visit. There weren't nearly as many fun things to do but they did have Glinda and Elphaba on hand! They even sang!

Keep reading..... »

Emmy's Elf House

This little elf house makes me laugh just thinking about it. I don't exactly know how it started. Emily got a box one day and started cutting up things and taping things and next thing we know, Brian was having to help her construct this thing and he was her very best friend for helping! 

Keep reading..... »

Recipe: Pesto Salmon

There are not many things I love more than a fresh pesto! It's so delish. I made this quick and easy pesto salmon, orzo cooked in chicken broth and roasted asparagus and it was delightful! I cooked the salmon in the air fryer with PESTO on top, added some fresh pesto on top after it cooked with a sprinkle of parm. XOXO. 

 

Hello Holiday Season! Elf at the Robinson

We're officially entering holiday season!! Thought we would never get here. I have so many holiday posts. We're going to start with Elf at the Robinson. This year we bought season passes for the family to attend all the shows at the Robinson. I'm so glad we did.  It's been so fun!! We started with one that Brian and I went to and took some friends-- I don't even remember what it was called. I didn't care for it and fell asleep. Then Mrs. Doubtfire, which the girls LOVED! And now Elf. 

Keep reading..... »

Christmas Gifts: Homemade Vanilla

I was gifted one of these little vanilla's a few years ago and I've said ever since that I was going to make them. And finally this year, I did! I love that it's the gift that keeps giving. Once you run out, refill with vodka and keep going. I'm still using the original one gifted to me. 

Keep reading..... »

Trip to Chili's

There is absolutely no reason for this post except that our kids love chili and when they found out there is a place to eat called Chili's they have wanted to go for a very long time. We've told them over and over again that they don't actually serve chili but they were still dead set on going. So we finally did one weekend. We got to NWA early and were going to see my grandma so we stopped in Fayetteville and grabbed lunch at Chili's. They loved it! And it actually wasn't terrible. Who doesn't love that triple combo app they have?! And the cheese dip?! It's an institution. :) Also, peep the glasses. Pet vet still in full force. 

Keep reading..... »

Halloween Week 2025

I did a really terrible job of documenting Halloween this year. I took a few pictures during the week so I guess that will have to work. The girls always have spirit week at school so we don't have to come up with one costume but FIVE! Fun :) 

Keep reading..... »

Emmy's Broken Arm

My little baby broke her arm! She's been on this "upset stomach" kick at school so when I saw the nurse call at 9ish, I thought.. you've got to be kidding me, already?! Luckily I answered and I heard the panic in Nurse Pam's voice. She's so precious. She apologized for calling then said I think you need to head this way, sweet Emmy fell off the monkey bars and she might need x-rays. 

Keep reading..... »

Kate Turned EIGHT!

My baby turned EIGHT!! She's all things sweet and precious and we love her to pieces! I actually had to be out of town for work on her birthday so Brian brought the girls up to Rogers the day before her birthday so we could spend some time together. It also was nice to have him tag along with me some and the girls got plenty of time with family! 

Keep reading..... »

Fall Family Photos 2025

Having flashbacks to when Emily refused to take photos like three years ago. I was so mad at the time but now I look back at this sweet picture of her sucking her thumb and holding baby billy.. it's probably one of my favorite photos of all time. This time she was just plain difficult. I hope I look back on these with fond memories.. someday. 

Keep reading..... »

Fall Soccer 2025: Coach Daddy

Fall soccer was so fun!!! We were UNDEFEATED!!! After son long of losing, we killed it! These girls had fun, Brian was a fantastic coach, and we loved spending so much time with so many friends!

Keep reading..... »

Labor Day 2025

Labor Day is always so fun! It's the end of the summer and time that I completely shift to September events-- birthday, anniversary and all things fall! We start making pumpkin bread and lighting leaves candles. I love it! I especially love that last September lake trip. It's a little cooler (most times) and sunset cruises and so perfect. 

Keep reading..... »

Back to School 2025

And here we are. Is the summer fun already over? I feel like we reallky maximized the summer. Between all the daddy daycare fun, VBSs, trips to the lake, New York City, weddings, weekend trips, etc.. we did so much! But I think everyone was looking foward to a schedule and a little routine. Ok, maybe not the girls. 

Keep reading..... »

Lake with the Lar Family

Continuing the summer fun-- a weekend at the lake with the Lar Family! I really loved our two weekends last summer with these guys. We always have such a fun time and the kids do too. Love playing marbles with them and then over NYE, we taught them Mahjong. Friends who play together, stay together. 

Keep reading..... »

Haley's Wedding @ Mount Magazine

Another wedding!! These girls are living their best summer lives. This time we got to travel to Mount Magazine and stay at the lodge. It was so fun! And we enjoyed being there for Haley's big day. 

Keep reading..... »

Let Freedom RING!! July 4th

I made a reel from the 4th and it's to "Holiday" by Madonna and now every time I look at these pictures, I only sing it in my head. Love my little lake girls! Alex and I actually had the same lake hat so the girls took hers and mine and matched :) cuties. 

Keep reading..... »

Susan + Bailey's Wedding

Who loves weddings?! These kids right here! They had the absolute best time this past summer during our neighbors wedding. Mr. Scott and Mrs. Shelly were so sweet to include us in their daughter Susan's wedding. The girls danced so much and kept the little photo booth in service! We have so many fun print-out memories from this party!

Keep reading..... »

Trip to Nashville + the Opry!

Last June I had to go to Nashville for work and Brian tagged along to do some things on his own. He wanted to try some good food and check out some bookstores. He was also able to join me for a few work things. See above-- the Opry! I don't know if he was looking forward to it or not but I think he actually ended up enjoying it!

Keep reading..... »

Skin Cancer, Round 2

Know what sucks? Skin cancer. What sucks even worse? When it's on a spot as visible as your nose and you have to have it cut open not one... but twice!! And this is coming from someone who (I thought) has been pretty sun safe. And this is my second time. Lessons learned? Skin cancer spots don't always look like what they tell you they look like! 

Keep reading..... »

Last Day in Our Favorite City! NYC Day Five.

Welcome to the last day in the city we love so much! We started today much like yesterday, we hit Central Park first thing! Trying to make the most of the last day we have here! 

Keep reading..... »

AG Dolls are Lyfe. NYC Day Four!

Welcome to the day that Emmy has been waiting on for like ever... the day we finally went to the American Girl store. And I can't believe how massive and insane it really was. I didn't think we were going to make it out of there. And that Emily would ever even decide on what to get. It was fun and stressful at the same time! Core memory!!

Keep reading..... »

Lady Liberty. NYC Day Three.

Up early again! This family doesn't sleep in. Not even on vacation guys. Up early, in bed early is how we roll. But this morning we were up for a really good reason. Breakfast at one of Brian and my favorite spots. A new staple we have to hit every single time. So trip number three to Balthazar. 

Keep reading..... »

No One Mourns the Wicked! NYC Day Two.

We were up early on day two and ready to explore! I actually have a video on Emmy jumping on me in bed talking about going to Central Park. Brian actually ventured out early to grab us coffee and breakfast in bed. This is one of my fav things he does when we travel. He brings me lattes and breakfast while I sleep in. Not as easy with kiddos but I can still lay in bed. Ahhh :) 

Keep reading..... »

Johnston Girls Take New York! Day One.

I can't believe I haven't written this post yet. Brian keeps telling me I have to prioritize it before I forget everything but I don't know that I could ever forget this lovely little trip! We were actually kind of terrified to take with the kids. I figured it would either be the best trip ever or the very worst. And it was quite honestly, so much fun and I can't wait for the next one. These girls had a blast and Brian and I got to hit everything we wanted to do as well. 

Keep reading..... »

Fried artichokes

This family LOVES fried artichokes. The Faded Rose has the best ones in town and that dip.. delish! When we made this CHICKEN FRANCESE, we drooled over the artichokes. SO now we just make the fried artichokes part and they are really, really wonderful. Need to figure out my own dippy now! 

Keep reading..... »