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!
Emmy's Elf House
30 March 2026
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!
Recipe: Pesto Salmon
29 March 2026
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
28 March 2026
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.
Christmas Gifts: Homemade Vanilla
27 March 2026
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.
Trip to Chili's
26 March 2026
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.
Halloween Week 2025
25 March 2026
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 :)
Emmy's Broken Arm
24 March 2026
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.
Kate Turned EIGHT!
23 March 2026
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!
Fall Family Photos 2025
22 March 2026
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.
Fall Soccer 2025: Coach Daddy
21 March 2026
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!
Labor Day 2025
20 March 2026
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.
Back to School 2025
19 March 2026
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.
Lake with the Lar Family
18 March 2026
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.
Haley's Wedding @ Mount Magazine
17 March 2026
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.
Let Freedom RING!! July 4th
16 March 2026
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.
Susan + Bailey's Wedding
15 March 2026
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!
Trip to Nashville + the Opry!
14 March 2026
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!
Skin Cancer, Round 2
13 March 2026
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!
Last Day in Our Favorite City! NYC Day Five.
12 March 2026
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!
AG Dolls are Lyfe. NYC Day Four!
11 March 2026
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!!
Lady Liberty. NYC Day Three.
10 March 2026
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.
No One Mourns the Wicked! NYC Day Two.
09 March 2026
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 :)
Johnston Girls Take New York! Day One.
08 March 2026
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.
Fried artichokes
07 March 2026
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!
My Craft Room
06 March 2026
Want to know what song plays in my head when I see this room OR pictures of this room? Isn't she looovely! Isn't she wonderful? She is. She is all things happiness and I love spending time in this fun room. I HAVE to go back to the very beginning on this one too. Cause it's really gotten very beautiful over the years. And I think taking the time to make it happier really makes me want to spend more time being creative in here.
Mexican Green Bean Salad
05 March 2026
I don't think it's a secret that we love Mexican food around here. We also love Rick Bayless recipes! This one was a homerun and a fun side that was also kind of unexpected. It was super easy and extra delish! Enjoy!
Art cart
04 March 2026
I'm about two years behind on this one. I did a terrible job of documenting this adorable little Easter gift for the girls.. from two years ago. I had almost more fun putting it together than they have playing with all the things it contains. And the best part is, you can put whatever on it. And when you restock, you can add new and different things! The girls are constantly moving everything around!
Stairs
03 March 2026
Are you ready for a fun one?! Cause this project was fun and actually pretty quick and the upgrade is out of this world! I've been wanting to do this since we moved in. The movers really beat up our stairs and they are just kind of steep and slick. I could never decide what I wanted. Had decided to hire it out because I was a little overwhelmed and then one day I saw this runner and thought, this is it. Brian gave me a huge confident boost and two seconds later I'm borrowing an air compressor and staple gun and BAM... she's done!
Emily’s 6th Birthday Party!
02 March 2026
Emmy had the best birthday party to celebrate turning SIX! We actually had it the weekend before her birthday and she had a blast. I never saw her. She was too busy running around with all her buddies and having the very best time.
Emmy’s birthday + last day of school
01 March 2026
My sweetie turned SIX! Last year... but still have to document! Her birthday fell on the last day of school, which no one actually stays at school on the last day so I think she had the very best day. I took off, went to both girls promotion ceremonies and then we spent the day together. And I'm going to blog this one in reverse because for some reason I can't get my pictures to load in order :)
