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Home » Family Life

Family Life

Brian in hospital gown before colonoscopy

Snowboarding Saved Me from Cancer!!!

March 12, 2019 //  by Brian Johnson

Snowboarding saved me from cancer... not as in it cured me or anything like that... but a crash while snowboarding saved me nonetheless. I've …

Snowboarding Saved Me from Cancer!!!Read More

Category: Family LifeTag: brian, health updates, snowboarding

Brian, Zoë and Kaylee snowboarding together

How a Dad Communicates with His Daughters Affects Them Forever

February 28, 2019 //  by Brian Johnson

I think how a dad communicates with his daughters is so super important to get right because it literally affects his little girls for the rest of …

How a Dad Communicates with His Daughters Affects Them ForeverRead More

Category: Family LifeTag: life with kids

Zoë and Kaylee snowboarding in full gear

10 Rules for My Girls – A Dad’s Point of View

January 4, 2019 //  by Brian Johnson

There's nothing better in the world than being "Daddy" to my 2 little girls. It's hands down the best thing I've ever done with my life. I've said …

10 Rules for My Girls – A Dad’s Point of ViewRead More

Category: Family LifeTag: kaylee, life with kids, zoe

Zoë and Kaylee in front of the red Toyota RAV4 we reviewed

Toyota RAV4 Adventure All Wheel Drive AWD Review

August 21, 2018 //  by Brian Johnson

We reviewed the brand new 2018 Toyota RAV4 Adventure All Wheel Drive and what a rad little SUV it is. The RAV4 Adventure Looks The first thing that …

Toyota RAV4 Adventure All Wheel Drive AWD ReviewRead More

Category: Family LifeTag: car reviews

Zoë and Kaylee sitting on a quilt under a tree at the park

2017 Back to School Photo Shoot

August 23, 2017 //  by Chrystal Johnson

I'm trying to come to grips with the fact that summer is almost over. We're finally done moving stuff from the old house to the new house. So we'll be …

2017 Back to School Photo ShootRead More

Category: Family LifeTag: homeschool, kaylee, zoe

Zoë standing with her hands on her hips under a tree

Modeling for Little Skye Children’s Clothing Boutique

December 1, 2015 //  by Chrystal Johnson

This was a sponsored post we did for Little Skye Children's Clothing Boutique that was originally published on Happy Mothering. Since this was a …

Modeling for Little Skye Children’s Clothing BoutiqueRead More

Category: Family LifeTag: kaylee, zoe

Collage of family friendly activities in Las Vegas

How to Plan a Las Vegas Family Vacation with Kids

August 11, 2015 //  by Brian Johnson

Are you planning a Las Vegas family vacation? There are so many things to do in Las Vegas with Kids. Read about Vegas hotels, restaurants and …

How to Plan a Las Vegas Family Vacation with KidsRead More

Category: Family LifeTag: las vegas, travel

Zoë climbing on the rainbow bars at the park

Stride Rite Made 2 Play Shoes are Perfect for Active Kids

July 11, 2015 //  by Chrystal Johnson

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Stride Rite that was originally published on Happy Mothering. Zoë loved modeling for photos when …

Stride Rite Made 2 Play Shoes are Perfect for Active KidsRead More

Category: Family LifeTag: zoe

Zoë and Kaylee in a cave at the San Diego Natural History Museum

Appreciating My Family for Its Unique Qualities + Quirks

May 17, 2015 //  by Chrystal Johnson

All families have their own unique qualities and quirks that define who they are. My family is no different. I grew up in a family where there was …

Appreciating My Family for Its Unique Qualities + QuirksRead More

Category: Family LifeTag: kaylee, life with kids, zoe

Front of the Mazda5 on a mountain road

2015 Mazda5 Review: An Affordable Minivan for Families

May 16, 2015 //  by Chrystal Johnson

Do you know how long it's been since Brian and I had the opportunity to spend a weekend away from home without the girls? Well, I think it was …

2015 Mazda5 Review: An Affordable Minivan for FamiliesRead More

Category: Family LifeTag: car reviews

Baby Zoë with sour cream all over her face

Appreciating the Beautiful Mess of Parenting

March 12, 2015 //  by Chrystal Johnson

Parenting is the greatest thing I've ever done in my life, but that doesn't mean it's not a mess... a very beautiful mess.  We all have our ups …

Appreciating the Beautiful Mess of ParentingRead More

Category: Family LifeTag: life with kids

Kaylee modeling her dress in front of a tree

Kaylee Models Her Janelle Funari Handmade Christmas Dress

November 3, 2014 //  by Chrystal Johnson

My two daughters are very different in how they like dress. Zoë is very much more casual in her style like I am. Kaylee, on the other hand, is a girly …

Kaylee Models Her Janelle Funari Handmade Christmas DressRead More

Category: Family LifeTag: kaylee

Kaylee holding first day of pre-school sign

Kaylee’s First Day of Pre-School

October 18, 2014 //  by Chrystal Johnson

I have gone back and forth on whether to send Kaylee to pre-school for a while. After we sent Zoë to Kindergarten last year, Kaylee started …

Kaylee’s First Day of Pre-SchoolRead More

Category: Family LifeTag: kaylee

Zoë and Kaylee trying on princess costumes

5 Tips for Acting Like a Real Life Princess

October 14, 2014 //  by Chrystal Johnson

This is a sponsored post we did for Disney on Happy Mothering several years ago. The girls were so cute in it, I just couldn't part with it, so I …

5 Tips for Acting Like a Real Life PrincessRead More

Category: Family LifeTag: halloween, kaylee, life with kids, zoe

Chrystal and Zoë at the Kindergarten Mother's Day Tea

My Beautiful Girl Graduated Kindergarten!

June 25, 2014 //  by Chrystal Johnson

This time last year, we were debating whether we should homeschool, or send Zoë to the small, private school in town for Kindergarten. After a lot of …

My Beautiful Girl Graduated Kindergarten!Read More

Category: Family LifeTag: homeschool, zoe

Happy 6th Birthday Zoë!

May 9, 2014 //  by Chrystal Johnson

It's hard to believe this sweet baby... Is now a beautiful little girl... I love you Zoë! Happy Birthday! …

Happy 6th Birthday Zoë!Read More

Category: Family LifeTag: birthdays, zoe

Curious George with Zoe's Cataraca invention

Zoë’s Invention Convention

March 22, 2014 //  by Chrystal Johnson

It's Science Fair at schools across the country. Since Zoë is in Kindergarten this year, I wasn't expecting her to have to create a Science Fair …

Zoë’s Invention ConventionRead More

Category: Family LifeTag: zoe

Kaylee blowing out her candles on her 4th birthday

Kaylee’s 4th Birthday Party

February 24, 2014 //  by Chrystal Johnson

My baby turned 4 on Valentine's Day - I can hardly believe it! There has been a lot of illness going around town, so we had a small party with a few …

Kaylee’s 4th Birthday PartyRead More

Category: Family LifeTag: birthdays, kaylee

Chrystal holding Kaylee the day she was born

Happy 4th Birthday to My Sweet Kaylee Monkey!

February 14, 2014 //  by Chrystal Johnson

Four years ago today, I was in the hospital in Uruguay, holding my brand new sweet girl Kaylee, and missing my little Zoë who was staying with some of …

Happy 4th Birthday to My Sweet Kaylee Monkey!Read More

Category: Family LifeTag: birthdays, kaylee

Zoë and Kaylee sitting on the brown couch making goofy faces for the camera

My Life Could Be a Show About Kids and Bathroom Adventures

November 16, 2013 //  by Chrystal Johnson

I never knew what comedy was before having kids. Seriously, every day in our home is full of laughs and giggles. Not only because we have fun …

My Life Could Be a Show About Kids and Bathroom AdventuresRead More

Category: Family LifeTag: kaylee, life with kids, zoe

Kaylee sleeping on my chest

Why Co-Sleeping was the Best Sleep Training Method for Us

July 15, 2013 //  by Chrystal Johnson

I sit here, late at night after the girls are sound asleep, writing this post. After 5+ years of co-sleeping, I believe that phase of our lives has …

Why Co-Sleeping was the Best Sleep Training Method for UsRead More

Category: Family LifeTag: kaylee, life with kids, zoe

Zoë sleeping on Chrystal's chest

And Then There Were Three…

May 20, 2013 //  by Chrystal Johnson

See that sweet baby sleeping on my chest? That's Zoë as a newborn. My sweet little 10 lb. 1 oz. baby girl. I can't believe that picture was taken 5 …

And Then There Were Three…Read More

Category: Family LifeTag: life with kids, zoe

Chrystal holding baby Zoe in hospital bed

Happy 5th Birthday Zoë!

May 9, 2013 //  by Chrystal Johnson

I can't believe my baby is 5 today! Seriously, where does the time go? I can't believe it was 5 years ago today that she came into our lives and …

Happy 5th Birthday Zoë!Read More

Category: Family LifeTag: birthdays, zoe

Zoë and Kaylee snuggling on the couch

20 Wishes For My Daughters

April 3, 2013 //  by Chrystal Johnson

My wishes, hopes and dreams for Zoë and Kaylee are simple – or at least I think they are simple. I know simple and easy aren’t the same thing… …

20 Wishes For My DaughtersRead More

Category: Family LifeTag: kaylee, life with kids, zoe

Chrystal holding Kaylee the day she was born

Happy 3rd Birthday Kaylee!

February 14, 2013 //  by Chrystal Johnson

It is hard to believe that my sweet girl Kaylee was born exactly 3 years ago today! Valentine's Day took on a whole new meaning when it became her …

Happy 3rd Birthday Kaylee!Read More

Category: Family LifeTag: birthdays, kaylee

Zoe holding Brian in an arm bar with Kaylee playing along

Wordless Wednesday: Daddy’s Tough Girls

January 9, 2013 //  by Chrystal Johnson

…

Wordless Wednesday: Daddy’s Tough GirlsRead More

Category: Family LifeTag: kaylee, self defense, zoe

Zoë and Kaylee with their cousins visiting Santa

Merry Christmas!

December 25, 2012 //  by Chrystal Johnson

I want to wish all of my readers a very Merry Christmas and a safe and Happy New Year! It has been a wonderful year, and I'm so grateful each and …

Merry Christmas!Read More

Category: Family LifeTag: christmas, kaylee, life with kids, zoe

Zoë and Kaylee bundled up for the snow in 2012

First Real Snow of 2012

December 14, 2012 //  by Chrystal Johnson

Yesterday we had our first real snow of 2012. There was only a light dusting on the ground when I woke up, but it started snowing heavily very shortly …

First Real Snow of 2012Read More

Category: Family LifeTag: kaylee, zoe

Zoe and Kaylee on Halloween

Halloween Pictures

November 10, 2012 //  by Chrystal Johnson

This year, we had the best Halloween we've had as a family so far. The girls had 3 opportunities to dress up and they loved every one! Even though …

Halloween PicturesRead More

Category: Family LifeTag: halloween, kaylee, zoe

Hydroponic spinach and kale

Watch our Hydroponic Garden Grow!

October 17, 2012 //  by Chrystal Johnson

Sprouts are Coming Up September 12, 2012 3 weeks later - the growth exploded! October 17, 2012 …

Watch our Hydroponic Garden Grow!Read More

Category: Family LifeTag: gardening

Zoe, Kaylee and Mimi throwing paper airplanes

Wordless Wednesday: Paper Airplane Fun

August 15, 2012 //  by Chrystal Johnson

…

Wordless Wednesday: Paper Airplane FunRead More

Category: Family LifeTag: kaylee, mimi, zoe

Zoë and Kaylee snuggling on the couch

Implementing a Quiet Time Routine

August 6, 2012 //  by Chrystal Johnson

I have never been one for scheduling nap time. I have worked very hard to teach the girls to listen to their bodies and develop a natural rhythm. It …

Implementing a Quiet Time RoutineRead More

Category: Family LifeTag: kaylee, life with kids, zoe

Zoe with Kaylee and her first pigtails

Wordless Wednesday: Kaylee’s First Piggy Tails

July 18, 2012 //  by Chrystal Johnson

…

Wordless Wednesday: Kaylee’s First Piggy TailsRead More

Category: Family LifeTag: kaylee, zoe

Zoe and Kaylee with a giant dandelion

Wordless Wednesday: Discovering Giant Dandelions

July 4, 2012 //  by Chrystal Johnson

…

Wordless Wednesday: Discovering Giant DandelionsRead More

Category: Family LifeTag: kaylee, nature, zoe

The girls working on their milk carton bird house

Having a Blast with LeapFrog Summer Camp

June 12, 2012 //  by Chrystal Johnson

I wasn’t really sure what to expect with the LeapFrog Summer Camp, but most of the daily activities have been well-suited to Zoë’s interests. There …

Having a Blast with LeapFrog Summer CampRead More

Category: Family LifeTag: crafts, kaylee, summer, zoe

Zoë and Kaylee sleeping on the couch after a nap

Today Has Been One of THOSE Days!

May 22, 2012 //  by Chrystal Johnson

I love being a Mom. I love my girls like I've never loved anything before, but today has really been one of those days. You know, the days where you …

Today Has Been One of THOSE Days!Read More

Category: Family LifeTag: kaylee, life with kids, zoe

Chrystal holding baby Zoe in hospital bed

Wordless Wednesday: Happy 4th Birthday Zoë!

May 9, 2012 //  by Chrystal Johnson

…

Wordless Wednesday: Happy 4th Birthday Zoë!Read More

Category: Family LifeTag: birthdays, zoe

Zoë and Kaylee sleeping on the couch after a nap

Rub-A-Dub-Dub, Three Girls In The Tub

April 10, 2012 //  by Chrystal Johnson

Since becoming a mom, there is nothing I miss more than taking a long, hot shower – by myself. Or even a warm, relaxing bath to soak in some relaxing …

Rub-A-Dub-Dub, Three Girls In The TubRead More

Category: Family LifeTag: kaylee, life with kids, zoe

Chrystal and Zoë with roses

Happy Mother’s Day to My Beautiful Wife Chrystal Johnson

March 13, 2012 //  by Brian Johnson

Good Morning Everyone and Happy Mother's Day to all of you wonderful mothers out there... to the not so wonderful mothers, well, you're probably not …

Happy Mother’s Day to My Beautiful Wife Chrystal JohnsonRead More

Category: Family LifeTag: chrystal, mother's day

Chrystal holding Kaylee the day she was born

Happy 2nd Birthday Kaylee!

February 14, 2012 //  by Chrystal Johnson

I can't believe that Kaylee is 2-years old today! She is my perfect little Valentine's Day gift. It's hard to believe that 2 years ago, we were in …

Happy 2nd Birthday Kaylee!Read More

Category: Family LifeTag: birthdays, kaylee

Chrystal with the girls, Santa and Mrs. Claus

Zoë and Kaylee Meet Santa for the First Time

December 19, 2011 //  by Chrystal Johnson

I know there is a huge debate in the natural parenting community about Santa. Most natural parenting families don't "do" Santa. It was something Brian …

Zoë and Kaylee Meet Santa for the First TimeRead More

Category: Family LifeTag: christmas, kaylee, video, zoe

Our Christmas tree decorated only on the top half

You Might Have a Toddler In Your House If…

December 15, 2011 //  by Chrystal Johnson

Your Christmas Tree is only decorated on the top half! …

You Might Have a Toddler In Your House If…Read More

Category: Family LifeTag: christmas, life with kids

Zoë and Kaylee playing in pop up hamper

Laser Pointers Aren’t Just for Pets!

October 25, 2011 //  by Chrystal Johnson

A few weeks ago, I bought Brian a laser pointer, and the other night he was playing with Kaylee and pulled it out of his pocket. I had no idea how …

Laser Pointers Aren’t Just for Pets!Read More

Category: Family LifeTag: kaylee, life with kids, video

Kaylee smiling at Tinkerbell on the computer screen

Kaylee Discovers Tinkerbell on Video

October 3, 2011 //  by Chrystal Johnson

This video Brian took of him playing with Kaylee last night was just too cute not to share. At 19.5 months, her vocabulary is exploding. She says so …

Kaylee Discovers Tinkerbell on VideoRead More

Category: Family LifeTag: kaylee, video

Raccoons under the porch

We Have Raccoons!

September 15, 2011 //  by Chrystal Johnson

One of the things I love about living in the mountains is being surrounded by wildlife. I love that my girls get to grow up so close to the earth. We …

We Have Raccoons!Read More

Category: Family Life

Chrystal with short hair

I’m Finally Donating My Hair

June 14, 2011 //  by Chrystal Johnson

I have been trying to grow my hair out to donate to Locks of Love for a couple of years now. It felt like it was taking forever to get long enough, …

I’m Finally Donating My HairRead More

Category: Family LifeTag: chrystal

Zoë wearing her doll in her tshirt like she's babywearing

3-Year Olds Can Babywear Too!

June 7, 2011 //  by Chrystal Johnson

How do I know that my girls love being worn? Because when I say we're going for a walk, Zoë grabs her baby and nicely tucks her into her shirt so she …

3-Year Olds Can Babywear Too!Read More

Category: Family LifeTag: life with kids, zoe

The Precious Memories We Keep

May 23, 2011 //  by Chrystal Johnson

As parents, we try and capture each and every precious memory so we can hold onto them forever. I feel like every day is full of memories, and I feel …

The Precious Memories We KeepRead More

Category: Family LifeTag: birthdays, life with kids, zoe

White leather couch colored by watermelon

Another Lesson in Natural Pigmentation

May 3, 2011 //  by Chrystal Johnson

I shared how we dyed our Easter Eggs with natural foods this year, and why it was such a great lesson in natural pigmentation. My girls really took …

Another Lesson in Natural PigmentationRead More

Category: Family LifeTag: life with kids

Kaylee wearing her jeans

What’s Wrong With This Picture?

April 22, 2011 //  by Chrystal Johnson

When I'm done working for the day, I love how excited my girls are to see me when I come downstairs. The other day, I was working and Brian was …

What’s Wrong With This Picture?Read More

Category: Family LifeTag: kaylee, life with kids, zoe

Zoë doing her map activity

A Ghost in the Playroom

March 21, 2011 //  by Chrystal Johnson

The last few weeks we’ve been struggling to get the girls to go into the playroom. Zoë insists that there’s a ghost in her playroom that scares her …

A Ghost in the PlayroomRead More

Category: Family LifeTag: life with kids, zoe

Kaylee Enjoying the Batter from Her Birthday Carrot Cake

No More Babies in This House

March 4, 2011 //  by Chrystal Johnson

It has been a couple months since Kaylee took her first steps. She was very cautious with learning to walk—different from Zoë who was all over the …

No More Babies in This HouseRead More

Category: Family LifeTag: kaylee, life with kids, zoe

Kaylee Playing at the Park

Happy First Birthday to My Sweet Baby Girl Kaylee!

February 14, 2011 //  by Chrystal Johnson

I can’t believe that one year ago today, I was sitting in a hospital in Montevideo, Uruguay holding my tiny 8 lb. 10 oz. little girl. (When I say …

Happy First Birthday to My Sweet Baby Girl Kaylee!Read More

Category: Family LifeTag: birthdays, kaylee

Chrystal holding Kaylee after breastfeeding

Mastitis and Moving

December 16, 2010 //  by Chrystal Johnson

The last few weeks have been draining. We found out a few weeks ago that our landlord had not been paying his mortgage (even though we pay our rent on …

Mastitis and MovingRead More

Category: Family LifeTag: breastfeeeding, health updates

Zoë and Kaylee playing in the laundry basket

Laundry Time!

December 7, 2010 //  by Chrystal Johnson

Zoë has been my big helper for some time now, but recently Kaylee has also started wanting to help me out. Whether it's unloading the dishwasher or …

Laundry Time!Read More

Category: Family LifeTag: kaylee, life with kids, zoe

Zoë and Kaylee playing in pop up hamper

Funny Video: Zoë Goes Boom

November 18, 2010 //  by Chrystal Johnson

…

Funny Video: Zoë Goes BoomRead More

Category: Family LifeTag: video, zoe

Snow blowing at Snow Summit

Preparing for My First Winter in the Mountains

November 11, 2010 //  by Chrystal Johnson

It seems like over the last several weeks, preparing for winter has consumed our lives. It’s actually pretty exciting for me. It will be my first …

Preparing for My First Winter in the MountainsRead More

Category: Family LifeTag: mountain life

Zoë throwing a temper tantrum

A Whopping Dose of Mommy Guilt

November 3, 2010 //  by Chrystal Johnson

If I thought I had mommy guilt in the past, I was crazy. This last week has been “H” “E” “double hockey sticks” in our house … well, ever since the …

A Whopping Dose of Mommy GuiltRead More

Category: Family LifeTag: life with kids, working from home, zoe

Zoë Showing Off the Pumpkin She Helped Daddy Carve

Our Halloween at Home

November 1, 2010 //  by Chrystal Johnson

We had a big day planned for Halloween. First the zoo, then off to the village for more festivities and then some trick or treating around our …

Our Halloween at HomeRead More

Category: Family LifeTag: halloween, kaylee, zoe

Zoë playing with Kaylee in her Bumbo seat

The Toilet Incident

October 21, 2010 //  by Chrystal Johnson

We have some interesting moments parenting two young children. Some are funny. Some are frustrating. Some are a combination of both. Last week we had …

The Toilet IncidentRead More

Category: Family LifeTag: kaylee, life with kids, video, zoe

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