Family Life

Merging a Blended Family: Why It’s a Slow Cooker, Not a Blender Bringing two families together is a journey filled with excitement, love, and inevitable challenges. Many people picture blending a family as a quick process, as if tossing all the ingredients into a high-powered blender and hitting “purée” will create a seamless mix. But…

Activities for Traveling with Kids You’ve packed the snacks, double-checked the bags, wrangled the shoes (why is one always missing?), and finally buckled everyone in. You pull out of the driveway, already thinking through your mental checklist—and then, just seven minutes in, from the back seat, a little voice chimes in: “Are we there yet?”…

Where History, Nature & Sweet Moments Meet From Advisory Board Member: Sarah Clark When I think about a memorable family trip, one place that always comes to mind is Nauvoo, Illinois. Nestled along the Mississippi River, this charming town offers the perfect blend of history, nature, and family-friendly fun. Whether you’re exploring your roots or…

Weekend Trip to: Burlington, IA From Advisory Board Member: Nikki Eddy Last summer, my husband, two kids (12 and 6 at the time), and my mother took a short drive from Quincy to Burlington, Iowa. We had been there many times before for various reasons—shopping somewhere different, enjoying meals, or watching a Burlington Bees game—so…

A St. Louis Adventure: Exploring the City with My Kids From Advisory Board Member: Josh Carson St. Louis has always been one of my favorite destinations for a quick getaway, so when the opportunity arose to take my three children on a short trip, we packed our bags and headed for an adventure. With a…

Jellystone Park Camp-Resort Eureka, Missouri From Advisory Board Member: Allison Housewright There are currently over 75 Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Camp-Resorts locations across the United States and Canada, however my family continues to return to their Eureka, MO location, nestled just outside St. Louis. Operated under the beloved Yogi Bear™ brand, this camp-resort blends the…

Easter is often one of those holidays that can feel more overwhelming than joyful. With egg hunts, family gatherings, and meal preparations, the pressure to create the “perfect” celebration can leave you exhausted before the day even begins. As busy parents, how can you celebrate Easter in a way that feels meaningful without adding more…

Getting Your Kids to Eat Healthy: A Dad’s Guide As a dad, you want the best for your kids, and that includes making sure they’re eating nutritious foods that fuel their bodies and minds. But let’s be honest—convincing kids to eat their veggies instead of reaching for chips isn’t always easy. If mealtime in your…

Clutter builds up fast. Between work, school, and family life, it’s easy to feel like you’re constantly tidying, only for the mess to return just as quickly. The idea of decluttering might sound great in theory, but finding the time (and energy) to tackle it? That’s another story. I know this struggle all too well.…

4 Practical Tips for Moms to Simplify Holiday Tasks If you’re a mom, you know how “the most wonderful time of the year” can sometimes feel like the most overwhelming. Between school events, family gatherings, decorating, and gift shopping, it can seem impossible to truly enjoy the season. But imagine a holiday that’s a little…