After finishing one of our training hikes, we missed a turn and unexpectedly found ourselves in the charming town of Buckley. What could have been a simple navigation mistake turned into one of the sweetest surprises.
From the moment you walk in, there’s an undeniable warmth. Every detail feels intentional and beautifully curated without feeling overdone. The space manages to be both elevated and deeply cozy, like stepping into a friend’s home where you’re instantly invited to stay awhile.
Despite the steady flow of customers when we arrived, there was a calm, welcoming atmosphere. No rush. No pressure. Just a space that invites you to breathe, sit, and connect.
The pastries, displayed on charming, unique serving platters, felt like little works of art. It’s the kind of place where even choosing what to order becomes part of the experience.
And then there’s the cozy library corner… the kind of nook that makes you want to gather close with friends. We couldn’t help but imagine ourselves like C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien, tucked into deep conversation, dreaming up stories and sharing ideas.
Part of what makes Anchor House Coffee so special is the sense that it’s rooted in something deeper than just great coffee. Like many buildings in historic Buckley, this space carries the character of the town’s early days, when Buckley thrived as a logging community in the late 1800s and early 1900s.
While the space has been thoughtfully restored and reimagined, you can still feel that connection to the past in its bones. The charm isn’t manufactured, it’s preserved. It’s a beautiful reminder of how places can be renewed while still honoring their story.
One of the most impactful details in the shop isn’t just aesthetic, it’s purposeful.
Above the bar, signage draws your attention to Love Justice International, a nonprofit dedicated to preventing human trafficking and protecting the vulnerable around the world.
This isn’t just a passive mention, it’s an invitation.
Through donations and awareness, this coffee shop is helping connect everyday moments like ordering your favorite drink , to something far greater. It’s a powerful reminder that even small choices can contribute to justice, freedom, and hope for others.
There’s something incredibly meaningful about sipping coffee in a place that cares deeply about people, not just locally, but globally.
What started as a missed turn became a moment we won’t forget.
Anchor House Coffee isn’t just a coffee stop, it’s an experience. It’s a place where beauty, community, history, and purpose all come together in a way that feels genuine and life-giving.
And maybe that’s the real takeaway: Sometimes the unexpected detours lead you exactly where you’re meant to be 🤍
If you love discovering cozy coffee spots like Anchor House Coffee, you might enjoy a few of our other Pacific Northwest coffee shop reviews ⬇️
This beautiful Hawaiian proverb reminds us that no hill is too high when you are willing to climb it.
Standing on the islands, surrounded by dramatic cliffs, lush valleys, and volcanic peaks, it’s easy to see how this wisdom was born. Every mountain looks intimidating from the bottom. The path isn’t always clear, and sometimes the climb feels slow and exhausting.
But step by step, the summit gets closer.
This proverb isn’t just about physical mountains. It speaks to the challenges we face in everyday life, raising families, pursuing dreams, healing from hard seasons, or trusting God in uncertain moments.
What once looked impossible becomes reachable when we keep moving forward.
For our family, adventure has taught us this truth again and again. The hardest hikes often lead to the most breathtaking views. The same is true in life: perseverance reveals beauty we would never see if we stopped at the base of the mountain.
So wherever you are today, remember this Hawaiian wisdom:
No mountain is too high when you’re willing to take the next step.
Check out a few of the beautiful hikes we did in Oahu where this was a great reminder ✨
Nani ke kanaka a me ka naʻau 🌺 Beautiful is the person and the heart. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Hawaiʻi is filled with breathtaking views, but what stood out to us most was the beauty of the people ,the kindness, the warmth, and the spirit of aloha. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
If you really want to experience the beauty of Hawaiʻi, take the time to slow down and connect. Talk with the people. Listen to their stories. Let them talk story..which is sharing pieces of their life, their island, their history.So much rich detail in these moments . That’s where the real beauty lives✨
Not just in the landscapes…but in the voices, the laughter, and the hearts of the people who call these islands home.
A sweet reminder that true beauty isn’t just what we see… it’s how we love. 💛
We stumbled upon Anchor House Coffee after a hike and found more than great coffee. Discover the history, cozy charm, and mission behind this hidden gem in Buckley.
We were drawn to the Moana Surfrider Hotel, not just for its stunning oceanfront location on Waikiki Beach , but for the history it holds and to step into a piece of history that has stood for over a century .One that has welcomed travelers long before Waikiki became what it is today.
For our family, it was the perfect combination of everything we love: history to learn from, beauty to take in, and a location that simply can’t be matched.
The Moana Surfrider Hotel is one of the very first hotels built in Waikiki, Oahu and because of that, it holds an incredibly special place in Hawaiian history. Opened in 1901, it is often referred to as the “First Lady of Waikiki.” Long before high-rise resorts lined the shoreline, the Moana stood as a grand beacon of luxury on what was once a quiet stretch of beach.
It is absolutely beautiful and sits directly on Waikiki Beach, blending Victorian elegance with the relaxed rhythm of island life.
When we walked in, we immediately felt like we had stepped back in time. The wide open lobby, high ceilings, and sweeping staircase reflect the hotel’s original Victorian architectural style, which was quite a statement in the early 1900s. At the time it was built, arriving guests would travel by ship and horse-drawn carriage . Can you imagine stepping off a boat and into this grand oceanfront retreat?
As we walked through the lobby and out the back doors, we were greeted by a spacious veranda lined with rocking chairs … one of my favorite details. Sitting there with coffee in hand felt like slowing down time and savoring it in the best way.
The famous Banyan tree is front and center welcoming all to the natural beauty of the Island . Planted in 1904, just a few years after the hotel opened, the Banyan tree has grown into a massive, breathtaking centerpiece of the courtyard. Its branches stretch wide and welcoming, creating shade and a gathering place for generations of visitors. It’s incredible to think how many stories that tree has witnessed over more than a century.We felt so privileged to be able to stand there where so many others had gathered before.
The outside pool is beautiful …you can swim while looking out at the Pacific Ocean, or simply walk a few steps and be right on Waikiki Beach itself. That seamless connection between historic elegance and oceanfront beauty is part of what makes this place so special.
The hotel reminded me of a beautiful old-style mansion , the kind filled with stories. Oh if the walls could talk! Over the decades it has hosted celebrities, dignitaries, and travelers from around the world. Even through renovations and modernization, the Moana Surfrider has intentionally preserved its historic charm.
Staying here (or even just visiting) isn’t just about enjoying a beautiful resort , it’s about stepping into a piece of Hawaiian history.
But the story doesn’t stop at the hotel itself ✨
Waikiki: From Royal Retreat to World Destination
Long before Waikiki became a world-famous travel destination, it was actually a retreat for Hawaiian royalty. The area was once filled with wetlands and fishponds, and Hawaiian aliʻi (chiefs and royalty) would come here to relax and surf.
In the late 1800s and early 1900s, Waikiki began transforming as tourism grew. When the Moana Surfrider opened in 1901, it became the very first large hotel in the area, setting the stage for Waikiki’s future. At that time, there were no high-rise hotels, no bustling Kalakaua Avenue , just ocean, palm trees, and this grand white hotel standing proudly along the shore.
Over the years, Waikiki evolved into the vibrant destination we know today. But the Moana Surfrider still stands as a reminder of the beginning …a place where history hasn’t been forgotten.It is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
One of the things I love most about staying somewhere historic is the opportunity to turn it into a living history lesson.
📚 A Living History Lesson Here are a few simple ways to make this educational:
History
Research Hawaii’s transition from a monarchy to a U.S. territory (1898) and then to statehood (1959).
Study Hawaiian royalty and learn about Queen Liliʻuokalani.
Compare what travel looked like in 1901 vs. today.
Geography
Locate Oahu on a map and identify other Hawaiian islands. Study volcanic island formation.
Architecture
Look up Victorian architectural elements and identify them in the hotel design.
Writing Prompt for Kids
“Imagine you are arriving at the Moana Surfrider in 1901. Write a journal entry about your first impressions.”
If you find yourself in Waikiki, don’t just admire the beach , step inside the Moana Surfrider. Sit under the Banyan tree. Imagine the year 1901.
Travel becomes unforgettable when it connects beauty with learning.
The Moana Surfrider is so much more than just a beautiful place to stay. It’s steeped in rich history✨
The same God who was writing stories here over a hundred years ago is still writing them today , even in our own family’s journey.
That’s what I’ll carry with me most from this visit … not just the ocean views or the historic charm, but the reminder that God is present in every season… past and present.
And when we choose to travel with intention, to learn, to reflect, and to be present , those moments become more than memories.They become part of the story we’re living, too.
Check out our reel of this beautiful Hotel ⬇️ and be sure to subscribe 🩷
We’ve been on a mission to visit all of the American Girl stores across the United States, and on our recent trip we were able to check the American Girl Dallas location off our list.
Oh my goodness—it was such a beautiful store! I mean, who am I kidding? They are all beautiful. But right when you walk in, you’re greeted by a bright, open space with the café off to the left. This was actually the first time we’ve seen the café positioned so openly near the entrance. When the store was still in Seattle, the café was on the same floor but still felt a little more tucked away.
Everything felt bright and inviting. We loved the wall filled with picture frames of past dolls and books—it was such a fun way to celebrate the history of the brand.
It was also fun exploring all the different themed rooms throughout the store. One of our favorite discoveries was a party room set up for a special gingerbread house event. It looked like the perfect place for a doll-themed celebration.
Gingerbread house decorating
One of the things that makes the Dallas store extra special is that it’s part of the newer American Girl experiential store design. The two-level space is about 14,700 square feet and even includes a stunning floor-to-ceiling dollhouse display that stretches between the floors. Between the full café with tea trays and treats, the Doll Salon where girls and dolls can get matching hairstyles, and all the fun photo spots throughout the store, it really feels like stepping into a unique doll world.
Floor to ceiling doll house✨
One of my girls’ absolute favorite parts was the oversized book seat. We seriously need one of those in our house! It looked like a giant open storybook that you could actually sit on, which made for such a fun photo moment.
Book bench! It’s a Samantha book 📕
Next, we headed up the staircase, which was again lined with beautiful framed images of the dolls and their books. On the second floor is where you’ll find the doll hair salon, which is the perfect stop to have your doll styled while you continue shopping.
Love this wall!!
There were so many fun things to choose from—it was honestly hard to decide. But I think that’s always the case whenever we visit one of the American Girl Doll stores!
Such a glam elevator
As I watched my girls explore the world of American Girl —from the dolls and stories to the little details that spark imagination—it reminded me how special these moments of childhood are. There is something beautiful about watching kids step into stories, dream big, and create their own adventures.
Book love
Sometimes as parents we get busy planning the trip, managing the schedule, or figuring out the next stop. But moments like this remind me to pause and simply enjoy watching them experience wonder.
Childhood is such a gift, and these little adventures—whether it’s a hike, a road trip, or even a visit to a doll store—become memories that stay with our families for years to come.
“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights.” James 1:17
If you’re planning a visit to the American Girl store in Dallas, here are a few tips that can help make the experience even more special.
🫖 Make Café Reservations
The in-store café is a popular spot for families. If you plan to enjoy tea, lunch, or a special treat with your doll, it’s a good idea to reserve a table ahead of time. The tiered trays with tea sandwiches and desserts make it such a memorable experience for girls and their dolls.
💇 Bring Your Doll for the Salon
Upstairs you’ll find the Dolled Up Salon, where dolls can get their hair styled. From simple brushing and braids to more elaborate looks, it’s a fun experience that makes the visit feel extra special.
⏰ Plan Enough Time to Explore
Give yourself at least 1–2 hours to explore the whole store. Between the displays, the dollhouse area, the salon, and all the shopping options, there’s a lot to see.
🎉 Check for Special Events
The Dallas location sometimes hosts seasonal activities and themed events, like crafting or holiday celebrations. If your trip lines up with one of these, it can make your visit even more memorable.
📸 Bring Your Camera
There are so many adorable photo opportunities throughout the store, especially if your kids love capturing memories with their dolls.
🧳 Bring an extra suitcase
We learned this lesson the hard way! If you are planning to shop then make sure you can fit what you purchase in your luggage . It’s always good to have some extra space just to be sure.
Best Photo Spots in the American Girl Dallas Store 📸
If your kids love photos (or if you’re a blogging mom like me!), there are several fun spots throughout the store that make perfect picture moments.
📚 The Oversized Storybook Bench
One of our favorite spots was the giant open book seat. It looks like you’re sitting inside a storybook and makes such a fun and unique photo.
🏠 The Two-Story Dollhouse
The large two-level dollhouse display is one of the coolest features of the Dallas store. It’s colorful, detailed, and a great backdrop for photos.
🎨 The Dear Giana Mural
The bright mural by local teen artist Dear Giana adds so much personality to the store. It’s colorful and fun and makes a great backdrop.
💇 The Salon Area
If your doll is getting a hairstyle at the salon, be sure to snap a photo of the transformation!
📖 The Doll & Book Wall
The wall filled with framed pictures of American Girl dolls and their books is both beautiful and nostalgic—especially for longtime fans of the brand.
Love the star seats!
These moments of laughter, imagination, and time together truly are gifts.
Check out our review of the American Girl Los Angeles store ⬇️
We had a short window to visit Waco and an opportunity to visit Magnolia, and I’m so thankful we made it work! I hadn’t been to Waco for over 20 years, and setting my feet back on Texas soil reminded me that I’m every bit Texas as the day I left , even with my Washington roots now. It’s funny how travel can make you reflect on where you come from and where you are now⭐️
So much history ⭐️ Travel + Field Trip
This city holds a rich history and it’s so deep in my roots that all of it came flooding back as soon as we landed in Dallas. So many memories of growing up here , and so many new adventures waiting to be discovered with Magnolia being at the top of our list .
Magnolia was absolutely delightful! We tried to take it all in and enjoy every part of it—soaking in all the decor, shopping, treats, and the many Insta-worthy spots. Walking around, it felt like stepping into a modern version of history, where every detail—from the buildings to the vintage-inspired decor—tells a story.
Magnolia Market The Holiday Shop Homebody
One of our first stops was the church right in the middle of it all. It was beautiful, steeped in history, and reminded me of how faith has long been a cornerstone of communities here and in my own life . Standing in that space, I couldn’t help but pause and reflect on the generations who had gathered there before us .
A beautifully restored Chapel ❤️So beautiful at night ⭐️
The shops were all decorated for the holidays and so welcoming. I loved that they offered a ship-to-home option, so I could shop without worrying about packing everything into my luggage—a little luxury that made travel feel so smooth.
The bakery was a sweet little highlight! My little one picked out a gingerbread cupcake, and just the smell of the fresh baked goods was enough to make us pause in delight. Moments like these remind me that travel isn’t just about the sights—it’s about the wonderful smells of fresh baked goods, brewing coffee and so many other little joys along the way.
I was most excited to try Magnolia Press. I ordered an iced Americano, and it hit the spot. If you’re planning on shopping as well, be sure to look for deals in the stores—they had a free drink with the purchase of a mug, during the time we visited.
So many Insta-worthy Stops
One of the unique collaborations I discovered was the Silos Watercolor book by Emily Lex . I loved it! My littles love her watercolor books ❤️ And with her being from Washington, it made me reflect on my own journey—how life and travel can connect distant places and memories, tying together past, present, and faith in unexpected ways.
Love these watercolor workbooks! Perfect for Homeschool Art Classes
Washington is my home now—and for as long as God keeps me there—but Waco will always be part of my story. Years ago, when I packed up my life and moved west, I had no idea how it would all unfold. Looking back now, I can see Gods hand in every step, every transition, and every place that shaped me along the way. I’m deeply thankful for the way God continues to orchestrate the details, faithfully writing a story far greater than I could have planned myself ❤️
If you’ve ever returned to a place that shaped you, I’d love to hear your story. What city, season, or moment did God use to grow you—even if you didn’t understand it at the time? Share in the comments or save this post as a reminder that He’s still writing your story ❤️
“Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life.” Psalms 143:8 NIV
November is usually a time when throughout the month on various platforms, you will see daily gratitude for the whole month 🍁 . I always go into the month excited to share all the wonderful blessings each day . Somewhere into the month, life happens and I miss a day , then several , then I just try to finish the month so I can be done with the whole thing . What started out as a good thing, usually leaves me with feelings of not so grateful by the time it is done . This morning, as we prepare in a hotel in Tennessee,to go to a funeral we never dreamed we would be at this soon , the thoughts of gratefulness flood my mind . Our thankfulness today is the hope that God gave us through His Son , Jesus. Because of Jesus, this isn’t goodbye, it’s “I’ll see you again” and for that we are so thankful 🍁 . I’m not going to plan on posting daily , but I am hoping to post when there are these moments of gratitude that I don’t want to miss ,show up ❤️Not doing a checklist of completion , but some gathered moments of gratefulness 🍁 . Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, 26 and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?” (John 11:25-26 ESV)
