Tag: living history

Hawaii, hiking, history, Review, travel

Hiking the Lanikai Pillbox Trail with Kids: What to Expect + Tips

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The views! Known as the “Mokes”

Our very first hike on Oʻahu was the Ka’iwa Ridge Trail (also known as the Lanikai Pillbox Hike) and we were so excited to finally see what the famous pillboxes were all about.

Before we even started, though, we were met with something that made us almost rethink doing this hike …a warning sign at the trailhead explaining that hikers have needed rescue here. We decided that we would just try it and if it was to difficult we would turn back.We assumed the warning was because the trail was short and steep,so we didn’t fully grasp or understand what the sign meant at the time .

The warning

Looking back… the rope at the beginning should have been our first clue.

The rope to help you as you climb

What the Trail Is Really Like

Right from the start, the incline is no joke. It’s steep, dusty, and requires a bit of grabbing the rope to pull yourself up which was especially helpful for little ones. That rope at the beginning? Definitely not just for decoration.

As we climbed higher, we quickly realized something we hadn’t fully expected… this trail is truly a ridge. At times, you are walking along a narrow path with drop-offs on both sides. For those of us who aren’t the biggest fans of heights, this added a whole new level of challenge.

But the views!! They completely stopped us in our tracks.

Ko’olau Mountain Range

From the ridge, you can see the turquoise waters of Lanikai Beach and the iconic Mokulua Islands (often called “the Mokes”) rising out of the ocean. It felt like we could see for miles each direction . It was breathtaking, humbling, and absolutely worth every hard step.

Reaching the Pillboxes

We took our time climbing, encouraging one another as we went, until we reached a flatter section…a small plateau. From there, we had our first glimpse of the first pillbox .

It was such an exciting moment when we reached the pillbox! Standing there, seeing people on top of it, taking in the views…it felt like such a reward. The steep drop offs are crazy around it so our family chose to stay on one side and not climb on top, even though others were.It was still an unbelievable experience just standing next to it!

From that first pillbox, you can also spot the second one just a short distance away…about 100 yards further along the ridge.

The Descent (The Real Challenge)

If the climb up tested our endurance, the way down tested our balance.

The trail is dry and dusty, and the dirt can be very slippery , especially on the steep sections. It almost feels like your feet want to slide out from under you, which made this part especially tricky for our little ones.

We slowed way down, took careful steps, and helped each other navigate every section safely.

Heading back down

The People Made It Even Better

One of the sweetest parts of this hike was the community on the trail.

Strangers cheering each other on, both going up and coming down, created such an encouraging atmosphere. There’s something special about shared challenge and shared beauty that brings people together.

A glimpse of the ridge line

History of the Pillboxes

One of the reasons we really wanted to do this hike was the history behind it.

The pillboxes you see along the trail were built during World War II as military observation stations. Their purpose was to help spot incoming ships or aircraft and protect the island from potential attacks.

Today, they stand as historical reminders of that time, while also offering some of the most scenic viewpoints on Oʻahu.

Parking & Trailhead Info

  • Location: The trailhead is located in the Lanikai neighborhood in Kailua
  • Parking:
    • Street parking is available along residential roads near the trailhead
    • There is a Golf Course parking area that is monitored where you can pay for parking ( We did this and made it easier for parking and safety)
    • Be mindful of posted signs and respect the neighborhood (no blocking driveways)
    • Arrive early…parking fills up quickly
  • Distance: ~1.6 miles round trip ( it took us just over an hour round trip )
  • Elevation Gain: ~500–600 feet
  • Trail Type: Out and back
  • Best Time to Go: Sunrise , Sunset or early morning (less heat, fewer crowds)

Final Thoughts

By the time we made it back down, we were tired, dusty, and so thankful that we did it .

For a relatively short hike, this one truly challenged us, but the views? Absolutely priceless.

Would we do it again?

Without hesitation…yes!!!!

Check out our reel of our hike ⬇️

Check out our other hikes and must see in Oahu ⬇️

Koko Head Crater Trail Guide: Hiking the Stairs in Oahu with Kids
The Moana Surfrider: First Lady of Waikiki

Hawaii, hiking, history, Review, travel

Koko Head Crater Trail Guide: Hiking the Stairs in Oahu with Kids

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Climbing Koko Head Crater Trail .. looking back down as we were climbing

We planned several hikes during our trip to Hawaii and knew the Koko Head Crater Trail hike was one we wanted to challenge ourselves with as a family . It’s also known as the Koko Stairs of Doom or Pu’u Mai Stairs .

First glimpse of the trail and we could see dots for people !
Warning!

Even before we reached the trailhead, we knew this hike was going to be something different. It was already busy, and as we looked up, we could see tiny people scattered along the ridge….like little specks climbing straight into the sky. But nothing quite prepared us for that moment when we were standing at the very bottom and looked up.

It felt… intense.

We started out by praying for strength and thanking God for allowing us to be there and that this was a “get to” for our family . We then started the only way we could …one step at a time.

Starting the trail
Continuing to climb

The steps are no joke! They are about 12 to 15 inches high and about that in width as well and because the trail follows an old railway trestle, the footing is uneven. Some steps were solid beams, others required stepping between them, and in places, the dirt was worn away completely. It would be so easy to twist an ankle or slip if you’re not paying attention, so we did our best to stay focused.

Every now and then though,we found a rhythm stepping beam to beam, and those moments felt like a huge win .

One of the most encouraging parts? The people. You see everyone on this trail…families, athletes, locals. One guy passed us multiple times, clearly training up and down the mountain. We heard later that many locals actually use this as a weekly workout and honestly, if this were in our backyard, we would too.

During our hike, we experienced a little bit of everything … rain, sun, then rain again. It was wild. Definitely come prepared for changing weather.One thing to definitely be ready for: there is zero shade except for the occasional bush you can step to side to try to get shade so sunscreen,hat ,cooling towel and sunglasses are must!

We had also heard about the “bypass” section of the trail. It is a part where the track is open underneath, and you definitely don’t want to fall through. I hadn’t been able to find good pictures beforehand, so I wasn’t sure what to expect. Thankfully, it’s a short scramble around the exposed section and much safer than trying to cross the broken trestle.Especially with little ones.

Bypass Section
This is what the bypass looks like so a short scramble around

As we climbed , we cheered each other on, and even encouraged others along the way. One of my favorite things about hiking is sharing the struggle with others on the trail .

To keep things fun, we started counting steps. Hitting 500 felt like a victory. Then 700. Around 750 is where the final climb really kicks in and it’s steep. There were sections where we were on all fours, just pulling ourselves up. Check out the picture below ⬇️

My youngest waited off to the side for that part , I honestly don’t know how she would have managed it safely, especially coming back down or maybe I should say how I would have managed it watching her try to go back down! It was steep!

After all the hard work we were so excited to see the neon green bunker and push to the top …So thankful we had made it to the top!!

Seeing our first glimpse of the bunker
We made it!!
You can go a little more around the top by continuing the stairs
First views!
So sweaty but so worth it!! Praise be to God!

The view was absolutely breathtaking. I soaked in that moment and praised God …grateful for the strength to get there and the chance to take it all in.

Taking in the beauty

We took turns going up since part of our family had stayed behind with our littlest, and once everyone had their moment at the top, we were ready to head down.

And let me just say…

Going down was no easier.It was slow and careful. At times it felt like one wrong step and you could tumble forward. In some sections, turning around and climbing down on all fours was the safest option and plenty of people were doing the same .

Heading back down

Eventually, the trail leveled out, and we made our way back down. It felt like we had been out there all day but in reality, we clocked just over two hours.

Looking back at what we just did!!! Wow!!

And every single step?

Worth it.

What You Should Know Before Hiking Koko Head

📍 Location & Parking

The trailhead is located inside Koko Head District Park.

Parking: Free lot available at the park Restrooms: Available near the parking area Tip: Arrive early …this is a very popular hike and fills up quickly

🕒 Hours & Best Time to Go

The park is generally open from sunrise to sunset but keep in mind there are no lights on the trail, so hiking in the dark isn’t recommended.

Best time to hike:

Early morning (before 9 AM) for cooler temps Late afternoon for golden hour views (but plan enough time to get down before dark)

🪜 Trail Details

Distance: ~1.6 miles round trip

Elevation gain: ~1,200 feet Stairs: Approximately 1,048 steps

These aren’t normal stairs…they’re old railway ties, which makes footing uneven and part of what makes this hike so challenging.

⚠️ Safety Tips

No shade … bring lots of water, sunscreen, and a hat

Wear sturdy shoes (not flip flops!)

Watch your footing …uneven steps and loose areas

Use the bypass trail at the broken trestle section (especially with kids) See the pic in our post .

Take your time going down…it can be just as hard as going up

📖 A Little History

What makes this hike even more interesting is its past and one of the reasons we really wanted to do this hike. Hike + History = Win!!!!

The stairs you’re climbing were originally built during World War II. The railway was used by the U.S. military to transport supplies up to a military radar site at the top of Koko Head.

After the war, the track fell into disrepair .In a partnership between the the city and Kokonut Koalition ,a volunteer group dedicated to protecting and preserving the Koko Crater stairs ,there has been work done to restore and protect this piece of history . It has since become one of Oahu’s most iconic hikes.

Today, those old railroad ties have turned into the “stairs” that challenge thousands of hikers each year.

❤️ Why It’s Worth It

It’s the kind of experience that pushes you, slows you down, and brings your family together in the best way. Between the challenge, the people you meet along the way, and the incredible views at the top and being steeped in history , it’s something you won’t forget.

Check out our reel ⬇️

Check out some more of our adventures in Hawaii ⬇️

The Moana Surfrider: First Lady of Waikiki

Gathered thoughts, Hawaii, travel

Beyond the Scenery: The True Beauty of Hawaiʻi’s People

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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. 💛

Check out our other post ⬇️


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faith, family adventures, Hawaii, Review, travel

The Moana Surfrider: First Lady of Waikiki

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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 🩷

And check out more of our post on Hawaii ⬇️

Beyond the Scenery: The True Beauty of Hawaiʻi’s People
American Girl Doll, family adventures, Review, Texas, travel

Visiting the American Girl Dallas Store: Tips, Photo Spots, and Our Family Experience

redeemingbeautyfamilyadventures

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

Check out our reel of our visit ⬇️

Tips for Visiting the American Girl Dallas Store

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 ⬇️

American Girl Doll Store ~Los Angeles ~Review

Want to see how we incorporate American Girl into our History? Check out a few of our classes ⬇️

American Girl Doll History

Family activity, homeschooling

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faith, Gathered thoughts, history, Review, Texas, travel

From Texas Roots to Magnolia Market & Silos: A Faith-Filled Trip to Waco

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Absolutely love this ❤️ What is your story?

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

Check out our Reel below ⬇️

Goals

Month 2 of 12: Why Staying the Course Is Braver Than Starting

redeemingbeautyfamilyadventures

“Real courage is when you know you’re licked before you begin, but you begin anyway and you see it through no matter what.”
— Harper Lee, To Kill a Mockingbird

How fitting as we step into month two of twelve.

It’s easy—almost exciting—to write goals down on paper at the start of a new year. Fresh pages. Big intentions. Hope feels abundant. But I recently heard something that stopped me in my tracks: by day nine of the new year, most people have already given up on their goals. Day nine. That’s barely enough time to break in a new planner.

There’s even a name for it.
The second Friday of January is known as Quitter’s Day.
Anyone else not know about this?

Only about 8–9% of people actually stick with their goals all year. That’s less than one out of ten!

Wow! That sounds exactly like the kind of courage Atticus Finch was talking about.

Real courage isn’t loud or flashy. It’s not the perfectly executed plan or the viral success story. It’s choosing to keep going when motivation fades, when progress feels slow, and when you already know this won’t be easy.It’s continuing—not because you’re confident—but because you’re committed.

You don’t have to be in the top 1%.
You just have to begin… and see it through.
Real courage isn’t rooted in confidence—it’s rooted in obedience. Scripture reminds us that perseverance is formed through endurance, not ease. We don’t keep going because we’re certain of the outcome, but because we trust the One who called us to begin.Say that last sentence again ,write it down and remember it❤️

Faithful steps—especially the unseen ones—matter. God honors consistency more than perfection, and He meets us in the quiet decision to stay the course, one ordinary day at a time.

As we step into month 2 of 12, I created a simple Courage Check-In Reflection Sheet to help you pause, reset, and gently refocus—without guilt or pressure.

It’s not about doing more.

It’s about staying the course in what truly matters.

[Download the Printable Reflection Sheet Below]

Courage_Check-In_Month_2.pdfDownload

Still time. Still purpose. Still worth continuing.

Book, reading, Review

The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah ~ Book Review

redeemingbeautyfamilyadventures

Are you ready to read a book you can’t put down? Kristin Hannah The Nightingale is it!
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This historical fiction follows two very different sisters throughout their lives. Both sisters navigate their worlds very differently as they grapple with WW2 and the Nazi occupation of France and as they soon learn they are stronger than they could have ever imagined.
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There are a few parts of the book that were extremely difficult to read so please be aware of that if you are sensitive. They are short but important to the story. I’m glad my friends encouraged me to finish it and skip over the one section because it was so worth it!
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Kristin did a great job of really developing each sisters story and following them in their journey of healing as a family , fighting for others even when it meant they had to let go and bringing it all together in the end.Such a good book!!

coffee, family adventures, hiking, Review, travel

Espresso Chalet

redeemingbeautyfamilyadventures

Espresso Chalet has one of the best views of Mount Index . It was the perfect stop to grab coffee after hiking Wallace Falls & Heybrook Lookout. Both hikes are within a few miles of each other with the Espresso Chalet between them. Look for the Bigfoot and you will know you are there.


We ordered our drinks and then went to soak in some more Mountain views… amazing! Perfect place to stretch your legs and grab some drinks or snacks before heading home .


A fun fact : this was an official location from the movie Harry and the Hendersons … anyone remember that movie?

Check out our reel below ⬇️