Fabulous Army Life

Our family ventured out for our very first Civil War reenactment today to Sully Historic Site. We really had no idea what to expect but decided that since it was so close (down the road in Chantilly) and beautiful weather, why not? We had a great time. We loved the authentic cannon. Each Soldier explained his part in making the cannon work and we saw some live fire. Great costuming, really fun games for kids that required no battery or charger (ah, back to the simpler times!), and a slightly inauthentic (but tasty) lunch of hot dogs and chips. The boys were able to participate in rifle drill and learned how to properly handle their weapons.  They endured a short road march and planned a siege on the parental line.   They really seemed to enjoy that.  We also tested out some old-fashioned toys, shopped in a tent of Civil War memorabilia, and observed the campsites of both Union and Confederate Soldiers.  We watched a skirmish between the two sides, comple...

Piper Reed is ten years old and ready to embark on her sixth family move to a new location.  Piper's dad is in the Navy and when they get orders to move from Pensacola, Florida to Norfolk, Virginia, the whole family has to work together to make a new home in a new place. Mom and Dad are encouraging, loving, and set a good example of resilience for their kids.  Piper's sisters -- Tori, 13, and Samantha, 6 -- make for great sibling rivalries, lively arguments, and loving banter.  As for Piper, she has developed some pretty savvy coping skills for a young military kid.  I'm impressed with her positive attitude, her spunky nature, and her adventurous spirit. Piper walks the fine line of keeping up with friends she's left behind and making new friends in her new home, and always does it with her own special style. This book is a fantastic book for kids, especially anyone who has ever been the 'new kid' or had a hard time fitting in.  Subtle hint...

Kimberly Willis Holt Kimberly Willis Holt is the author of the fun and quirky series of books about Piper Reed , Navy brat and all-around good kid.  In these books, Piper learns to navigate the challenges of life on the move, making friends, making adjustments, and making the most of her military life.  It is my absolute honor to have interviewed Kimberly Willis Holt about her writing.  Read on for more about the author, the books, and how all kids can learn great lessons from our friend, Piper. You have lived the military lifestyle and now contribute to military kids by offering this quirky character with whom they can identify. How much of Piper's life is from your own experience and do you use stories of other military kids to tell her story? My father was a Navy Chief like Piper's and I'm one of three girls. But I'm the oldest like Tori. I thought it would be more fun for kids to see the world through a middle child's eyes. My siste...

The Bride and Groom at their Texas-themed reception. With the Grandsons

I've been nominated for the 2012 "Circle of Mom's" Top 25 Military Family blog. Winners are determined by votes ... So could you spare two clicks for me? Just click the button above then click the 'thumbs up' by my blog name, "This Fabulous Army Life." You can vote once every 24 hours between now and August 16 and I'll be ever so grateful if you do! Please also feel free to share with your own Facebook, Twitter, blog, email, or other online friends! Thank you sooooo much! I'm feeling the pressure to be nominated for something online that then requires voting and I really, really appreciate your support! Plus ... Here are a couple of blogs I love written by friends of mine.  They deserve a 'thumbs up' for their great work as well. Army Wives' Lives by Candace Julie the Army Wife by Julie :) Traci P.S.  Please COMMENT here with a blog YOU love and I'm happy to vote for it, too ... and follow if I'm ...

Six Army wives who have recently relocated to the DC area PLUS One Fun Army friend visiting from exotic Vicenza, Italy PLUS Last name of Seg ulin booking our Girls' Night Out EQUALS Truly tacky touristy fun! Clearly, there was no other option than to book the "Segs in the City" DC tour for our little group of seven!  I plead total tourist ignorance here as I actually had to Google 'segs' to see what that meant, but I am a bona fide fan now.  We had an absolutely marvelous time revelling in our geeky tourist-ness.  Now, I realize that dorky helmets (with LIGHTS on top!), pink-rimmed reflective vests, quirky machines-on-wheels, and a tour guide in pink just SCREAMS ... "I'm a nerdy tourist!" BUT ... We had a blast!! Our tour guide, Jordan, was fantastic! Somehow he kept us all safe, in-line, and entertained for the full 2 hours. Commendable, for sure. We made two different stops to walk around and see a few of the attractions up cl...