Fabulous Army Life

The 75th Field Artillery Brigade hosted their 37th Annual Run today. A Half Marathon and Color Run 5K were both available.  Our family of four took on the 5K and it was a lot of fun. Brigade families showed up, some with strollers, some with custom tank tops, and all with a great attitude ready to run. My *ahem*overly dramatic*ahem* teenager fell to the sidewalk upon completion but admitted he had a good time. I did stop halfway through to take a selfie with a couple of the Soldiers who were distributing water as my "proof of life" ... not sure where all the drama from my oldest comes from.  ;)  My preteen ran with his dad and came in 13th overall! My wonderful in-laws were in town to cheer us on and it was great to visit with them. All in all, a great day in Diamond Country!

Last Friday, my Family and I participated in the 2nd Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division change of command on Fort Hood, Texas.  Hubby became the battalion commander of the 3rd Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery Regiment and joined a wonderful group of "Red Dragon" Soldiers and Families.  It's a dream come true for us ... one of those things you hope in the back of your mind you'll get to do one day, but know realistically that the chances are slim you'll get to do it. When I first saw his name on 'the list' that the Army publishes, I was elated for him.  No one knows more than I do his passion for the Army and for the Soldiers in it.  He is a wonderful leader and cares so much.  We both knew that this would be the adventure of a lifetime.  We explained this new job to our two boys (ages ten and six) as best we could and they kept saying, "We'll have 500 new friends on Friday!" as their summary of the discussion.  =) The ceremony was amazing,...

So Hubby is gone for a three-week course at Fort Sill, OK ... Home of the Field Artillery. Hooah and King of Battle! We were stationed there in '97 for just nine months but it was a fun time ... pre-kids, lots of freedom, and a pre-9/11 Army that was much less stressful than today. The boys and I took a road trip up to Oklahoma this weekend to visit ... and to expose our kids to the homeland of the Field Artillery. Those of you that have been stationed there will recognize their favorite stops: Atomic Annie, Geronimo's Grave, Field Artillery museum, and Meers! Meers was once a miner's town that is now simply a store/restaurant. It's rustic and old and has the very best burgers ever made: 100% longhorn beef raised on the owner's ranch. If you get the chance, you should visit AND save room for the amazing cobbler as well (our favorite is cherry but they're all delish!). Okay, my restaurant review is complete! It was a fun trip and we're glad this is just a sho...