By S. Vincent Anthony
For children ages 5-9
Meet the Anthony Family
Hello, friends! My name is Alex Anthony, and I’m eight years old. I have the best family ever. My dad is a Sergeant Major in the US Army. That means he’s a super important soldier who helps keep our country safe. He’s strong and brave, but he’s also the funniest dad in the world! He loves telling jokes and giving big bear hugs.
My mom is the happiest person I know. She’s always smiling and baking yummy cookies. She makes every day feel like a party, even when we’re packing up to move to a new adventure.
Then there’s my big sister Bella. She’s nine and loves to draw pictures of all the fun places we visit. She’s super creative and makes friends wherever we go.
And my little sister Clara is five. She’s curious about everything! She loves animals and always asks a million questions, like “Why do birds fly south?” or “Can we get a puppy at our next home?”
We live on Army bases all over the place. It’s like having a new backyard every few years!
Our Big Moves
One day, Dad got exciting news: “Family, we’re moving to a new base in Texas!” Mom clapped her hands and said, “Yay! Time for a new adventure!”
Bella drew a map of our road trip. “Look, we’ll see mountains and rivers!” she said.
Clara bounced up and down. “Will there be cows? I love cows!”
I packed my favorite toy truck. “I can’t wait to explore!”
The drive was long, but we sang songs and played games. Mom made picnic lunches, and Dad told stories about his Army friends. When we arrived, our new house had a big yard perfect for playing tag.
Making New Friends
At our new school, everyone was nice. Bella joined the art club and drew pictures of tanks and flags.
Clara found a playground with swings and made a friend who had a pet turtle.
I played soccer with kids from all over. “My dad’s a Sergeant Major!” I told them. “Cool! Mine’s a pilot,” one said. We became best buddies.
Mom organized a welcome party with balloons and games. Dad grilled burgers and showed us his shiny Army badge. “This means we’re a team,” he said proudly.
When Dad Goes on Missions
Sometimes Dad has to go away for Army work. We miss him, but Mom keeps things fun. “Let’s make a care package!” she says. We fill it with drawings, cookies, and notes.
Bella draws Dad riding a camel in the desert.
Clara adds stickers of hearts and stars.
I write, “Hurry home, Dad! We love you.”
We video chat with Dad every week. He shows us his tent and tells funny stories, like the time he chased a lizard away from his boots. “I’m thinking of you all the time,” he says with a big smile.
Family Fun Time
When Dad comes home, it’s the best! We have pizza nights and go on hikes. Dad teaches us Army games, like marching in a line and saluting.
One time, we visited a big Army parade. There were bands playing music and soldiers marching tall. “That’s my dad!” Clara yelled, waving her flag.
Bella painted a picture of the whole family together.
Mom hugged us all. “We’re so lucky to have each other.”
I feel proud. Being an Army kid means adventures, friends, and lots of love.
The End of Our Story (But Not Our Adventures!)
No matter where we go, our family sticks together like glue. Dad keeps us safe, Mom keeps us happy, and we kids keep things exciting!
If your parent is in the Army too, remember: It’s a big, fun world out there. Wave your flag high and smile!
The End
Thank you for reading! What adventures will your family have next?