Skip to content

MOVING WITH THE MILITARY SOON?

see my PCS tips
Facebook Instagram Pinterest Twitter
  • Home
  • AboutExpand
    • About
    • Contact
    • Privacy Policy
  • The Blog
Jessica Lynn Writes
  • Military LifeExpand
    • PCSExpand
      • PCS tips
    • deployments
    • homecoming
    • care packages
    • duty stations
  • Good EatsExpand
    • all recipes
    • new mexican faves
    • christmas recipes
    • thanksgiving recipes
  • TravelExpand
    • ALL Destinations
    • North America
    • europe
    • cruises
    • duty stations
    • Family Travel Resources
    • travel must-haves
Jessica Lynn Writes

Hello from Instagram

Hey, hey, hey! Thanks for clicking over. You know the drill, right? Scroll ’till something awesome catches your eye.

the blog | read the posts
Newsletter | Get on the list
Amazon shop | add to cart
PCS Printables | Get your military move on
Pampered Chef | all the kitchen things

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest

See What’s New on the Blog:

Awesome Family Tile Painting Workshops in Lisbon

Awesome Family Tile Painting Workshops in Lisbon

Read More Awesome Family Tile Painting Workshops in LisbonContinue

Best Travel Bags for Europe: Our Top Picks for Families

Best Travel Bags for Europe: Our Top Picks for Families

Read More Best Travel Bags for Europe: Our Top Picks for FamiliesContinue

All About the Schloss Merode Christmas Market With 2023 Dates

All About the Schloss Merode Christmas Market With 2023 Dates

Read More All About the Schloss Merode Christmas Market With 2023 DatesContinue

All About the Essen Christmas Market in Germany 2023 Dates

All About the Essen Christmas Market in Germany 2023 Dates

Read More All About the Essen Christmas Market in Germany 2023 DatesContinue

10+ Best Day Trips From Lisbon (Including Hidden Gems!)

10+ Best Day Trips From Lisbon (Including Hidden Gems!)

Read More 10+ Best Day Trips From Lisbon (Including Hidden Gems!)Continue

rapid city, sd

Your Guide For Moving to Rapid City, South Dakota (Ellsworth AFB)

Read More Your Guide For Moving to Rapid City, South Dakota (Ellsworth AFB)Continue

Important

  • about
  • privacy
  • contact
  • home

PSST...

looking for something?

What's Good

don't be shy; follow along on social below


Facebook Instagram Pinterest Twitter RSS

Oh hey!

join the newsletter

thanks so much! check your email to confirm your subscription

the latest on instagram

Would you rather have a PSL or sip some kürbis-se Would you rather have a PSL or sip some kürbis-secco (pumpkin sparkling wine)? ⁠
⁠
For me, it depends on the weather. ⁠
⁠
The sweet sparkling wine was delightful since it was a scorcher the other day. But give me some chilly weather and I'm all about the coffee. ⁠
⁠
Whatever you pick, drinking it at the pumpkin paradise known as @Gertrudenhof near Cologne is the place to do it.⁠
⁠
And thankfully, there's more than enough to keep the kids busy for hours while you sip your drink(s). Literally, hours.⁠
⁠
Check out all this fun stuff: ⁠
⁠
🤪 Bouncy houses & trampolines⁠
šŸ¦™ Animals to pet and feed⁠
šŸ•Æ Fun fall decor to buy⁠
šŸŽƒ Tons and tons of pumpkins⁠
šŸ“ø Lots of picture spots!⁠
⁠
A few tips:⁠
+ Get there early — it'll fill up, especially on a weekend.⁠
+ Go on a weekday if you can!⁠
+ You can bring your own food ⁠
 ...or you can buy delicious food there⁠
+ There's LOTS of sand — bring an extra change of clothes, especially if it rained the night before⁠
⁠
Want to see more about this fun pumpkin paradise? I have a whole updated post on the blog (šŸ”— in bio then search for "pumpkin") or drop a šŸŽƒ and I'll message it to you. ⁠
⁠
⁠
šŸŽƒ SAVE NOW, TRAVEL LATER⁠
---------⤹⤹---------⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
follow @jesstagirl for more fun around Europe.⁠
.⁠⁠
.⁠⁠
.⁠⁠
#jesstagirlingermany #gertudenhof #kürbisparadies #kürbis #kürbisfarm #germanytravel #travelwithkids #militaryfamily #expatadventures #expatblogger #milspouseblogger #expatexplore #germanytravels #visitgermany #germanylife #exploregermany #americaningermany
šŸ˜ It’s an actual dream come true to see these šŸ˜ It’s an actual dream come true to see these two! 

Like, jaws were dropped, squeals were heard, and our eyes were popping out of our sockets. They were incredible. I mean, LOOK AT THEM STRUTT THEIR STUFF!

This was a super short, five-minute interaction/sighting with them and 500 of my closest friends (ha!), but that was enough to fill my royal cup. 

I was there today with NATO out of the Netherlands, and I’m so thankful for the opportunity to not only see the Duke and Duchess with my own eyes but to experience the Invictus Games — truly a wonderful foundation. 

So what the heck are the Invictus Games? Let me tell you!

The Invictus Games is basically a military version of the paralympics— wounded, injured, and/or sick servicemen and women, both serving and veterans, compete in 9 different events.

It’s held every other year and this year it’s in Düsseldorf, Germany. (It’ll be in Canada in 2025.)

Here’s the best part:
If you want to check out some of the games during the week, entry is FREE and there’s no registration required.

As a military family, we understand the sacrifices, strength, and resilience our loved ones demonstrate every day. The Invictus Games embody those qualities; it’s a privilege to attend this remarkable event.

THANK YOU, PRINCE HARRY!

If you want to know more about it, there’s a fantastic Netflix documentary that you should check out.

🤩...So how about them Royals? 

šŸ“Düsseldorf, Germany
———⤹⤹———⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
follow @jesstagirl for more fun around Europe. Link in bio for blog posts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
.⁠⁠
.
.
#jesstagirlinGermany #militarylife #militarywife #airforcefamily #militaryfamily #lifeinthemilitary #milspouse #milspouseblogger #milso #milsolife #invictusgames #archewell #meghanmarkle #princeharry #dukeandduchessofsussex #dukeofsussex #sussexsquad #duchessofsussex #royalfamily #britishroyals #royals #americnaineurope #invictusgames2023
ā¬‡ļø All about the Invictus Games Village! Befo ā¬‡ļø All about the Invictus Games Village!

Before you check out the Invictus Games, you’ve gotta wander around the village!

We had fun checking out all the different booths. @boeing has some cool interactive flight simulators, @deinnrw is there with maps and info on the area, and we even spotted friendly American faces at @theuso booth!

The village has entertainment, swag, and food (long lines on opening day; I was glad we brought snacks), and you can see military equipment like helicopters, tanks, and medical tents. 

Pop-up bathrooms are all over the place, and there’s even a kid area (that we didn’t even make it to). Plus, there’s a fun scavenger hunt for kids, so stop by the info tent for more info on that! 

So what the heck are the Invictus Games? Let me tell you!

The Invictus Games is basically a military version of the paralympics—more than 500 wounded, injured, and/or sick servicemen and women, both serving and veterans, will compete in 9 different events.

It’s held every other year and this year it’s in Düsseldorf, Germany. (It’ll be in Canada in 2025.)

Here’s the best part:
If you want to check out some of the games during the week, entry is FREE and there’s no registration required.

As a military family, we understand the sacrifices, strength, and resilience our loved ones demonstrate every day. The Invictus Games embody those qualities; it’s a privilege to attend this remarkable event.

If you want to know more about it, there’s a fantastic Netflix documentary that you should check out.

⫸ ⫸ Have you heard of the Invictus Games before? Are you planning on checking out any of the games?

šŸ“Düsseldorf, Germany
———⤹⤹———⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
follow @jesstagirl for more fun around Europe. Link in bio for blog posts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
.⁠⁠
.⁠⁠
.
#jesstagirlinGermany #militarylife #militarywife #airforcelife #airforcefamily #deploymentstrong #militaryfamily #lifeinthemilitary #milspouse #milspouseblogger #milso #militarymama #milsolife #invictusgames #invictusgames2023
ā¬‡ļøWhat you need to know about the Invictus Gam ā¬‡ļøWhat you need to know about the Invictus Games

Excitement was in the air at the Invictus Games opening ceremony! 

Not only were we in the same room (technically) as the founder of the games, Prince Harry (OMG!!!), but more importantly, we got to help welcome and cheer on 21 nations to the 6th Invictus Games!

It was so much fun, especially when Macklemore closed down the show with a great performance!

We’re all about supporting our military heroes, so we were thrilled to be there.

So what the heck are the Invictus Games? Let me tell you! 

The Invictus Games is basically a military version of the paralympics—more than 500 wounded, injured, and/or sick servicemen and women, both serving and veterans, will compete in 9 different events. 

It’s held every other year and this year it’s in Düsseldorf, Germany. (It’ll be in Canada in 2025.) 

Here’s the best part:
If you want to check out some of the games during the week, entry is FREE and there’s no registration required. 

As a military family, we understand the sacrifices, strength, and resilience our loved ones demonstrate every day. The Invictus Games embody those qualities; it’s a privilege to attend this remarkable event.

If you want to know more about it, there’s a fantastic Netflix documentary that you should check out.

⫸ ⫸ Have you heard of the Invictus Games before? Are you planning on checking out any of the games?

šŸ“Düsseldorf, Germany
———⤹⤹———⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
follow @jesstagirl for more fun around Europe. Link in bio for blog posts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
.⁠⁠
.⁠⁠
.
#jesstagirlinGermany #militarylife #militarywife #airforcelife #airforcefamily #deploymentstrong #militaryfamily #lifeinthemilitary #milspouse #milspouseblogger #milso #militarymama #milsolife #invictusgames #invictusgames2023
Only have one day to explore Split? Here’s your Only have one day to explore Split? Here’s your game plan: 

Make your way around Diocletian’s Palace. Don’t miss the vestĆ­bulo’s amazing acoustics⁠ and make it a point to climb the St. Domnius tower for some killer views.

Get your ā€œGame of Thronesā€ goggles on and spot locations where several scenes were filmed. 

Stroll along Riva Promenade and don’t miss out on some amazing gelato at @gelateria.amare⁠

Snap a pic at the SPLIT sign and then check out Green Market across the street.

With any leftover time, soak up the sun at Bacvice Beach.
⁠
Tag someone heading to Split who needs to see this! 
Or save it for your future trip!

šŸ“ SAVE NOW, TRAVEL LATER⁠
———⤹⤹———⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
follow @jesstagirl for more fun around Europe. Link in bio for blog posts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
.⁠⁠
.⁠⁠
.⁠⁠
#jesstagirlincroatia #jesstagirlonacruise #splitcroatia #splitwithkids #croatiawithkids #adriaticcruise #travelmom #travelingwithkids #travelfamily #cruisingwithkids #familytravel #familycruise #americanineurope #royalcaribbeaninternational
When in Split, let your ears lead you to the VestĆ­bulo.

The enchanting acoustics within Diocletian’s Palace’s rotunda will blow you away. 

Back in the day the hole at the top was covered by a dome and was a meeting area for those going to the residential part of the palace. 

Today it’s the perfect spot for a cappella groups to wow tourists with fantastic acoustics. 

Don’t miss this hidden gem when you’re visiting Split! 

šŸ¤ Tag a friend who needs to know about this place!

———⤹⤹———⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
follow @jesstagirl for more fun around Europe. Link in bio for blog posts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
.⁠⁠
.⁠⁠
.⁠⁠
#jesstagirlincroatia #splitcroatia #splitwithkids #croatiawithkids #DiocletianPalace #adriaticcruise #travelmom #travelingwithkids #travelfamily #cruisingwithkids #familytravel #familycruise #americanineurope #jesstagirlonacruise

Copyright © 2023 Ā· Jessica Lynn Writes Ā· Ā Customized by WPGeared

Scroll to top
  • Home
  • About
    • About
    • Contact
    • Privacy Policy
  • The Blog
  • Military Life
    • PCS
      • PCS Tips
    • Deployment
    • Homecoming
    • Care Packages
    • Duty Station
  • Good Eats
    • all recipes
    • new mexican faves
    • Christmas Recipe
    • Thanksgiving Recipe
  • Travel
    • all destinations
    • United States
    • Europe
      • Austria
      • Belgium
      • Croatia
      • Czech Republic
      • Finland
      • France
      • Germany
      • Greece
      • Hungary
      • Italy
      • Poland
      • Portugal
      • the Netherlands
      • Turkey
      • Slovakia
      • Spain
    • Cruise
    • Duty Station
    • Family Travel Resources
    • Travel Must-Haves
Search