Meet the Munoz-Fernandez Family: A Story of World Travel and Community

Photo Credit: Karen Presecan Photography

Love at First Training

There’s a line from the famous Broadway hit Hamilton that always strikes me as inspiring, “Another immigrant comin’ up from the bottom.”

Pia Munoz was 18 years old when she moved to the United States from Peru. It’s not easy to move to another country and leave most of the family, friends, and lifestyle behind. However, Pia was ready to make her mark in the States.  

With encouragement from her stepdad who had just retired from the Air Force, she followed in his footsteps and enlisted in the Air Force. During those 8 weeks of training in the fall of 2000 Pia met her husband, Ray.

A military rarity, they would be able to follow each other from the beginning of their Air Force careers.

They would continue their journey together to Technical School and on to their first duty station together.

They have now been married for 15 years and have traveled all over the world. Pia served for six years, and Ray is 21 years and counting. Their family grew to a family of 3 with their son Massimo who is 6 years old.

International Relations

There is a common quote used among military spouses, “Bloom where you are planted.” This means that no matter where the military sends you, you make the best of that situation.

During their time in California, she was an avid volunteer at the International Bird Research Center. This organization specializes in emergency response to oil spills and other wildlife emergencies. During her time there she learned how to care for birds affected by oil spills.

It almost seemed to pass too quickly, but then soon received orders to England. Their time there was full of travel and adventure. They fell in love with the English countryside and the easy accessibility to travel to other European countries.

During their time in England the Great British Bake Off dominated the airways, and you could not go anywhere without seeing a delicious pastry. There were constant baking conventions everywhere and Pia could not escape it.  It was this environment that led Pia to discover a passion for baking.

Upon their return to the United States, Pia enrolled into culinary school. She trained under award winning pastry chefs and cake artists. Her love is French pastries! She makes these for the Holidays and get togethers. She has her own private business operating under the Cottage Food Laws. She turned an office into a cake room where she makes custom cakes. Working from home allows Pia to have a flexible schedule. As a previous baker who worked in a store-front setting she has nothing but the utmost respect for these owners. They require long hours, and it is not an easy job.

A Friend to Animals

An animal lover at heart, Pia’s original intention was to attend veterinary school. She currently has a bachelor's degree in zoology with a minor in chemistry.

Even though Pia shifted from her veterinary dreams to baker, her love of animals has never been on pause. She is the proud pet mom to two birds and one dog.

Mr. Pickle is the inspiration behind the name of her cake company, Crabbybird Cake Co. With his unique personality Mr. Pickle can go from playful to “crabby.”

Baby Piki is a Green Cheek, Black Capped Conure, named by Massimo when he was little. Mr. Pickle has helped raise “Baby Pickle” and are best friends.

Cali is a mixed breed dog who they rescued in 2022. She was rescued from a landfill right before the January 2022 winter storm. She is a huge part of their lives and is exceptionally loving and great with Massimo.

Community

Pia, Ray, Massimo, and their pets moved to Embrey Mill, Aspen Village section in 2021 after Ray was assigned to Quantico from Florida.

Since moving to the neighborhood, they've met many great families. They’re very close to their neighbors who also have a son Massimo’s age. They’re warm and friendly and have made a great impact as neighbors.

They love that there is Publix nearby and are looking forward to additions of unique and independent stores and restaurants in the plaza.

Though the neighborhood offers great amenities, they love to hang out in their own home. Watching television shows and playing games is a great way to decompress. Massimo loves to read, build Legos, play video games, and make pizza. They set up play dates with their neighbors and go to Monster Golf or Sky zone.

Massimo participates in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu at KOA Martial Arts. The family are huge fans of Coach Kelly and Coach Adam in the Keiki group.

“The discipline and focus has gained through training is amazing!”

When not on the mat, Massimo is at the pool at the Jeff Rouse Swim and Sport Center with the Little Fishes Program.

Neighborhood Appreciation        

The neighborhood has no shortage of incredible businesses to support.

Pia is excited that Corgi Clay is opening nearby. She wants to take painting and sculpting classes which is something she likes to do with her cakes.

They love supporting the small and local businesses in the area. A hidden gem they discovered in Fredericksburg is called Tortilleria Mixteca. Pia says,

“They have amazing smoked meats, and their salsas are delicious and spicy.”

Her top five small businesses she recommends are:
BreezeMaster, Beloved Photography, Sugar Fusion, Abbielicious Treats, and KOA Martial Arts of Stafford.

As many of the neighbors at Neighbors of Courthouse know, being an active-duty family means uprooting and restarting every few years. Though Pia, Ray, and Massimo are veterans of moving from duty station to duty station it’s always pleasant to hear how welcoming new neighbors are. Pia, Ray, and Massimo are a fun, adventurous family to get to know. They’ve truly turned to their community no matter where in the world they go.

For more information on Crabbybird Cake Company please visit facebook.com/Crabbybird