Hooah: a boy celebrates 9.

Welcome to Jake's 9th Birthday Party.

We're so glad you could make it.

The table has been set with all kinds of goodies:

a cake made with love by the birthday boy's momma {that's me},

goodie bags with dog tags, tattoos, and candy,

pudding cups with cookie crumb topping,

candy bars, sour punch sticks, jars full of toy soldiers,

juicy watermelon, kettle corn in paper cones, Tootsie Rolls, caramels,

Army Jeep boxes filled to the brim, and canteens for every soldier.

There's face painting to get camo'd out,

and a super challenging obstacle course made by the new 9-year-old's dad.

Presents galore, too, including the coveted, 'The Clock Without a Face'.  Yippee!

But, what birthday party would be complete without an ecstatic guest of honor.

Jake had a fantastic time at his 'Army' party.

Bonus:

we did it all without guns.

The toy soldiers had guns, but you can't win 'em all, I guess.

Another party, another year...in the bag.

He, seriously, needs to quit growing.

I mean, pretty soon, he'll want to get his drivers' license.

Whatevs to that.

I love you, sweet boy.