Happy Birthday Soldier

Well so it seems, boys will be boys! At some point this year my second grader became really interested in tanks, army men, and playing war. He's checked out library books, looked up tanks on the internet and used his Nerf guns in play battles. Last Memorial Day, we took him to Camp Mabry in Austin to watch a WWII reenactment of the 1st Assault, complete in full vintage costume, real shooting (blanks) guns, and a tank that drove across the battle field and fired. It only lasted a few minutes, but it was intense, and a really great way to pay tribute to our military heros. Before hand, we got to tour the museum and check out all of the retired tanks on base, so I guess we may have helped out this fascination a little bit.

No matter how it happened, he decided that he wanted an Army party to celebrate his 8th birthday, so what's a mom to do besides design up just that! Once I got into this, I was quite excited - and finding some great dollar store items really made this party. I try and stick to a pretty tight budget when party planning, which I think makes me think creatively and smart about what I choose to buy. I still want to feel amazing and magical for the birthday child without going over the top. I LOVE a styled party, but I also think that you have to be realistic and work within your means. No matter if you have a large budget or a small one, you can create a magical day that your child will remember for a lifetime.

If you've been a follower of mine, you know I make all my boy's birthday cakes. Not because I am a great baker or a super mom, but because I think it's fun and I love it (and I'm a little insane). I've only ever cried making one cake, which isn't too bad of a track record, right?! This year's army cake started out army green, then I added a piped camo frosting border around the bottom of the cake.... and it was so amazing that I kept going all the way up the sides of the cake! In my mind, I see a big pile of leaves! I think I got more and more excited as I went up the cake, it was perfect! I filled a piping bag with three different colors of frosting, and to my surprise, they stayed rather separate and didn't turn to brown yucky mush. This was VERY exciting! You should try it!

---

Anyway, on to more details - once again, we filled our home with family and friends whom we are so grateful for. Even if we mostly see each other around our kid's birthdays, I love hearing our kids laugh and play together, and the friendships that have formed between friends from all stages of our lives who met at our house. The weather couldn't have been more perfect this February day, the sun was shining and the breeze was blowing! My husband and his brother set up a training course in the back yard in which we timed the kids racing through. It was quite a sight, and WOW these guys are fast!! 

One of my favorite things from the party were the personalized dog tag necklaces the kids got to make. I bought blank necklaces and we set out a metal alphabet punch set and a couple hammers. The kids and adults had lots of fun making their necklaces, which made a really great take-home. I really try to give useful/memorable items as favors rather than trinkets. I'd rather not spend money on junky trinkets that will get thrown away in the next playroom de-clutter. (And I'm pretty sure my mom friends appreciate this!) A dog tag necklace my child stamped? That goes in the keepsake box.

All in all, this army party was pretty awesome. My son was all smiles all day and had so much fun with his friends. Who knows what next year's birthday will bring, but I know I'll be excited to plan it!

You can find all of our Army Party printables in the new digital downloads section of our Etsy shop!