9th Birthday Party: Fast & Furious 9 Theme

  • Post category:Birthdays
  • Reading time:2 mins read

Although we had his birthday party on Sunday, James officially turned 9 yesterday. Nine! I was hoping to get this posted last night on his birthday, but I just couldn’t find the energy.

After he was born and all of his medical issues became apparent, one of the big questions we had was how long he would survive. None of the doctors could give us an answer, so every year we treat his birthday as a huge milestone. This year was no different.

We try to have a theme for his birthdays, and some years are harder than others. A couple of years ago for his 7th birthday, it was a 007 James Bond theme. Last year the theme was Crazy 8. Earlier this year when Stacy happened to see a simple picture announcing the next installment in the Fast and the Furious movie series, we found our theme. The picture was just Dominick Toretto driving a Dodge Challenger with Letty riding shotgun, and the number 9 above it. Simple, but perfect for a 9th birthday! Sorry Dom, but Stacy put James’ face over yours, so it looks like he’s driving.

 

A black‑and‑white, cinematic scene shows a car driving down a foggy, empty road with James driving, and another person riding shotgun. Towering behind the car is a massive, stylized number “9,” rising from the ground and surrounded by swirling mist and dramatic clouds. The composition feels surreal and moody, with the small car contrasted against the oversized number. At the bottom, bold white text reads “2018,” giving the image the feel of a poster or a visual marker for a significant year.

 

Before I share some pictures of the party, I want to thank everyone who joined us to celebrate another milestone for James. Thanks to Icing Smiles–and the baker of course—for another fabulous cake. And thanks to everyone who has supported us in any way over this past year.

 

A yard sign stands on a grassy lawn with two bold sections. On the left, a large black number “9” rises behind a car driving toward the viewer on a foggy road, with “2018” printed beneath the car. On the right, big black text reads “LET’S GO FOR A RIDE!” The design feels like a dramatic, poster‑style celebration tied to a ninth‑year milestone.
Sign in the front yard

 

James lies on a cushioned surface with a white pillow behind his head. He is wearing a dark gray button‑up shirt with white printed details, including a name patch that reads “James” and a small checkered‑flag graphic on the left chest and a large black number “9” with a white outline on the right side.
The birthday boy

 

Stacy takes a mirror selfie in a bathroom, holding a phone with a red case. She is wearing a sleeveless black shirt printed with a classic car graphic and the words “FULKERSON’S GARAGE — Est. 2009” in white. Behind her hangs a blue‑and‑white patterned shower curtain, giving the scene a casual, everyday feel.
Stacy had custom shirts made for the party

 

A themed birthday cake sits on a table, shaped like a black tire with a silver rim. A small black car model rests on top with its hood and doors open. The cake sits on a black‑and‑white checkered base with a red border, and the front reads “FAST & FURIOUS” in bold red letters outlined in white. Behind it, a sign says “HAPPY 9TH BIRTHDAY JAMES” with two checkered flags underneath. Wooden chairs and a light tablecloth complete the scene, giving it the feel of a personalized racing‑themed celebration.
The awesome cake from Icing Smiles

 

A group gathers around James sitting in his wheelchair during a birthday celebration. James sits in front of a racing‑themed cake shaped like a tire with a small car on top, set on a checkered tablecloth. A small sign beside the cake reads “HAPPY 9th BIRTHDAY.” Jeff and Stacy stand behind the child, both wearing matching black shirts that say “FULKERSON'S GARAGE Est. 2009,” smiling warmly. The wall behind them features framed artwork with casino‑style imagery — poker chips, cards, dice — along with Route 66 signs. The scene feels joyful, personal, and full of themed details that tie the celebration together.
Family pic…with cousin Sarah

 

A living room scene shows several adults and children gathered casually around James lying on a cushioned surface in the center of the room. An IV pole with James' feeding pump stands nearby, suggesting a medical‑care setup integrated into the home environment. The room has two red couches, a coffee table, and two windows with white blinds. Lamps sit on either side of the space, and two wide panoramic cityscape photo hangs between the windows. A mannequin dressed in a green top and blue skirt stands near the left window. People sit or stand around James, talking and keeping close, creating a warm, supportive atmosphere.
Guests in the living room

 

A group of people sit and stand around a long outdoor table under a wooden pergola attached to a house. The table is covered with a red‑and‑white checkered tablecloth and set with red cups, plates, and bottles, giving the scene a relaxed, picnic‑style feel. Trees, a yard, and a play structure sit in the background, adding to the sense of a casual, comfortable gathering. The moment feels warm and communal, with everyone sharing space and conversation outdoors.
Guests on the back patio

 

A backyard scene shows several children playing on a grassy lawn. A small tan shed with white trim sits to the left, surrounded by trees and a chain‑link fence. In the center and right, kids run and play near a sprinkler spraying water across the grass, giving the moment a bright, summery feel. Neighboring houses and more trees line the background.
Guests playing in the yard

 

Here’s a collage that Stacy put together of all of his birthdays so far. Happy Birthday little dude. Here’s to another year of being awesome!

 

A collage shows James across multiple ages, each photo capturing a different stage of growth. In every image, James is either lying down or sitting, often wearing themed shirts marking birthdays or special moments — designs include “Hop up, jump in, James is 2,” “Thing 3,” “I AM ATE!,” shirts with large printed numbers like 4 and 5, and one with a name patch reading “James.” The collection forms a visual timeline of James' milestones, personality, and the love surrounding each year.

 

Oops. I almost forgot about the presents. What’s a birthday without presents? In lieu of gifts, we asked people to bring a toy or book that we could donate to our local children’s hospital, just like we do for Christmas. He did get a few gifts to open and keep, though.

 

Stacy and James sit indoors, James reclining in his cushioned chair. Beside him, Stacy holds a colorful card that reads “ULTRA COOL SUPER GREAT BEST EVER.” Around them are small gifts and items: a yellow Pokémon bag with a Pikachu face, a blue bag with cartoon eyes, a notebook, red cards, and some cash. A red couch sits in the background, giving the scene a warm, lived‑in feel. The moment captures a cozy, personal birthday celebration with gifts spread out around the child.
Opening gifts