A Cupcake Party!

Most of you will remember that I had a VERY stressful pregnancy. When we were dealing with all the difficulties and stresses we always said that when Alma turned one we were going to have a HUGE party. After all, it was taking an insane amount of work and stress to get her here. So, a few weekends ago, we did just that. We threw Alma a rocking party and invited just about everybody we know. The party was cupcake themed, because we always say that Alma is so cute we could eat her just like a little cupcake. I made Alma a cupcake quilt, baked a giant cupcake cake, served regular cupcakes, had a cupcake pinata, and for party favors the kiddos got to paint little cupcake shaped ceramic piggy banks.

Finger food aplenty! We had little sandwiches, fruit, veggies, and chips!

The GIANT cupcake!

Alma is gearing up to mow down on some cake.

Turns out, Alma was afraid of her cake.

Opening presents was loads of fun. All the kiddos gathered around and helped out. She got sooo many cute things, including some cupcake shoes, cupcake building blocks, a cupcake apron, and some hot pink cowgirl boots!

These, of course, were from Uncle Matt.

I think she loved all the wrapping paper as much as she loved the gifts.

All of the kiddos enjoyed painting their little cupcakes to take home.

But I think they loved the pinata even more!

Our back yard is perfect for hosting parties like this. The kids played all afternoon in the sand box and the fort.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ALMA!!!!!

Finally, we have internet again!

At long last, our internet is connected. We have been in our new house for one month and Dan has been battling with FirstStep Internet since before we moved in. At least we have it all set up now - I was having some serious withdrawls! As promised I am loading pictures as quickly as possible to keep all you Alma junkies happy. Here are some snap shots of the past month.

Alma's first trip to the swimming pool:
Last weekend Dan and our friend Brian went on a backpacking trip in the Enchantments (pics to come) so Alma and I had a girls weekend. We spend one very lovely day with my friends Kat and Rachael and their wee one's Tyler Junior and Kaylee. We met up at the Farmer's Market in Moscow, spent some time at the pool, and then went out for lunch. It was a very lovely day! Alma is a natural in the water and very much wanted to swim away from me! She splashed away until she got hungry and passed out. It was a lovely day.

4th of July:

For Alma's second annual 4th of July celebration we decided to take a trip to Elk River. We attempted to visit the 3000 year old tree, but we got completely lost on the mountain and never found it. So, instead we had a picnic at the lake and took Alma for her first huckleberry ice cream cone. For those of you who don't know, Elk River is famous for their huckleberry items. Dan's very favorite is ice cream in the world comes from Elk River. She only had one lick before she freaked out about how cold it was. When we got home we enjoyed the most AMAZING dinner I have ever had courtesy of Gretta J. It was a fantastic cajun shrimp boil that I am still dreaming about. . .

Fathers Day:
This year we celebrated by having the J-crew over for dinner. I baked a lovely boston cream cake for Dan to enjoy. Of course, he chose to eat it in bed. Alma turns ONE!!!!!

On June 15th - just three days after we moved in to our new home, Alma turned one year old. This is pretty incredible. The last year has flown by and its been a whirlwind of fun and craziness. We wouldn't trade it for anything and are very much looking forward to year number two. Alma's party was planned for two weeks after her actual birthday, but we took some 1 year old photos to commemorate. Happy Birthday Alma-J!

Neil Turns ONE!!!!

Alma's baby friend Neil was born exactly two weeks before she was. They are best buds and go to day care together every day. Neil's birthday party was loads of fun and I have to say, I have never seen a baby demolish a cake quite like that before. Alma after eating some of Neil's frosting.

Neil, after eating an entire cake!