The Party Part I: The food.

Other than Asher, the 2nd most important thing at any party is THE FOOD. I went back and forth with the menu, but as the guest list got larger, the menu got shorter. There were 3 main things on our menu: candy, cupcakes, and oreo pops. Basically, it was a sugar overload and I loved it. First up...the candy bar. Asher had a little jungle/safari theme, so these cute little animal print containers were perfect!

Instead of ordering a huge cake I decided I was going to make cupcakes. Now, I love an easy shortcut that makes anything better and boy did I stumble on a good one. I read that if you put 1 dry packet of pudding mix in your regular box cake mix recipe it will make the cupcakes nice and moist. Mission accomplished! These were so yummy if I do say so myself. They were funfetti cupcakes, french vanilla pudding mix, and homemade butter cream icing...I am still on a sugar-high.

Last, but certainly not least I made some "Bakerella" inspired oreo pops. Monkeys, Tigers, and Lions! Let's just say some looked like a 1st grader made them, but overall I think they turned out great. I had a blast making them and Asher and I had an even better time "disposing" of the mess-ups. (Don't tell Mark!)


Next up...presents!
Mark, Allyson, and Asher

Birthday Cupcake

I get to eat a cupcake???
What's a cupcake?
This isn't so bad.
This white stuff sticks to my fingers. Neat.
I think I will keep myself looking good.
Nevermind! Who cares? It's my birthday!
That's a lot of icing on my hands.
Looks better in my mouth :)
Say what mom and dad? I get to keep eating this stuff???
OK! This day keeps getting better!
You guys do whatever you want...I'll keep eating. Btw dad...nice overalls. Those are ski bibs son. Oh.
What a great treat! (and beautiful boy!)
I have to wait a year for the next one???

Mom and dad wanted me to tell you pictures from my party are coming next. My party was awesome. You'll see!
Asher Mark

Birthday balloon.

Asher received lots of things for his birthday. I am sure a post on all of his cool presents will be coming later this week, but this post is all about Asher's first birthday present...a birthday balloon. Who would have thought that something so simple would create such joy on the face of a sweet little boy? Asher had just woke up from an awesome birthday nap and was sporting some crazy bed-head, bud his sweet face is priceless in these pictures! Enjoy!
The firsts just keep coming and we love it!
Mark and Allyson

Snow, snow, snow!

We spent Saturday afternoon last weekend at a snow tubing hill. Lots of fun. Really, really cold. Here are Crystal and Allyson...
Here is Mark's best impersonation of a ninja...

It snowed all night on Friday and all day Saturday, so there was lots of snow. Tubing was a blast, but the best part of the afternoon was giving Asher his first extended time in the snow. I'm ready!

The rest of the pictures speak for themselves. Enjoy!
And our favorite!
We had a great day yesterday celebrating Asher's birthday. Surprise, surprise...we took a lot of pictures so you'll get to see some of the fun soon.

Love you all!
Thompsons

Hour-long bus ride

Saturday afternoon of the retreat, we took a trip to go snow tubing. Here were some of our new friends that were on our bus.
The trip there was quite a dance shuffling 'techniques' trying to keep Asher entertained. We call this the 'camera case'.
The 'taste the window'.
The 'put your hands in your boots and clap them together'.
The 'flirt with the girl sitting behind us'.
Each technique ended with the same question. Are we there yet???
The trip was worth it! We had a lot of fun on the hill and got some great snow pictures (Asher's first real taste of snow)! Can't wait to show you some of those.

Still loving every first, Mark and Allyson