Remember when............Our Big C turns 7!

Today we celebrate Clayton's birthday. Seven years ago he was delivered so near Christmas (the perfect time to deliver a baby, if you ask me). He made that Christmas so special, one that we will never forget.



Because we came home on December 23rd - the family all came together at our home that 1st Christmas. Clayton's 1st winter was so cold, snowy & icy that we actually did stay in with him the full 6 weeks that is recommended. Clayton proved to be an irritable, fussy baby (typical of many firstborns - difficult!), but he did love to snuggle and be held. He was adorable and chunky and we cherished our sweet baby boy.












Since those first months, today Clayton is still a reminder of the sweet miracle of Christmas.

I could never have imagined 7 years ago what Clayton would be like today........

a Christian.
a big brother to 2 little boys.
a huge help to his Daddy and me.
a loving grandson, nephew, & cousin.
an awesome student and reader.
a hilarious joke-teller.
a giver of smiles & hugs.
a lover of the outdoors (but not very competitive).
a wild-child! - who keeps us on our toes.
a compassionate & funny friend.
a child who is generous and giving.
a child who (at times) is full of mischief.

We are so proud of the boy he is becoming!








We love you Clayton - Happy Birthday!

Advent - What is Christmas Really About???

Our family has loved celebrating this season of Advent together. This is our 1st Family Advent Christmas in which we have opened the Bible each night with our boys, studied over a brief scripture, and discussed questions about the story of Jesus. In just these 3 short weeks this is truly becoming a blessed time for our family.



We do wait until we put Graydon to bed so we can focus on this time with our 2 bigger boys. Clayton loves lighting the candles each night and Hudson loves blowing them out!



Will and Clayton usually read the scripture together.



Clayton reads his nightly question/prayer card. And we discuss the scripture we read.
I do believe we are creating a new precious tradition for our family. After the candles are blown out, Hudson and Clayton move the manger pieces. Each night they move closer to the manger. Many of the pieces now are hidden on the kitchen counters, kitchen table, baker's rack, living room tables.........

I love that Clayton anticipates opening our family Bible and studying the stories of Jesus.



For the most part, Hudson sits quietly beside them and listens to the story being read.



Very soon, he too will understand what this is all about.

We Built a Fantastic Birthday Bash!

Last weekend we celebrated our Big C's 7th birthday bash! Because his birthday is so close to Christmas (on the 20th), we usually decide to celebrate a little earlier in the month. This gives friends who will be heading out of town a chance to come and celebrate, as well as, help to separate out the presents so we are not bombarded in 5 days with tons of gifts!



Clayton's theme this year was a Lego theme - he is totally obsessed with all things LEGO! It was a fun and unusual theme that I thought would be fun for the kids. We booked our church for the party site, researched and found lots of great party ideas/decorations, and purchased lots of yummy snacks! We were ready!

Clayton had his friends & family................







Cousin Cam at the Lego coloring table.





When Clayton's party guests arrived, they were each given a Star Wars Lego kit to assemble! They did a great job assembling their own spaceships!



An awesome cake................ thanks to Mrs. Amanda @ www.crumbscakery.blogspot.com





Cool presents.........











And lots of fun & play............



Above - is the Lego ornament table where guests could choose a glass ball ornament and stuff the ornament with small colorful Legos! These were super cute!

Below - is the Lego coloring table - markers, crayons, and all coloring sheets Lego!





We finished the party with a pinata! Clayton had been begging for a pinata so we gave in. Because the ceilings in the church were so high, Uncle James agreed to stand on a chair & hold the pinata while the kids took their swings! It was hilarious and loads of fun!











It was another successful party for the Daniels' Clan!

A few thing LEGO - for our BIRTHDAY BOY!

I have searched the internet and Pinterest for months looking for cool Lego ideas for Big C's birthday party.
I have to admit, I have found some pretty neat ideas that will be featured at Clayton's party!

1) Lego blocks for decorations.



These proved to be great table decorations! I already had the shoe boxes at home and I wrapped them in paper. I cut a wrapping paper cardboard tube into strips and wrapped those for the circles on top.


2) Lego treat bags!



The kiddos loved these treat bags! Inside was an assortment of goodies and a baggie of Legos for each child.

3) Lego ornaments!



The kids did love this easy & creative activity! Random small Legos filled inside a clear, glass ornament. I usually don't mix Clayton's birthday with anything "Christmassey" but this was too cute to pass up!

4) An adorable utensil holder - made completely from Legos!



I must admit - I was sort of impressed with myself after making this (= It wasn't too difficult and turned out exactly like I wanted. This set on the food table during Big C's party!


Here is just a sneak peek of a few Lego things from C's party! More to come very soon!

Our Manger is Moving!

We began our "Moveable Manger" right after Thanksgiving this year. Together, Clayton, Will, and I created our manger characters. We have been moving them around the house and closer to the manger each night anticipating Christmas night!.........and the Baby Jesus!

Here are just a few places they have traveled.



One Wiseman has journeyed to the tops of the printer..........



another has traveled onto the kitchen table, among the Christmas wreath there.



The donkey joins Mary and Joseph on our nightstand.




Two shepherds travel upstairs and afar to Clayton's bedroom and onto his chest of drawers.




The donkey strays from Mary and Joseph and has found a new home on the stairs.



The Wiseman comes closer to the manger onto the stair banister.



And another night, joins the snowman and a picture of Hudson at the entry-way table.



The cow comes very close into the living room for a sneak peek at the manger. (Hudson is recovering from pink eye here).



The sheep comes downstairs for a closer view........



and joins the snowmen on the kitchen counter.

Keep watching to see where these creatures head next............