Let the Countdown Begin...

for the most wonderful time of the year! The Clayton Crew seriously loves us some Christmas time and all the countdown activities as we await for Santa to come. We always kick off our countdown by putting up our decorations while listening to a few holiday tunes. This year was especially fun because we let Kason decorate all four trees pretty much by himself... 

The ornaments were in a bit of disarray, but he had a blast and was so proud of his finished work! My Granny even gave us a vintage silver tree circa 1960's that was my great uncles...

which Max especially loved because it lit up and spinned...his two favorite things! I normally always have several activities planned for Kason, but unfortunately I failed in the cutesy area this year since we were way busier than normal. I did have a few tricks up my sleeve like some holiday scented markers which is always a hit for K...

One of my favorites this year that I found was a melting snowman...

Kason would build it up and then watch it melt...

it was pretty awesome! Another tradition each year is that Kason always helps me wrap presents...

I just love how this little guy always wants to help me out! Of course we can't enjoy the holidays without a few parties :). I enjoyed popping in to both parties at Superkids (pre-school)...

unfortunately little lady was too busy stuffing her face to really care if I was there or not :)...

Since I knew we were not going to have the free time for as many family activities, Kason and I decided to plan a play date with friends.

Another momma friend, Amy Turner, helped out with the holly jolly good time we had!

The menu consisted of a little snow (cotton candy)...

Santa fruit hats...

reindeer donuts...

muffins, pigs-n-the-blankets, and snow frosted donuts. The kids had a great time eating, visiting...

watching an original Christmas movie...

but most importantly, playing like crazy!

We even had a "Make Your Own Reindeer Food" Bar that the kids were able to put together before they left...

Kason hasn't really been able to have friends over since we have to protect Max's health, so this was especially a big deal for him. He was geeked out of his mind to have friends come play! Our sweet nurse locked herself and Max in the boys' room while everyone is there so that Kason and Zoe could enjoy our holiday gathering...

what a blessing it is to be surrounded by friends & family as we celebrate and countdown a joyful time of year together!