Wait a Second

I can't start posting about 2015 until I catch up on a few things that happened in the busiest month of my life, December.
Parker learned to throw temper tantrums and at such a convenient time too:) He literally threw himself on the floor and started to cry.  It was so unlike him I just laughed and took a picture.  Thankfully this phase only lasted a couple of days.  Parker has also been in the process of getting screened for speech therapy.   He hardly talks at all.  Turns out he has slight temporary hearing loss and may need his adenoids/tonsils removed to help with the problem.  We aren't worried but it sure has been un-fun going to so many appointments.

me and long-time friend, Cami

I drove up to Boston for the annual Wreath Making Party.  It was a fabulous night and I was so glad my local friend, Tami, joined me because we sat parked in traffic on the freeway for a solid hour.  Luckily good conversation helped the time pass quickly and our late night gave me the perfect excuse to skip my 5:30am run then next morning.

Landon got glasses!  They do vision screening at his preschool otherwise we'd have no idea he needed them.  Lucky for this little athlete, he doesn't need to wear them when he plays sports.  Of course going to doctor appointments and several different stores for glasses was a major contributor to the chaos of December.  Just as I was getting the little boys loaded into the car to go to the eye doctor {already five minutes late} my phone rang.  It was the school nurse telling me could I please come pick up Marcus because he almost passed out at school.  After speeding to get Marcus and then proceeding on to the eye doctor, we raced in twenty minutes late and out of breath as I begged the receptionist to let us keep the appointment.  She looked at me funny and told me I wasn't late.  In fact I was 45 minutes early! {I had mixed up his appointment time with mine that was scheduled the following day.}  So basically I risked our lives and sped through town for no reason at all.  Love that. 

Hiding those big eyes behind glasses is a shame but he's still so cute!

The Breakers Mansion

We finally cashed in our groupon for our family membership to the Newport Mansions.  We wanted to see The Breakers {think Downton Abbey} all decked out for Christmas.  I begged the boys to be quiet and behave and they did.  It was a Christmas miracle!  Usually no photography is allowed inside so I was thrilled when they said they allowed pictures in the main hall for Christmas.  So sad I didn't bring my real camera!

And last, I have to share what has become my most favorite Christmas tradition -- The Smith's Musical Christmas Party.  Guests are invited to perform musical number both serious and non-serious, then we sing Christmas carols and eat eggnog milkshakes and cookies.  This year there was a hula dancer, harp duet, skits, and an ukelele performance.  The grand finale was singing Feliz Navidad.  Everyone was on their feet, singing at the top of their lungs while kids shook maracas.  I'm going to miss this tradition and will have to try to recreate it at our next home but I already know it won't be nearly as awesome. 

our besties singing "Jingle Bells' with Chinese accents

Marcus sang a solo.  It will be a sad day when his voice changes!

The room packed full of friends and performers

And now I'm caught up!  2015 can officially start.  We started the year off with a great party and a ski trip to New Hampshire.  Let the good times roll!