Pumpkin Patch. Take 1.

Since last year we weren't here for the fall season, we hadn't visited any one the local farms for their Halloween festivities. There are two places fairly close to us that have hayrides and corn mazes, so I want to try them both!
Early Friday evening we headed to our first pumpkin patch of the season. Colin LOVED it, and as a bonus it wasn't crowded at all because we were there at an off time. I really think our boy would love to live on a farm. He gets the biggest smile on his face when he sees the animals and tractors, and just runs around exploring. He was in his glory!

A goat!

Milking Elsie the cow.

The hayride!

Ok, I have to admit, this was the first time I have ever seen cotton...especially at a pumpkin patch!

Picking out a pumpkin. He was trying super hard to lift this one!

Sitting next to his first pumpkin of the year!

The beloved tractor.

The next Ol' Blue Eyes?

Music. It's in Colin's blood, that's for sure.

My dad is a self taught guitar player, singer and songwriter. He started a band when I was younger, and my mom sang harmony. Music was always a part of my home growing up...let's just say by the time I was in elementary school, I pretty much knew the words to every Beatles song. My brother Chris and I had about a dozen concerts under our belts as kids. Chris took up the drums and played in his school bands. My mom and I love watching old musicals together...'Singing in the Rain' and 'On the Town' being two of our faves.

Music was in Kevin's family too. A good indicator of this is when 'The Sound of Music' is on TV, and Kev sort of cringes. I guess that's the price you pay when you grew up in a house with 3 ladies that have a penchant for musicals. Haha! Kevin's younger sister Bridget starred in school musicals pretty much her whole life, and then went on to be a part of her college's singing group. Kevin's mom and older sister Carrie were in some musicals as well, and Carrie has definitely passed her love of music onto her kids. Our nephew Jack had no problem standing up in front of the crowd at Bridget's wedding, mic in hand, and gracing us with his rendition of 'Beyond the Sea".

SO, it's no surprise me that Colin loves music. And singing. For the past few weeks, Colin has woken me up in the morning because I hear him singing in his room. His sweet little voice comes over the monitor...usually singing "OH! Cookie, Cookie, Cookie" or "Eeeiiiiiieeeeiiiiiiooooo".
I'll trade in our alarm clock for that any morning!

The Ball.

A few weekends ago, Kevin and I had the opportunity to attend our first Air Force Ball. We got to get dressed up, have a delicious kid-free dinner, listen to General Johns speak, and watch a performance by the 82nd Airborne All-American chorus. I'm glad we went, because it was an experience!
"Ready Now!"

SHAAAARRRRK!

I'm a little behind on blogs lately...

A few weekends ago, we traveled to the NC Aquarium. Too bad we didn't take advantage of the area and made a day out of it, because it was right on the beach. Next time we will bring our beach clothes and take a walk on the pier!

We had a good time, regardless. Colin loved looking at all the sea life. Another fun family outing!

Jack!

Our nephew Jack turned four yesterday. FOUR! I can't believe it's been four years since that guy was born!
Yesterday morning Kevin called him and immediately began singing Happy Birthday to him in a deep voice, without saying who he was. I could hear Jack on the other end of the phone laughing and saying "Who IS this?" Is this KEVIN?" I just love his little giggle.
Happy birthday, big boy. Hope four treats you well! Have a fun year.

Jack and Uncle Kev.

Jack and his Mommy (aka Aunt Carrie)!

Are you ready for some football?

Well, in the Tracy house we were, but apparently the Buffalo Bills didn't get the message. Or the 49ers, or Notre Dame for that matter.
Hopefully next week will be a little more successful! Or else this is going to be another loooonnnng season.

Cousin photo shoot, take 3.

Dear Jack, Lily and Colin...when are all three of you going to sit still, look at the camera, and flash me those big beautiful smiles?
I kid. I really wouldn't take these "photo shoots" back for anything. The older they get, the more fun they are to watch together. I only wish that they could be together more often! But let me tell you, when I do get that shot it will be catalog worthy, because these three are cuuuuuute!

Geez guys, can you look a little more enthused?

Aww, Jack, you're too sweet. But please look at the camera.

Almost...

Photo shoots, take 1 and 2...

June 2009

December 2009

They put the GRAND in Grandparents!

While home in Rochester for our dear friend's wedding, Colin got to soak up plenty of Grandparent time. He LOVES them, 'nuff said!

Talking football with Papa Joe.

Enjoying some fresh air with Grandma Donna.

A wagon ride from Grandpa Jim.

Fun before bedtime with Grandma Patty.

Eating and eating (and eating) with Great Grandma Millie and Great Grandpa Pat.

Fun in the tub.

The Colin doll.

Ummm...Shouldn't we be receiving some sort of compensation for this???

My Grandmother found (and bought) this doll at her church sale. It will now be a stand-in for Colin at family events.

A special place.

If anyone recalls,  in November of 2005 I was proposed to at a Chuck E. Cheese establishment, by none-other than Chuck E. Cheese himself....

To your surprise (and mine) it was actually Kevin dressed up in the Chuck E. costume. It was the best, funniest, weirdest, and most confusing day of my life. The rest is history! Needless to say, from that day forward Chuck E. Cheese holds a special place in our hearts.

So you can imagine how thrilled I am that Colin has now reached Chuck E. Cheese-going-age, and we can share a little piece of history with him. This Sunday marked his first time there. It was a little crowded, a little crazy, (and a tad scummy) but he had fun. Hold on to your tokens and tickets, because I foresee more trips in the years to come!

Of course he had to ride the airplane first!

Just driving around with Chuck E.

 It's a classic.

Daddy hit the jackpot.

With Daddy's winnings, Colin scored a new balloon. This definitely made his day complete.

And in case you're wondering, we did see the guy donning the faded, bally, dirty (and probably smelly) Chuck E. Cheese suit. It was too chaotic for me to snap a pic. But Colin saw him from afar. And smiled.

Marbles Kids Museum!

We took Colin to Marbles Kids Museum in Raleigh. To learn more about it, click HERE.
Colin had a blast...it kept him so happy and busy. It's a great place for kids to explore!

Farmer Colin picking the veggies.

In the stable caring for the horses.

Watering the flowers in the kids garden.

Exploring the world of bugs.

Walking the plank!

They had a mini hockey rink to play a quick game (in your socks)...maybe next year, Colin!

Kevin's not too happy about this one...

Walking (or dragging) the dog.

Fun times!

Pat and Mil.

My Grandparents.
They are one of a kind, let me tell ya. I can't say enough about them. My brother, cousins and I are so blessed to have grown up under their wings  They are everything you would want in grandparents, and more! They are supportive, smart, funny, loving, hardworking, and kind. I know we all have such a great deal of respect for them. Not to mention they will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary this September!

We had a get together over my Aunt Sue's house while we were in town (no surprise there!). My Grandparents walk in and the first thing my Grandpa says to me is: "We got a cake. For Colin. It's all for him. And I want you to put it in front of him, and let him eat it."

Okaaaaayyyy? If you know my Grandpa, you know to just do what he says, no questions asked.
So, Colin got to indulge in his special little treat from his Great Grandparents. We can be safe to say that he thoroughly enjoyed it. And I am so overjoyed that he gets to experience their love.

Just one of the guys.

Colin with my cousins Nick, Alex and Mark, and his Uncle Chris.

Grandpa Fun.

Colin loves his Grandpas!

A carousel ride with Grandpa Joe. 

A picnic with Grandpa Jim (and his "famous" watch)