Writing Valentines.

Colin had his first real Valentine exchange this year! We had a little party and a few of his friends came over. Unfortunately, I didn't get any pictures of the actual exchange, but trust me,  it was so darn cute.

NHL Fan Fair

I'm sooo behind on posts!
A few weekends ago we attended the NHL Fan Fair. The All Star game was the next day in Raleigh, so they had festivities going on all weekend.
The fair was a hockey lovers paradise...lots of memorabilia, autograph signings, and "test your hockey skills" contests. The highlight, of course, was the Stanley Cup (seen in the previous post). And yes, we waited 2 hours in line just to get up close and personal!

Lots o' hockey fans in the triangle area...

"Don't go through life without goals."

Daddy's Party.

So wise.

It's Kevin's birthday today!
Happy birthday to a wonderful hubby, Daddy, and friend. Hope 31 treats you well.

Colin with the birthday boy, taken moments ago!

It's that time again!

Two very fabulous ladies in our lives have birthdays today! HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Grandma Donna and Aunt Bridget!  We love you! Hope your day is as fantastic as you are.
PS. Colin has been practicing his 'Happy Birthday song'...so hopefully you will get to hear it!

Grandma Donna!

Aunt Bridget!

Happy New Year!

Hope 2011 treats you well!

White Christmas in NC...well, the day after.

We woke up to a winter wonderland the day after Christmas!

These are a few of his favorite things...

A cool doggie sleeping bag from Grandma Patty.

Hockey net and sticks from Uncle Chris (actually, he's pretty obsessed with this at the moment).

A doggie hoodie from Aunt Bridget and Uncle Brian.

A Thomas train set from Grandpa Jim (including Colin the Crane.)

...although I think all the Tracy men liked this one!

A tent from Grandma Donna and Papa.

A Thomas set from Aunt Carrie, Uncle Dave, Jack and Lily.

Does his family know him or what? He loves all his gifts, because they are totally right up his alley. We are so very grateful for such a loving and generous family. Thank you everyone!

Christmas Eve.

"He believes"

Colin and I were able to go to my family's annual Christmas party this year. It's always a fun time, and so great to catch up with our extended family. We are thankful that this party is possible, with so many of my grandfather's side of the family being able to attend.
The highlight of the party for the kids, of course, is when Santa makes an appearance. The first few times that Colin saw Santa at the mall, he wasn't so sure. But this time he was ready! After songs were sung and presents were handed out, my mom brought Colin back up to Santa to have a little conversation. Santa looked at my mom and said "He believes". Yes he does Santa, yes he does.

My Grandparents, with the rest of the "first" generation party-goers.

He wan't excited or anything when he saw Santa, was he?

My Uncle rocks!

My brother, better known these days as Uncle Chris, turned 21 while we were in Rochester. He has been a fun Uncle to Colin thus far, and doing what every uncle should do... roughhousing, teaching him some drumming skills, and letting some of his hockey prowess rub off on him.
Hope the big 2-1 is enjoyable for you, brother!

O Christmas Tree.

My Grandfather owns land in the southern-tier of NY, and he plants a bunch of pine trees there. Before hunting season every year my family goes down to the land to pick out and mark their trees, and then my Grandpa will go back there before Christmastime and cut them down. They are not "perfect" manicured trees seen on lots to buy, but that is what makes them more beautiful to me. They are planted, grown, picked, and cut down with love!
Colin got to see my parents tree be hand delivered by my Grandpa himself (with much help from my Uncle Russ). In a snowstorm, no less. He had to see how it's done!

Fun at The Garden Factory.

The local garden store in Rochester has fun things for kids during the holidays. The Christmas festivities did not disappoint!

Train ride!

You had to see the look on Colin's face when he spotted this dog. Like he couldn't process it... he knew it was a dog, but it couldn't be because it was way too big!

This picture really doesn't do their train display justice. There is SO much to look at and so many details!

We can't have a holiday display without a blow-up Buffalo Bill guy, right?