Eli's Bday Party

Last weekend the Dalbey Trio headed out to Eli's 3rd Birthday Party. Eli is the son of our friends, Leah and Todd. Despite the hot weather, we had a super fun time hanging out with friends and playing with the kids. The theme of the party was CARS so we had some fun car racing and some fun time with water guns to keep things nice and cool. Here are a few photos from our time at the party.

Qdoba

Preston LOVES Qdoba. I know this picture doesn't show a smile, but the kid is seriously chowing down on the rice, black beans and chicken. Hey, I have no guilt. The side order only costs $1.79. I think that is cheaper than a Happy Meal from McDonalds. Oh yes, I ate dinner at home :)

Preston Update

I have noticed recently that some of my blog friends do such a good job of giving a monthly update on their children and their life developments. I would like to 'try' to do a better job of updating my blog friends on Preston's development and achievements. Especially since our Grandma's and some family live out of STL and other friends enjoy reading these types of updates. I think I will try to do this on the anniversary of Preston's Birthday day each month. Now, Preston's Birthday is August 4th but I thought I would go ahead and give a brief update now before I give the big update next week.

First, Preston continues to grow like a weed. The other day Steven and I realized that his shoes didn't fit well. We took him to the shoe store and learned that he went from a size 7 to a size 8 in less than 2 months. Is this normal? Anyway, we purchased a new pair of summer sandals that we hope will last him through September. We have also noticed that he has grown more than 2 inches since the month of May because we have been keeping track upstairs in his room. At this point I think Preston is destined to be very tall but only time will tell. I guess I will be buying new shoes more often then I thought.

Second, Preston continues to speak very well and learn new words and phrases each day. We have always known Preston to be very verbal and we just love hearing him learn to express himself and speak well. He has his ABC's down like a champ and has been referring to himself in the 1st person. Its so nice to hear him say "Mommy, I'm tired" or "I need a cracker, please". I really enjoy having a child who is able to express in words how he feels and what he thinks. This has certainly made life easier. Oh yes, he loves to read and this is an enjoyable part of our day together. I am sure reading is only helping to develop those verbal skills.

Finally, Preston is very comfortable around people. I guess being a youth group baby has helped out a lot in this category. He loves seeing students or interacting with them when them come over to hang out at our house. He loves giving hugs and easily lets people play with him. He also easily goes to the nursery or to PEEPS (our child care 2 days a week). He has his 'friends' that he is excited to see and enjoys the many toys and activities. I love watching Preston interact with other people and my heart is filled with joy to see how sweet and kind he is to others. I can see a lot of Steven's sweet and caring disposition in Preston.

Well, that is all for now. Here are a few photos from the past week or so.

Camp & Canoe Trip

Steven and I took some students from the Youth Group on a camp and canoe trip the past couple days. We traveled down to Jadwin, MO and canoed on the Current river. As you can imagine, we had a BLAST! Here are a few of our favorite photos.

First, our tent.

Second, Katrina and the girls!

Third, the group photo - all 30 of us. This was a great group!

Fourth, Steven getting a splash down from the 6th grade girls.

Steven and I after a long float on the river. I think this was our 5th camp & canoe trip.

Past Few Days

The Dalbey Trio has been very busy the past few days. Steven has been busy hanging out with students from Youth Group, Katrina's been busy teaching dance camp and Preston has been busy playing with cars and trucks. Here are a couple photos from the past few days. Here is a picture of Steven, Papa and Preston at the Cardinals Game on Saturday. Oh my word, it was SO HOT!

Here is a picture of Nathan and Tom over at our house the other night to hang out, play video games and eat a lot of Pizza.

Here is a picture of Steven and Jordan making huge goals for in our front yard. We plan on using these tomorrow on our annual camp & canoe trip.

Here is a sweet picture of Preston and Steven hanging out the other day. Wow - Preston looks so big.

Oh yeah, I love this picture. Preston loves to wear his pair of 'glasses' around the house!

Morning at the Park/Pool

This morning we took a family trip to the pool and the playground outside. Preston had so much fun swimming and is learning how to make bubbles and kick his legs. I think he wants to know how to swim and doesn't realize that he doesn't know how...yet.
Here are a few photos from our fun time on the playground. In the first photo with mommy I think Preston was more interested in the airplane flying above our heads.
Here is Preston and daddy playing on the big playground fort.

Here is Preston chasing daddy around the playground!

Here is just a sweet smile from daddy and Preston.

Need a Home

It is time. We need to find a new home for our beloved cats, Jackson & Aslan. We love our cats very much and brought them home 6 years ago when Steven and I were first married. But when we moved to our current home and brought home our dogs we soon realized that the cats had to live in the basement. This is not an ideal home for them and they do not get the love and attention they deserve. Both Jackson and Aslan are very sweet cats who love attention. Here are a few photos of the pair. We would love to find them a good home, either together or in separate homes. Please email me at Showkat8@gmail.com if you would like more information. Oh yes, they are FREE! We will even include all their toys, medical records, food, etc...

TOMS

Many of you know that I love buying things when I know I am donating to a good cause, charity, mission organization, etc... I remember last year I bought a necklace from a friend and all the proceeds went to women in Nepal. I also remember purchasing a nice gift bag from a women in Honduras and all the proceeds went to helping her feed her family. I have now added a pair of shoes to my list of purchased items. I bought a pair of TOMS this morning. Some of the students in the Youth Ministry intoduced me to these shoes. They are super cute, very comfortable and for every shoe purchased, the company gives a pair of new shoes to a child in need. I have seen many children in need in my travels over the years and thought this was one thing I could do to help someone else. I can't wait to wear my new shoes.

Grant's Farm

The Dalbey Trio joined up with Grammie, Papa, Aunt Kristen and Cousins Jack and Natalie for a trip to Grant's farm this morning. The weather was beautiful and we had a wonderful time. Here are a few photos from our morning adventure. Grammie with Natalie, Papa with Jack.

It was so nice to get close to and even pet the animals. Yes, even the goats.

Here is Preston trying to feed the goats. Daddy had to help. I also noticed that they tried to eat my skirt - not cool.

Can you tell that Preston is having a blast!

Preston and Jack exploring together.

Family Photo

How many photos do you need to take to get a family photo where everyone is looking at the camera and their eyes are open? Hmmm... about 10 if you are in the Dalbey family :) Here is the final photo:

Here are a couple pictures of our visit from Grossi (Great Grandma Dalbey)

Wedding

This past weekend Steven and I were able to get away for a night and attend a friends wedding in Washington, MO. We had a wonderful time celebrating and want to say congrats to Philip and Amanda. Here are a few photos from our evening.

First, we have the couple: Philip & Amanda.

Second, we have Steven and I at the wedding.

Finally, Emma singing for the happy couple. Emma is the sister of the groom and surprised the couple by singing and playing for them on their special day. Katrina and Emma are also very close friends.

Fireworks