The Zoo

 Again, the weather in STL is beautiful this week and I decided to take the kids to the zoo today.  We had a wonderful time.  Preston loves seeing the animals.  

He is so curious :) 

Preston's favorite animal today was the elephant.  

He also thought the Hyena's were cool.  

Going for a walk

 The weather in STL has been amazing the past few days.  65 degrees at the end of January - I'll take it.  After work yesterday afternoon, I took the kids out for a nice walk and time to play at the park.  Here are a few pictures from our adventure.  

First, the flowers are blooming - crazy! 

Preston was so sweet and picked some flowers for Peyton and mommy.  

Here is Preston pointing at the ducks :) 

 Here is sweet little Peyton.  She loves going for walks.  

I think Preston had a good time at the park.  What do you think?  

I am sure it will be 30 degrees and snowy next week - typical STL.  

Vote for Peyton

Dear friends, many of you know that I enjoy photography and have starting my own photography business.  While I LOVE taking pictures of families, friends, children, etc... I have noticed that I have neglected having my own family portrait taken.  I can't really take my own family pictures :)  So, I have entered a picture of Peyton in a photography contest  The winner of this contest gets a FREE photo shoot worth $100.  PLEASE, if you are on Facebook and can check out Brooke Boyer Photography and 'like' Peyton's picture then we will be on our way to winning the contest.  Voting has begun and ends on February 5th.  Thank you so much for your time and support.  This would mean so much to our little family. 

Peyton 10 month photo shoot

 I am about 10 days late, but I took Peyton out for her 10 month photo shoot this afternoon.  Don't worry, it is about 45 degrees, Peyton was wearing loves sleeves, and we were only outside for a total of 20 minutes (2 different locations).  Here are a couple pictures from our adventure this afternoon.  Enjoy.  

Play Room

I think it is safe to say that our play room is well loved.  It may not be that big, but it is busy with activity from the early morning to right up to bedtime.  There are toys, puzzles, books, blocks, etc...  So much for our little ones to explore and enjoy.  Here are a couple pictures of their play time.  

First, Peyton exploring her bins.  Tonight, the phone was very interesting.  

 Here is the play room when it is clean. (Except for that random stack of books/papers on the shelf).   

 Here is the play room as it looked the other morning.  Books are everywhere, a train track is running along the floor and nothing seems to be in its place.  This is what I mean when I say that our play room is well loved. 

School

 We took Preston to visit his new school this morning.  Well, we are planning/hoping to send him to MRH ECC preschool this fall and a tour was awesome.  We loved the facility, the programs, the structure, etc...  Now, we just have to save our pennies to make it happen.  Here is a picture of Preston and Steven playing in the sand.  

This afternoon, we have been playing around the house.  Here is a picture of the kids in the tent Grandad Denton gave them for Christmas.  

I hope you are having a wonderful afternoon.  

A thought

I just spent some time reading the blog of a dear friend.  At the end of my reading I was crying.  I am not sure why I was crying.  I think it had something to do with her honesty in sharing about some difficulties she has been going through and how thankful she is to have had some time to work through those difficulties.  I am currently going though some difficulties of my own.  While I am not going to share on this blog (only in private conversations with trusted friends) due to great sensitivity, I will say that I am learning some important lessons.  First, I am learning to forgive.  This is difficult for me. Second, I am learning to love those who hurt me. This is also difficult for me.  Finally, I am learning to not feel responsible for everyone and everything.  I think it is in my DNA to love and care deeply.  I am thankful for this gift.  Now, however, I need to trust that others will care and look after certain things that means so much to me.  I think I am being called to care for myself.  This will be good.  I am looking forward to a healthier and happier me.  Don't worry, I will keep posting cute pictures of the kids and updates from our family.  Don't worry, our family is well.  Our kids are happy and Steven and I are doing well.  Simply, sometimes I wish the pain and struggles we experience during this life would go away.  Thankfully, in Christ, all things will be made new and one day he will wipe every tear from our eyes.  I long for that day. 

Video of Peyton

Here it is - the video of Peyton walking.  

Peyton 10 months

Our little girl is 10 months old today.  Were does time go?  We are so in love with our little girl and the great amount of joy she brings to our family.  As you can see in the picture she is happy and healthy.  We are so thankful.  Here are some of her recent accomplishments.  

First, she is walking.  Yes, I am serious.  She is walking and I will post a video to demonstrate.  I imagine she will be running by 11 months old.  Believe me when I say that my life has completely change - again.  

Second, she loves all sorts of foods.  This is a great blessing.  Her favorite foods at the moment are avocado, peaches and beans.  

Third, she started climbing up the stairs.  This scares me.  Even though we have gates and do not let her on the stairs by herself, I know that this 'climbing' skill might show itself in other areas of our house.  To be determined... 

Finally, she loves her big brother.  She loves to play trains with him, watch him and be with him.  I love seeing their relationship develop.  Sure, sometimes Preston does not want his sister playing with 'his' trains but overall, he is happy to have someone to play with while we are at home.  

Weekend Update - Part 3

Many of you know that I collect Starbucks City Mugs.  I have been collecting these mugs ever since Steven and I were married in 2003 and I picked up my first mug as a gift to my new husband that year.  Over the past 8 years I have collected over 60 mugs.  While Steven drove out to Pennsylvania this past weekend to hang out with his brother, 5 cousins and Uncle he picked up a new mug from the great city of Indianapolis.  I still, however, need a Pittsburgh mug...someday.  Thank you, honey.  I love how you help grow my collection and I look forward to adding more to my collection from our travels in the years ahead.  

Weekend Update - Part 2

Preston is a wonderful helper.  As I was feeding Peyton this afternoon I needed to run in the kitchen and grab something.  While I was gone, Preston climbed down from his chair and started feeding Peyton her applesauce.  From the smile I can tell she enjoyed the help from her big brother.  Peyton loves her big brother.  

 Later this afternoon I was putting the groceries away and Preston started to stack the cans.  While this isn't really 'helping' me, he did ask if he could help cook.  I told him that he could help me tomorrow when I try out a new Pumpkin muffin recipe I found on Pinterest :) I think he is more excited to mix up those ingredients and I am sure excited about a new recipe.  

Weekend Update - Part 1

 Here is another round of 'Weekend Update' posts with the Dalbey Times.  Lets start with last Thursday when we had our first snow of winter.  We didn't have much snow but it caused a mess during rush-hour.  I am not sure why, but people in STL cannot drive in snow.  I have never considered myself one of 'those' bad drivers, and thankfully my drive to work only lasted 20 minutes vs. the 2 hour drive my dad had to endure, but nevertheless the roads in St. Louis were horrible that morning and it was the talk of the town.  Here is a sweet picture of our house with the snow and my time with Preston outside.  Preston loves making tracks in the snow and a snow angel on the ground.  

If you look closely you can see Bailey looking out the window of the front door.  

I am not sure if you can tell, but this is a snow angel compliments of Preston.  

I sure hope we get more snow this season.  Preston needs to break in that new coat :)   

Daddy and Peyton

I wanted to post this sweet picture of Steven with little Peyton this morning.  Thank you, Steven Dalbey, for loving us so well, working so hard and leading us into laughter, trust and joy as a family.  You are a wonderful husband, father and man.  I am better when I am with you.  

Dancer in training

  I co-coach a cheer and dance team up at WCA.  This is my 9th year coaching the team and every year has been a blast.  This year is extra special for me because I can bring my daughter to games.  She loves watching the girls and to be honest, I think she is learning how to move and groove.  Only a few short years until studio dance class :) Here is a picture of Peyton hanging out with the girls.  

Here is a picture of the girls dancing!

After Dance practice on Saturday, we had a nice afternoon playing outside on the swing set.  I think this next picture is so sweet.  Preston loves his little sister.  

Here is Peyton practicing her walking skills.  Bailey follows her around like a little lost puppy :) 

Finally, a picture of Preston smiling from our play time together last night.  I think he loves my camera phone more than he loves smiling for pictures :) 

Christmas Card Book

 You may have noticed my new love for Pinterest.  What a wonderful website.  It inspires me daily with recipes, craft projects, photography images, etc... Last week I found this picture

from this website.  

These are books made out of Christmas cards.  Brilliant. I have been trying to figure out what to do with all of my Christmas cards from the past 8 years.  I never throw anything like this away.  Here is a picture of my Christmas card book.  

All I need is a cover and I am set.  Thank you, Pinterest.  

Gift

A few weeks ago a close family friend gave us the most wonderful gift - a swing set.  The swing set came with a baby seat, 2 children's seats and a some rings with a pull up bar.  I don't think my words can describe how excited Preston was to receive this gift.  I think the pictures do a much better job.  

 Yes, that is a seat on the ground.  We need to buy another S hook to finish installing the second swing.  

 While Peyton just giggled and her hair blew in the wind, Preston kept asking me to push him higher and higher.  It was so sweet.  

Thank you, Barker family, for your love in this special gift.  Your support, encouragement, trust and care mean so much to our family.  I am confident that our family will enjoy this swing set for years to come.  

Today

Here are a few pictures from our day.  First, we visited Steven at work at St. Louis Smoothie.  He gave us a balloon and we brought it home.  Peyton thought this was super cool.  

 Both Preston and Peyton loved the balloon so much they they were guarding it all afternoon...even while playing with trains.  

 Peyton had some beans and cheerios for lunch...some of the cheerios stuck to her face :) 

I decided to give Peyton a bath after lunch. I think she is having too much fun.  

 Next, I looked outside and saw the wonderful swing set that a family from Central gave to us.  It was too cold to go outside and play today but the weather looks nice the next few days.  

 Preston decided to take a break from playing with trains and build a Lego lower.  He takes building and construction very seriously.  

Overall, we had a wonderful day.  

Happy New Year

The Dalbey family would like to wish everyone a very Happy New Year.  We hope this year is filled with great blessing and joy.  This photo was taken outside of Grandad Denton's house on Christmas Day...Preston wasn't too excited to take another picture :) 

 The Dalbey family is thankful 2011 is over.  It was full of many challenges and change.  We are looking forward to 2012.  Some new years resolutions...Preston would like to add to his train collection and start making YouTube videos.  Peyton would like to learn how to walk and start playing more with her toys.  Katrina is looking forward to organizing the basement and turning it into a play room. Steven is working hard to build his client load and get involved at our new Church.  Happy 2012 - I think this will be a good year.