I phone photos

The Dalbey family did some work around the house this weekend.  It started off on Saturday with Steven being outside working hard to finish the update on our deck.  I'll write more about this later. 

I was inside finishing a small painting project in the kids closet/reading room.  There is a before, during and after picture.  We plan on using this as Preston's special place to hang out and read.  Now we just need a ladder as this is the landing space that leads up to our attic. 

Preston did some hard work this weeek working on building a new train track.  

Peyton worked hard playing with her toys and looking cute.  (I couldn't resist posting this picture). 

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Preston's First day of School

Preston started school on Wednesday.  Steven and I can't believe that our son is in school three days a week from 8am - 3pm.  Its amazing and a bit shocking.  We remember the day he was born and he was a 6lb little peanut.  Now he is a solid, strong, adventurous, sensitive and intelligent boy.  Amazing.  Here are a few pictures from his frist day of school and then a few more pictures I took this morning to document his new adventure. 

I couldn't really get him to smile for the camera.  He insisted on being silly. 

These are the fountains in front of his new school. 

This is the first of a long series of pictures throughout his school carreer.  I am planning on taking a picture of Preston in front of the school sign on his first and last day of school.  

 Preston specifically asked me to take a picture of his backpack.  Yes sir! 

 We sure do love our little boy. 

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Play Date

I really like play dates.  I like having something to do outside of my normal routine at home.  Last Saturday I watched my friends daughter, Jane, for a few hours and we had a great time.  Preston just adores Jane.  Um, can we say this picture is ADORABLE!!!

 Here is Jane with her lovie.  Again, this picture is ADORABLE! 

I am looking forward to more fun play dates with Jane and our other friends this fall.  

I miss College

With all the excitement for back to school the past few weeks I have come to realize that I really miss college.  It didn't really hit me till this morning when I received my Mizzou Alumni magazine in the mail. Ahh, what a lovely picture. 

I have such fond memories of my time in college at Mizzou. I miss the beautiful campus, my friends, my sorority and yes, I even miss taking classes.  I sometimes find myself wishing I could go back and have a few more fun Mizzou days.  They went by so fast.  What has led me to reflect on my college carreer and appreciate all that I was able to experience has been a combination of the following 2 items. 

First, my dear friends. 

Leah and Christi came in town and I was able to catch up with them last night.  It was a blast!  We talked about family, kids, work, etc...  It was great. I wish I could see them more often. 

Second, Mizzou had recruitment last week for greek life.  While non of my recommendations joined my house (sniff, tear, sniff) I found myself thinking about the day when my own daughter goes to Mizzou and will join my house.  Yes, I'm thinking about this and hope it will be so.  I know I am not alone.  Some of my pledge sister's are thinking the same thing and I love it! 

Well, even if I can't go back to college there is always Homecomming!!!

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Preston Preschool Update

I am so happy to say that Preston will start his first year of Preschool next week.  We are all very excited for him.   He is almost ready to go.  He has a new backpack and a new pair of shoes.  I think he has enough shirts but we may need to get him a few new pairs of shorts and pants.  Ok, besides all these practical items we are all very excited for him to start school.  We beleive school will be really good for him.  It will challenge him, channel his energy and broaden his social life even more.  Oh yes, Steven and I are really excited to meet new people, get to know the people in our community and watch our son grow and thrive.  Just look at this face - he is ready to go. He keeps talking about the garden, the huge sandbox and the chickens at his school.  We think this is so cool.    

Oh yes, a while back I wrote a blog post about how much Steven and I were praying that we would financially be able to send Preston to Preschool.  With our recent job transition our finances have been very tight.  Both Steven and I have been working very hard to make ends meet each month.  We have been learning a lot about what it means to sacrifice and trust the Lord to provide.  This has been hard.  While we have chosen to send our kids to public school we still have to pay tuition for the 2 years our kids will each go to preschool.  So, back in February we began to save.  $20 here, $10 there, etc... Its amazing how much you sacrifice for your children.  I am so thankful to report that we have saved enough money to pay 4 of the 9 payments we will owe this year for Preston's school.  This is huge.  We are very thankful and pray that we can continue to save and make our son's early childhood education possible.  We will keep you posted and deeply appreciate all the prayers, words of encouragement and acts of service to our family.  Thank you. 

The Zoo

The Dalbey family had some much needed family time today and spent a good portion of it at the zoo. What a wonderful place. Here we are heading in. 

First, a view of the new exhibit: The Sea Lion Sound. 

Next, a trip to the Butterfly house.  So beautiful.  I need to come back and bring my macro lens. 

Here is Peyton outside the butterfly house. 

Preston huggin the bug :)

Peyton loved visiting the penguins. 

We had our very own tour guide. 

Oh yes, did I mentiond that the Children's Zoo is free the first our the zoo is open. 

Our final exhibit - the River walk and a view of the Elephants. 

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A lovely gift

I received a lovely gift today.  Let me begin by saying that I  really like Vera Bradley. I have been a huge fan for a number of yeras and really enjoy their quality products, creative designs and soff fabric.  I decided to head out to the VB store this afternoon to purchase a gift.  Within seconds of entering the store I realized that something special was going on.  I learned that it was the Birthday party celebration for the Vera Bradley store and many people were there to celebrate.  I was quickly given a bag with this lovely item inside. 

This is the Cosmetic Trio in a pattern I have been eying for a while.  Wow - what a lovely gift.  Thank you, Vera Bradley. 

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Preston Turns 4

Today is Preston's 4th Birthday.  Wow!  We had a wonderful day celebrating with our little man and here are a few pictures.  (These were taken with my camera phone and I plan on posting more photos on my photography blog later tonight).    First, a picture of Preston and Peyton in the pool at Grammie and Poppa's house.  (Big Thank you goes out to Mark and Beth Dalbey for hosting the party.  We had a wonderful time). 

Next, a picture of Preston in the pool near Peyton and our friend, Cora.  Thank you so much for coming to the party!

Here we have the boys enjoying some yummy hotdogs. 

A quick photo of Poppa, Peyton and our friend, Jane.  We are excited to celebrate her Birthday tomorrow!! 

The little man was so excited to open his thoughtful gifts from many friends and family. 

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Peyton Love

Before we enter a weekend that is almost all about Preston to celebrate his 4th Birthday I thought I would share a few pictures of Peyton from the week.  She is just so sweet! 

First, hugging on daddy as he does some push ups. 

I tried to capture Peyton wearing her cute headband...I'll try again as the picture is not very clear and her hair doesn't seem to be cooperating :)

Next we have a couple pictures of Peyton in Preston's bed, with her dolls and reading...well....talking to them.  What a sweet girl. 

I think she may want her own big bed...but we are not ready to give it to her.  

Finally, the girls hair is getting long enought to pull up in a ponytail!  This is awesome.  

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