Photo Friday

Its Friday - another week has gone by and I did not update our blog. I am so sorry.  I"m not sure how the week got away from me. I had a random sampling of items this week and here are just a few pictures for our Photo Friday post.  First, a cute picture of Peyton and her daddy. 

Second, my cheer and dance team had 2 games this week.  Its been busy but really good.  These girls are great!  

Yesterday was another day full of trains.  Preston and I built new track, we made videos, we told stories.  This kid is a train expert! 

Cousin Alice came over to play this week.  We enjoyed having her around. 

I snapped this picture yesterday b/c it was just so darn cute.  Here is Peyton inside the stroller yet the stroller is inside the house and on the floor.  I guess she really wanted to go for a walk.  

Thats all. I'll post more pictures after the weekend. 
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Updated Family Photos

As a photographer, it is very hard to take my own family pictures.  Ok, its impossible.  I rely greatly on family (my dad) and dear friends (Kaylie and Emma) to take our family photos every 6 months.  Today was the day to update our family photo and Kaylie came over to help.  We had a short (30 minute) mini session with her and was able to download the pictures right away.  I think every family with young children hopes and prayes for one good photo.  Today, we captured a handful of good photos and here are a few for our friends and family to see.  Oh yes, I plan on printing one of these in the next few weeks.  Kaylie - great job.  
First, this is the photo I will be printing. 

 Oh we love being silly :)

And really silly.

Finally, a classic photo...with Preston looking at a car driving down the street. 

I hope you enjoy the photos.  

Magic House and Busch Stadium

Its been another busy week in the Dalbey house but I wanted to post a few pictures.  First, the Dalbey family headed to the Magic House last Sunday night with our Church family for some fun together.  I spent time with Peyton and thus have photos of her to share.  Do not fear, Preston had a great time despite the lack of photos.  First, Peyton with some lights. 

Peyton driving the car.  

Peyton was so brave to walk accross the bridge.  This girl has balance.  

Last night the Dalbey family headed to Busch Staduim for some good ol Cardinal Baseball. Gosh, I love a Cardinals game in the fall.  So much fun.  My favorite Cardinal game memory: making my dad walk halfway around the 'old' Busch Stadium to buy Cotton Candy.  Now, they bring the sugar snack to you.  Good times.  Here we have the kids enjoying the view. 

A quick family photo - classic. 

Peyton enjoying the game. 

Preston really wanted to catch a foul ball...so it begins. 

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Balloons

Tonight was a lovely night here in STL so I decided to take the kids outside for some photos.  I was able to capture this cute picture of Peyton in a blue bin:

 I looked up and what do I see flying above my house but the Energizer Bunny. 

I instantly remembered that the St. Louis Balloon race was going on and that I would probobly be able to see quite a few balloons from my house since we live less than 5 minutes away from Forest Park (the start of the race).  I started to see some balloons but wanted to get a better view. I grabbed the kids, hopped in the car and drove down the street to a bridge going over Hwy 40.  This was a great spot.  Here are a few of my pictures. 
Balloon over the houses on our street

 Balloons over the highway

 Preston called this the rainbow balloon. 

Route 66 Mini Trip

Ok, I know. I haven't posted all week long. I'm sorry.  I have a hard week.  Between work, keeping up with the house and some other random items I have been busy.  I do, however, want to update our readers on a Route 66 Mini Trip I took last week with my dad.  We drove through some parts of Missouri and found these historical landmarks still in tact.  Now I just need to see the signs at night.  I'll keep you updated if that happens. 

Weaning

This is my sweet little Peyton. 

She loves to cuddle, sing, dance, take care of her baby dolls, chase after her brother and much more.  She is also almost 18 months old.  We have one happy baby here.  This photo was taken the other morning minutes after she woke up.  Amazing!  I don't look this happy after I wake up.  Anyway, since she is almost 18 months old I decided to make a big decision about 2 weeks ago.  I decided to wean my little Peyton.  Now, she was only nursing once a day but I think she enjoyed her time with mommy.  The reason I decided to wean her was two fold.  First, I wanted to get away for a weekend to visit my sister and didn't want to bring along my pump.  I also wanted the freedom to just get up in the morning and get going with my day without taking a little time out.  It has, after all, been 18 months of nursing and she is drinking milk out of a cup just fine.  I don't think letting go of this one nursing session would do any harm.  The second reason for deciding to wean Peyton was that I have been having some health issues the past few months and needed to get on some differnet medication.  I postponed my health and prescription change because I was still nursing.  After the month of August and things being difficutlt for me I decided it was time. I had to take care of myself in order to be a good mommy to my little girl and buddy boy.  It took about a week for my body to adjust to this change but things seem to be 'normal' now.  Here is another picture of our sweet girl.  She insisted on putting on all three of her swimsuits the other day.  Her 12 mo, 18 mo and 2T swimsuit. 

I must say, weaning my girl was very difficult.  I think she misses her morning nursing sessions and I have struggled with some guilt in the whole thing.  Steven has been so sweet to remind me that Peyton is going to be just fine and weaning her was a very good decision all around.  He also reminds me that I don't want to be like that mom on time magazine nursing my 3 year old.  Oh no.  I personally think that is just too much. 

Overall, I am glad I weaned Peyton.  I am glad she can begin a new adventure of life without constantly needeing me for food. I am also glad to have a little extra freedom and take caes of my own health needs.  I am all about sacrificing for your children but taking time out to care for yourself is also a big priority. 

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Visiting Kansas

Steven and I went to Kansas this past weekend to visit my sister, husband and new baby.  Not only was this a nice visit with family but it was a much needed get a way to for Steven and me.  We haven't had a trip away from the kids in almost 2 years so this was really nice.  We did a lot of nothing.  We hung out, ate food, watched TV and slept.  Thank you, Tracey and family, for hosting us.  We really like your new house and loved being helpful to you and the baby.  Here are a few pictures from our trip.  First, a picture of Steven feeding the baby. 

Next, baby Estella in her swing. 

Here is a the little girl working on that head support and smile.  

Finally, baby Estella and Aunt Katrina.  Oh yes, I took a bunch of pictures and so far have posted one on my photography blog.  Check it out. 

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