Playing with Photoshop!

I received Photoshop Elements 3.0 as a gift for my birthday over a year ago. I really haven't had time to sit down and learn to use it. Most of the editing can be done in iPhoto now. I checked out a book called "Scrapbooking with Photoshop Elements" from the library, and I was inspired to try using the program again. I have always loved the way a colorized photo looks, and I knew the exact photo I would use to try this technique. This photo is of my youngest son when he was almost a year old. He was sitting on my daughter's lap, and we had put a brightly colored flower from the yard behind his ear. I love how it reflects his energetic personality! I can't wait to try the next technique!

The New Harry Potter Book Arrives!!!

The latest edition of the Harry Potter books arrived today!! The kids have been waiting around all afternoon, when I heard our mail carrier Chad pull into our driveway! I think he got a kick out of making the delivery, as all four kids and our dog greeted him! The kids were thrilled to receive Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows! They each get to read it for an hour at a time.

Big Sur Camp Out 7/9 - 7/13/07

This year, our family's big vacation was a four night camp out at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park. We have camped there before, but never for so long. Greg reserved a redwood campsite four months ago, and the kids were so excited to see it because it was "the exact campsite" they had wanted.Unfortunately, our old Olympus camera was acting up, and none of the view finders wanted to work! I was able to get some shots, with a little practice, but most of them are out of focus, or I missed the subject almost completely. Just keep this in mind when you view these photos!

Greg borrowed a trailer, and we were able to bring bikes for everyone, and the kids rode around all over the campground. Many families do this, and the kids really got a kick out of it.

We were also able to go on several hikes. One particular hike, up to Buzzards Roost, was fairly difficult, and Joey and I missed it last year. Joey had forgotten to bring proper shoes, and I was not long out of knee surgery, and too out of shape. I felt a great sense of accomplishment to have completed the hike. I was slow, but I made it! We also did a challenging hike from Oak Grove Trail to Pfeiffer Falls. Anton is so amazing, he was able to finish the hikes on his own two feet. There were only a few times he had to sit down. The other kids did great also! Of course, Greg hardly broke a sweat, but I won't go into that!

We were also hiked up to the swimming hole, the kids attended Junior Rangers, and Gabrielle achieved the perfect s'more! It was a great trip!

4th of July

We had a very quiet 4th of July. Greg had a headache. We didn't go to any parades or watch any fireworks displays. We just hung out at home, and had a bar-be-que dinner. The one thing the kids insisted on was having sparklers. These photos were taken as the kids burned their sparklers. I love how weird they are! They remind me of wizards doing magic with their wands, and fit in with the excitement of the upcoming new Harry Potter movie and book!

A new beginning

I'm new to this blog thing! It seems everyone I know now has a blog, and I've decided to jump on the band wagon! It's kind of weird, though, thinking that other people may be reading this. I guess you get used to it.