RIP Uncle Cliff

Cliff was my father's sister's husband... my uncle. He was truly one of those unforgettable people. He is the main reason for all of the musicians in my family. You will be missed and your song will play on forever.

Blast from the past

Where do you think they get their blonde hair and blue eyes?

Less than two days!!

We've been counting down the days until our vacation. I hope the 8 hour drive with two kids isn't going to be terrible! Believe me, there will be MANY pictures to follow!

Now, I just need to read about how to take the best beach pictures!

Sweet Face

Redbirds

We took the kids to their first baseball game last weekend, which was so much fun! We never even made it to our seats. Kiki found out about the playground behind left field and that's where we spent the entire game. I can't even tell you who won!

I forgot to take the Nikon with me, but luckily had my Canon Powershot in my purse (never leave home without it!)

Just chillin'.

This is the lawn behind left field... next to the playground.

Bubby looks like he's really concentrating. I'm sure the concrete doesn't feel that great on the knees.

Notice the tongue to help him really focus.


This was Kiki's favorite of the night - the Rockey Hopper.

This is the look of sheer terror!

At the end of the night, she got to kiss a horse! Thanks for taking her over there, Heather!

Photoshop Practice

I am very much a Photoshop novice. I've done a few photo birthday invitations, some cropping, and taken out a few red eyes. Other than that, I have no idea what I'm doing. Right now, I'm using Photoshop Elements.

I played around with it last weekend to lighten up a couple pictures. Unfortunately I didn't get good light on her face, so that's my main problem. But I think the pictures do look a little better than before. Since these pics I've started taking pics RAW, so hopefully I'll be able to do a little better editing.

I bet there's an extended education course I could take for Photoshop. Maybe I'll check in to that (you know, in my free time)!

By the way, I've changed my comments section to "Anonymous" so if you do not have a blogger account, you can still leave a comment. Just let me know who you are :)

BEFORE:

AFTER:

Our new house guests

We've got a family of what I believe are Barn Swallows that have moved in right above our front door. This is the second year this same family of birds have taken over our front door. Taylor says they're not coming back next year, but they do not bother me. He's been swooped on a few times walking in the drive-way though. I always get a good laugh!

The nest is right on the back side of this stone...


We have 6 babies this year. There were only 5 last year.


Here's Daddy Swallow trying to scare me away by circling around my head...


Unfortunately, this is the present they've left at our front door...

They've got to be...

They've got to be so sick of me taking pictures by now.

Do you think she will still be this sweet to him when he starts getting into all of her stuff?


I brightened this up just a tad because her face was so dark. I'm loving the orange ring around her lips!


Ooh, I like this bronze effect

My new favorite pic

Daddy will have to beat them off with a stick! Until then, she's got him wrapped around her little finger...