Playing Around with Photoshop

I am testing out a free trial of Photoshop elements and considering buying it to edit photos I take.  So far, it is very overwhelming without great instructions, but I am trying to teach myself at least a few basic tools.  These edits are far from perfect but were my first attempt at editing.  I figured I would go ahead and post them so that in a few months I can look back and see how far I have come (hopefully).  What do you think...did the edits makes them better or worse?  Does anyone have any tips or suggestions?  I am thinking I need to buy a Photoshop for dummies book to learn the program.

 Before (Straight Out Of The Camera)

 After...I should have written down what all I did to the picture.

 Before

 After...I like the brighter background, but I think Bailey's face may be a little too orange.

 Before

After....I think this was my favorite of the three edits.

Happy 60th Birthday

At the end of February, my Uncle Richard will be turning 60. He and my Aunt Cheryl, along with my grandparents, were in town last weekend so we all headed up to the Horton's house last Saturday to celebrate. Kristi made yummy enchaladas and Grandma's Italian Cream Cake. We had a great time getting to visit with everyone and playing with the kids. Happy Birthday Uncle Richard!!

 Shelby and Bailey...such cuties

Bailey and Aunt Sherry

 Cade joined the girls for a quick pic

 Bailey showing off her new gap in her front teeth

 Aunt Cheryl with a few of her grandkids

 Jason and Cade

 Grandpa and Ross

 Kristi with Miss Maddie Grace

 Uncle Richard with Shelby

 So precious

Shelby was trying to make Maddie smile for the camera...she wasn't impressed...haha

B-I-N-G-O

Last Friday, Jason and I went with some friends to a local Bingo hall for a night of fun.  Neither of us had been before, and we had the BEST time.  The hall was huge, and there were tons of people.  They play several different versions of bingo games (most of which were new to me), but it was a great Friday night spent with friends.  It is something I would definitely do again.  Our friend Nick even won one of the games and took home a whopping $600.

 The Boys

 Robyn, Christi, Me, Katy and Connelly's friend (forgot her name)  :(

Happy Birthday to Me

Time has once again gotten away from me, and the blog updates have suffered.  I celebrated my 28th birthday on February 10th.  Instead of going out to eat, I decided that I wanted a low-key night at home so Jason grilled us some yummy steaks for dinner, and we rented a movie.  He then surprised me with a Nikon D5000.  I was shocked and so excited.  I usually tell him exactly what I want for my birthday, but this year I really didn't know so I didn't tell him anything.  He completely outdid himself with this gift.  If this is what I can expect, I may never give him hints again.  :)  I have had fun toying with the camera and trying to learn all the settings.  So far, I have learned enough to know that I know very little and that there is alot of learning in my future.  I have really enjoyed reading all about the camera and techniques online.  Now if I can only apply it....

The weekend of my birthday, Jason and I headed up to the lake to spend the weekend with his parents.  Jason and his dad worked on tiling the master bathroom most of the weekend.  I played with my camera quite a bit, and his mom and I started painting trim on the outside of the house.  The weather was perfect all weekend, and it was nice to get away.  Below are a few pics from the lake...