Our First Trip to Opryland

On Christmas Eve (yes Iʻm posting about Christmas again) we decided to drive into Nashville to check out Opryland at the Gaylord Hotel.  We had debated seeing one of the shows with all of the kids but they are sooooo expensive!  Instead, we walked the grounds to check out the beautiful lights, the huge nativity scene and all the decorations inside and around the hotel.  It was so beautiful - pictures just do not do it justice.  Inside there was a Christmas tree that stood at least 35 feet high!  Santa was there too!  The kids were a little worried that Santa was out taking pictures when he should have been preparing to fly the globe and deliver gifts.  (So perceptive) After our little tour we decided to take a horse drawn carriage ride with the kids.  It was just around the grounds of the hotel, but nothing screams Christmas and winter more than a quaint little carriage and horse!  All that was missing was snow!  The kids loved it.  Saige was especially enamored because the horsesʻ name was Cinderella!  Besides wanting to start some Christmas Eve family traditions we really wanted to make sure the kids were exhausted so they didnʻt stay up all night.  Scott and I are not the best at staying awake late.  Our plan worked perfectly and the kids were snug in their beds fast asleep by about 9:30pm!  We will definitely go back next year.

Christmas Snapshots and Mardi Gras

I know it is Valentines Day and I am about to post Christmas pictures.  If I actually posted something new and up to date youʻd all think Iʻm sitting around with nothing else to do.  I can post recent news and old photos canʻt I?  We leave in 3 days to head back home for Mardi Gras.  The kids and I are beyond excited. Weʻve been reading Mardi Gras stories and listening to Mardi Gras Music and decorating with Mardi Gras colors.  YaYa has a fun filled jam packed weekend for us downtown New Orleans, and then we have a few quiet rest days at Grandpas house before we make the drive back home.  You can expect lots of photos months after the actual event!  In the meantime, enjoy a few snapshots from Christmas...oh, and Happy Valentines Day.  Much Love....

Before and After Pictures Using Textures

I really have no idea what Iʻm doing in Photoshop, but since today it is below freezing I really donʻt feel much like leaving the house.  A perfect day to park myself in front of the computer and play.  The top picture is a BEFORE and the bottom picture is the AFTER.  I texturized the background and sharpened the eyes.

A Year of Learning and Growing

I am determined to learn Photoshop in the year 2012!  A daunting task if youʻve ever sat down and opened the program.  Incredibly complex and yet so amazing.  While I am a huge believer that some photos are best "au natural", I also think that your photos can become unique pieces of art with a little post processing know how.  So here is my first practice run using some frames.  The vintage frames are made by Paint The Moon.  An incredibly talented and inspirational website for just about anyone who loves taking pictures.  These would be great for digital scrapbooking too!