Action Resolution

So, I attempted, as a PSE newbie, last year to install some free actions.

I failed. Several times. I read the instructions and for whatever reason, figured it wasn't to be after I just couldn't find a way to get them to show up and figured that while they looked nice and were probably time saving, it wasn't worth my sanity.

Enter New Years. One of my resolutions was to just figure it out already, dedicate the brain space, and see if they were worth the effort.

It's only January 4th, and I think it was worth an evening of my time. I've been going back through some of my favorite photos and playing.

Here's an original (SOOC)...

an edited (without actions)...

and an edited (with actions)....

Yep. I think this was one successful resolution.

A Rosy Outlook

History House, Fremont District

Camping at Mt. Rainier

We took our first camping trip as a family of four this past weekend. We'd been twice with just one kid, but she's old enough to have her big-girl mummy sack, and we just bundled up the boy for the slightly cool weather. We took part in setting up tents for summer campers to Mt. Rainier, and then drove up to Paradise to get a good view of the mountain, on a very clear day, and all the snow that was still lingering up in the higher elevations. Over all, it was a successful trip for all.

The Happy Camper

First timer, checking out the forest floor.

My beautiful girl, excited for campfires and s'mores.

The bridge to the campsite we stayed at in Mt. Rainier Nat'l Forest.

Beautiful light coming down on the stream that wove through our campsite.

Faux-to Shoot

The girl, all dressed up for a photo shoot with a pro. I've seen two 'preview' photos from that, but now, a month later, have never heard from the lady again to see our gallery in order to choose photos (if we wish) to purchase. This is also sort of her Easter shot, and the best I could do, as it was full sun that day, and the kiddos were kinda cranky after the shoot.

The boy, same deal. Isn't he handsome in his little sweater vest? Something about dressing up babies like old people. Adorable. Haven't seen any photos of him at all from their shoot, as the only two the photographer shared were of the girl, and in the dress up clothes that she has on hand (and prefers, I'd guess). The point of the shoot was to get a cute shot of the two of them to go on their grandparent's wall of photos. Hopefully, someday we'll have them. Until then, we have these. They turned out pretty cute, after some editing.

South on 203

gates for a nursery off 203 in Duvall

street intersection off the main drag in Carnation

a windy day in Carnation

old school mailboxes in Carnation

old bell atop a church in Carnation

Over in Kitsap

curvy

closer to God

staring into the sun

Looking out Toward the Valley

A storm approaches.

Beautiful sunset.

On Valentine's Eve

We never do a big deal out of Valentine's Day, but this year, we attended a private party at The Station in Stanwood, and even though it was a packed house, I still found it both charming and somehow quiet. The quietest area, oddly enough, was the 'children's corner', where about a dozen kids were playing together so calmly and happily, despite loud adults in other areas of the venue.

R, quietly playing with Lego blocks.

A, by the window.

V-day decor.

Pretty fresh flowers.

Menu.

Canvasing

So, Costco has a coupon off their canvas prints, and my husband thought it might be the time to try that out. I think we're going to do a photo of the boy, mainly because the photo he really likes is of him, and it might be a nice "1-year" tribute. Of course, I don't have it completely narrowed down, as while I'm leaning toward the one he likes (the bottom one) I also like the top one. I also have no idea which size to do. Costco does as small as 8-10 and up to 16x48. Which the 8x10 seems a tidge small, the 16x48 is way at the other end of what we need. I'm thinking of an 11x14 or maybe, MAYBE a 12x16. Thoughts?

Look at those eyes!

Cute boy playing with trains!