Vintage Brown, circa 1982

Ok, so 1982 used to not sound so very long ago. But when you stop and figure that this picture was taken 28 years ago, the early 80's becomes an era of the past, kind of like the way I used to think of the 50's.


The place was Berchtesgaden, Germany (also the site of Hitler's Eagle's Nest). Dad used to arrange single adult conferences for LDS men and women, and this one was in the beautiful, lovely, stunning, picturesque town of Berchtesgaden. Fortunately for us, the conferences became a family affair, so Dad and Mom brought all seven of us from Wurzburg in the big, green Caprice Classic station wagon.

I'm guessing that in this picture we are watching some sort of talent show or something. Whatever it was, it appears to be quite riveting. Even little DiDi is mesmerized. The only one of us kids that I can't find in this picture is Chad. He was probably on the stage singing. :) Actually, all the single women thought he was so cute that one of them probably had him on her lap. Or, there is an empty seat next to Amanda; maybe he is under it.

You'll notice that I've pointed out a few interesting aspects of this picture (click to enlarge). I am particularly disturbed by the fact that I have a hair brush poised and ready for a possible hair emergency. Wow, being that concerned about your hair is not the way to live!

More Fun with Actions

Here's a picture I snapped a few weeks ago while visiting Salt Lake City with Duncan's parents.

Here is the same picture with a Photoshop action applied to it. Not a huge difference, but it gives it a boost.

Here is the same picture with three different Photoshop actions applied to it. (I kept the Angel Moroni gold using my own sweet Photoshop skills, not with an action.)
I think I'm addicted.

Sisters

I like this picture of the girls, even if it does look like Chloe has a mullet! That's just the way her hair grows, I promise. Maybe it's time for a haircut.

Blessings

Blessings come in all shapes and sizes. Yesterday, Duncan gave our daughter, Charlotte, a name and a blessing in church; little girl, but HUGE blessing to us. A few family members also participated in the blessing; namely, my dad, Duncan's dad, and my brother, Chad. Our Moms and my sisters, Diannah and Amanda, and Amanda's children were in the congregation. And later, we got to see Duncan's brother, Parker, and his daughter. Thank you, family, for coming and supporting us. We love you! We are so grateful for the gospel, and the restoration of the Priesthood--the power of God--on the earth.

Of course, I took a number of pictures of the occasion, and that's where the second, comparatively small blessing comes in: Photoshop Actions!

Here's one picture straight out of the camera. Not bad, but with one push of a button you can have something like this:

Or this:
So much fun, I can't get enough!!

What Christmas Is All About

Snapshots

Now this one might have won the messy face contest...and messy hands, and messy shirt....

Isn't she adorable?

This little piggy...

Downloading after a long day of work.

Family Christmas Party in Pokey

Last weekend we went to Pocatello for a Christmas party with Duncan's family. All the siblings and their spouses and children were there. Duncan's mom makes it a tradition to take pictures of the grandkids with matching outfits. This year she bought the girls the most adorable dresses. They were so excited to dress up and prance and twirl around in their dresses. And Ian looked so handsome in his navy blue corduroy and tie. Needless to say, the photo session with 5 children under 3 didn't go as smoothly as we wanted, but we did our best. As you can see, Chloe drew a lot of attention to herself. She was eating a cracker in that first picture. The amazing thing is, that Charlotte slept through the whole thing!


As part of the festivities we went to the local Festival of Trees, took pictures, had a delicious meal and exchanged gifts among the grandchildren. I also got to go on a walk with Hannah and Ashley; it was cold, cold, cold, but fun! It's always fun to visit MaMere and Papa P!