learning to edit

I might need to edit more pictures before I blog about our trip.  I did a quick "burn" and straighten on the picture below.  I love the difference!  I goggled how to "dodge and burn" and watched a couple clips.  Now I need to apply it many times so I can remember how to do it.

 



before

 after

Rome ~ Trevi Fountain

We had a short visit at the Trevi Fountain.  I was surprised at how crowded it was.  It was a challenge to get a decent picture.

 

This was Bailee's pose for most of our trip.  I'm not sure where she got this idea from but she kept it up all week.  There were a few times I held her arm down so we could get a normal picture with her.  Crazy girl!





 

We tossed in our coin.  I guessed we're guaranteed to visit again.  I can only hope!

Rome ~ catacombs

We landed in Rome around 9am.  As soon as we were loaded on the bus we headed out to our first stop which was Catacombe di San Callisto.  There were over 500,000 tombs here at one time.  There are still tombs with bones today.  Although, the areas we were able to tour, the bones had all been removed. In years past tourists would take bones home as souvenirs.  Crazy!

 

 

 The exit for the catacombs was through this small building.  Before we went down they explained most of it with pictures.  The walkways were small and there was only a couple of areas we could gather to hear information.

I took this picture at the catacombs.  I like the way it turned out.

The picture below was taken from the bus.  I was amazed at all the graffiti in Italy and Greece.  At times Brian and I would be walking on our own and my extincts would tell me the area wasn't safe because of the graffiti.  But it was safe.  Just a very different environment then the States.

almost middle schooler

 A few weeks ago the middle school Mason will be attending had a couple nights the kids could come and test instruments to see what they would like to play.  For over a year Mason has said we wanted to play percussion.  To play percussion he needed to have played the piano.  We started piano lessons.  Most times he has enjoyed lessons.  He does have a talent for the piano that's for sure. 

Then came the night to try out instruments.  The first instrument he tried was the saxophone.  He wasn't too impressed.  Then the french horn.   He was surprised how much he liked it.  He then tried percussion. His smile wasn't nearly as big, but the instructor told him if he wanted to play percussion there would be a spot for him.  The last instrument was the trombone.  A little more challenging plus he didn't like the mouthpiece.  He went and tried the french horn again.  The instructor showed him how to change the pitch.  Then Mason was asked to try and copy the pitch just be listening to what he played.  He was impressed on his control. 

Once he made his decision Mason couldn't 't stop grinning.  He's going to play the french horn!!  For the next few days Mason couldn't stop thinking about it.  He truly surprised us all by his choice.  Now Mason wants to stop piano lessons.  :(

friends

Last week I had lunch with some very good friends.  The three of us served in the same Relief Society Presidency.  I forget how many years ago.  We had such a good time at lunch.  The rest of my day went great.  I should have lunch with friends more often.  Thanks for lunch J and R.  Love you both!

more sewing

I made this blanket and burp cloth for a friend from church.  I'm having so much fun with my machine.  

 

 

The same day I finished the gift I embroidered this little seahorse on a onesie.  Near the end when it was almost finished my needle broke and it put holes in the onesie.  I was devastated.  There's no way I could have prevented the needle from breaking. 

 

I'm tired of sewing on the kitchen table.  Even though this blanket was simple it took me many days to finish.  I was tired of putting my machine away and getting it out again.  I've been looking for a sewing table.  I was shocked at how expensive they were.  



I found this cute table online.  I love it!  But, I shouldn't spend a lot.  So instead I found a 6'x30" table on craigslist.  It's very sturdy, simple, and only $40.  I still need some storage but one thing at a time.

bluebonnets

 

 

summer fun

Summer is not quite here but we like to pretend.  Monday was such a beautiful day.  Once we were home, after piano, we didn't have any other plans.  The boys wanted to swim.  The girls ended up soaking up the sun.  I grilled some dogs and we ate on our deck.

Summer here we come! 

school talent show

Over a week ago, yes I'm that far behind, the boys were involved in a school talent show.  The school does one every year.  When the flier first came out Carson wanted to do something.  Piano was really the only option.  He practiced every day.  He was excited.  When the night came he was very nervous. I reminded him to play slow.  He did a great job!

 

 Mason didn't want to do anything.  Then I got an email about a 5th grade finale.  He was hesitant.  I told him this was his last chance.  His last year in elementary school.  His last chance to be in a talent show.  He agreed...reluctantly. He actually had a lot of fun that night. :)

Then to top off the night, all the students that participated in the talent show received a medal.  Carson was very excited!

district track

 

Also on Thursday was Karlee's district track meet.  I didn't think we were going to make it in time.  Shortly after we arrived she was setting her block to run.  She ran the 300 hurdles and placed 4th in girls JV.  Wahoo!!  Way to go Karlee! 

 

It was fun to surprise her and show up at the meet.  She has enjoyed the 300 hurdles more than the 100 hurdles this year.  She's not sure she'll run next year though.  She's learned to like running but struggles with having practice before school.  Plus she does not like to run in the cold.  Me either.  :0)