5 Harry Potter's last book

Last night stood in a line to get a bracelet (we were in the Huffelpuff group),
to stand in another line to get a book (HP7),
to stand in a register's line to purchase said book.
Nate just doesn't understand.
Yes, at 10 past midnight I got the final instalment of Harry Potter (and the deathly hollows).
My friend, Hanne, & I were out of WalMart by 12:30am.
We were so anxious to see what was going to happen that I even read nearly the entire first chapter on the short drive home (she was driving).
Once we got home I dove right in & didn't ever go to bed.
At about 2pm today I finish the last (759) page.
And that includes making breakfast, changing diapers, & feeding the baby!

How was it?
I'm overwelhmed right now.
I've got to let it sink in & then re-read it....but it was awsome!
I am sad that it is all over :(

6 Wonderful photos of Kylie

Click to play | Make your own Smilebox

This is my first attempt at Smilebox. Although there is very little room for being creative, I think it is a good FREE way to share lots of photos on blogs.

5 My first attempt at NERO

Sunday I tried out some software I got last year, NERO. I've used it to make a small photo slideshow once, but this was my first attempt with video. All of the clips were taken last week on our FIRST family vaccation with some of our neighbors. I wasn't planning on doing this, so I just worked with the video I had, which wasn't that good. All of us wakeboarders will tell you that the footage doesn't catch us at our best, but hey...at least it is something. I think it will be fun to watch it with the kids in a few years. This short 3.5 min compilation took me about 5 hours (on-&-off), but now that I know how to use the program, I expect to get faster. Hey, it's great family history...right?

1 Yes, it was worth staying up so late!

Last night I went to the midnight, opening night, showing of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. I took my 12 year old niece, Maddie, & joined up with my neighbors Dirk & Hanne...Nate stayed home with the girls. We were at the theater nearly 3 hours early & had fun playing cards to pass the time (photo to come-it is on Hanne's camera).

I have left the previous 4 movies feeling a little disappointed (typical when you see a movie based on a book you loved), but not this time. Despite deviating substantially from the book in terms of many details (how could they not & keep it under 40 hours?), the majority of the plots were by and large very well conveyed. Yes Mom, there were some intense & dark parts, but there was also comedy & romance. I will always prefer JK Rowlings books, but definately give this movie two thumbs up. Now I've got to get packing for our 4 day camping/boating trip we are leaving on in 9 hours. I'll sleep when we get there.

4 Out and about

Yesterday morning I got the bike trailer out for the first time this summer. I was a little apprehensive about putting Kylie in since it can be quite bumpy back there, but she slept through our short ride. Allie loved it and is telling everyone who will listen. Later that day we took the boat to the lake. Allie "got" to ride in the tube again, but I rode with her to keep the tears at bay.

7 My first attempt at Photoshop

My wonderful parents brought an old copy of Photoshop Elements 2.0 when they came for Kylie's blessing Sunday. I loaded it on my laptop & just got a second to play with it. I have been inspired by my sister Ellen. Check out her blog (link at the left).

This is my first attempt. I'm not sure I like it, but I can see how to do things. I hope I get some more time to play later.

P.S. I took the photo of Kylie today.

1 I've got them!!!

Tickets to opening night of Harry Potter : this coming Tuesday at midnight!

When I went to the theater (after play date at the park)to buy my tickets, nobody was there. When I went home to get them online ($1 extra per ticket), they were sold out of the allocated online tickets. At that point the girls were down for naps so I couldn't go back into town, but my darling husband left work to see if the theater had any left...and they did. I am so excited!

Note: I am not nearly as excited for movie #5 as I am for book #7. Books are always better & this is the last :(