Quick suggestion needed for lowering the exposure in bright sunlight

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

When I am outdoors in bright sun, my automatic setting takes pictures a tad too exposed. I am going to an outdoor doodle pawtee this weekend, is there a quick suggestion for me to try? If I am lucky there will be a bit of a cloud cover - then my automatic setting will be perfect! My camera is a NikonD60.

[Linda, Webber and Seda]

Nancy, surprise, surprise, we have the same camera. LOL

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Maybe it is the only one Ramona graduates can purchase???