Update…
SO, I have changed the code a bit and it appears that the real problem is that the code is only returning a thumbnail(s) uploaded/inserted directly through the wordpress editor. The problem is, I am using nextgen gallery, direct upload, linking images, etc..basically, I want to be free to upload images however I want.
How can I get it to display the first thumbnail from each post regardless of how the image is uploaded/linked? Does this make sense?
Thanks in advance for any help!
