Q: iPhoto & iCloud

I paid for an updated version of iPhoto, iPhoto 11.  I did this because I think I need it for iCloud.   I don't have anything about photo stream on my current iPhoto version.

This all started with the purchase of a new iphone 5.  At the store my photos were uploaded to icloud.  I have never used icloud.  But I am attempting to retreive this photos from icloud. 

When I try to find the app, my laptop tells me it was download & it won't download it again.  I can't seem to install new version of iPhoto.  None of this may make sense. 

All I want to do is (1) open or find icloud to see if my photos are still there.  (2) get the application that I paid for installed. 

Thanks if any one can help.