Pumpkins and Scary Faces

From what I gather, the Moon Pumpkin Smile is a tradition. This year Adam took the liberty of carrying out the job during FHE at Jamie and Aaron's place. M.O.O.N. that spells moon. Great job everyone!

An Evening of Color

The Impressionist Exhibit from the Art Institute of Chicago is in town. So along with two wonderful new friends (Travis and Cammie) Adam and I went to the Kimball Museum of Art in Forth Worth to check it out.

I won't go into detail about which pieces we saw but if you are in town, this is something you shouldn't miss.
There were only a few names of artists that I did not recognize. Otherwise we saw works from Van Gough, Pissaro, Gauguin, Renoir, Toulouse-Lautrec, Monet, Manet, Degas, Seurat . . . much to my disappointment however, Matisse was left out of the mix.

ABOVE Adam's favorite Pieces: by Van Gough The Bedroom Oil on Canvas 1889 (73.6 x 92.3 cm) and Self-portrait Oil on mill board on cradled panel, 1886–87

ABOVE Anna's favorite Piece: by Toulouse-Lautrec In the Circus Fernando the Ringmaster aka "Cirque Fernando, The Equestrienne) Oil on Canvas, 1887-88.

Water Gardens

Although they weren't what I expected (actual water gardens . . . with water plants . . . ) I still enjoyed our little walk through the Fort Worth Water Gardens. It covers about 4 acres. I can see how this place could be calming after a long day. . . the lighting is probably beautiful in the evening too.

Above: Follow the steps to the bottom and the waterfalls become very loud.

Above and below: We followed a stairway down to a still
pool surrounded by these trees.
Check out the roots! Water is also quietly sliding down
all four walls surrounding us.

Polka Dot Party

Leilani (our niece on the Moon side) and her family celebrated her first birthday today. With a polka-dot theme, I thought it was too cute. Happy birthday Leilani!

Yes I know it's upside down . . . but it's still cute.

Below is a Philippine Pinata. (Can't remember the real name for it.)
Kids reach up to grab the treats while someone
is pulling on a rope, yanking it up and down.

Dayne and Leilani

Adam and his Dad

Weird Recipe: Fruit filled Jewels

I had to post my failed cookie attempt because, well, I haven't blogged in a while, and I rarely kill a recipe as badly as this. . . . I wanted something quick and easy but I think this recipe was a little too simple, something must be missing. The dough was sticky and gooey (even after refrigerating) and I made a COMPLETE mess and the cookies turned out . . . well, ugly.

This is what they are supposed to look like:

This is what I ended up with.

They completely flattened out and fell apart. The jam dripped all over the oven. They turned out pretty tasty though. And if anyone likes problem solving, here is the recipe:

1. Oven 325 F

2. Cream 3/4 cup softened salted butter with mixer. Add 1/2 cup sugar, beat till smooth. Add 2 large egg yolks and 1tsp. vanilla. Beat until light and fluffy. Add 1 1/2 cup flour and blend on low until combined.

3. Gather dough into ball and flatten into a disk. Wrap dough in plastic back and place in refrigerator for 1 hour.

4. Using a floured rolling pin (which I failed to do) and a floured surface (failed again and it ended up sticking to everything) roll to 1/4 inch thickness. Cut 2 inch diameter disks, and place on cookie sheet. Drop 1/2 tsp fruit jam into center of disk and cover with another disk. Using a fork seal edges of cookies.

5. Bake for 15-17 minutes or until edges begin to brown.

Good luck.