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.

Happy Birthday Adam!

Adam turned 27 yesterday. I made chocolate cupcakes—from scratch, yum, yum. Then we sang his family birthday song and Adam blew out his match! (I forgot to buy candles. . . .) I love you Adam, happy birthday!