Zoo, Take 2

We took our 2nd trip to the zoo today...boy was it crowded, but that didn't stop our fun. Lena Kate and I met up with one of my dearest friends Alison Jones, her two boys, her sister, her sister's boy, their mother (a second mom to me), my mom, and sister-in-law, and finally Mr. Charles - my nephew! Whew, we had quite a crew. Lena Kate is going to have to be tough since she will be surrounded by boys it seems. We had a great time checking out the animals and then had a wonderful picnic lunch in the park and topped off the day with a train ride. All the kids were great and Miss Lena Kate just took it all in stride. It was so fun to just swap babies. These two families are ones that definitely know how to cook. Alison and I both grew up in homes where there were ALWAYS cookies in the cookie jar or brownies on the counter. We finished off our lunch with yummy oatmeal cookies, brownies, and sugar cookies-so much for eating good today! On that note I'll end with a brownie recipe that is super good. I can't tell you how much better they are if you use Mexican vanilla. You can purchase it at World Market if you live anywhere other than Texas. In Texas you can get somebody to bring it from Mexico - everybody knows somebody going to the border at some point. It is sold in in the market in downtown San Antonio and on the Internet. I use Danncy brand. Also, the clear kind is great so your white icings remain white. Ok, enough on that! Here are a few pics from our day out.

My attempt at a self-portrait. Keep in mind we've been at the zoo for about 4 hours! This was on the train ride. LK enjoyed it:)


Peeking over Char's shoulder.

Eating her fist as usual.

The two grandmothers, Christie, and the three youngest babes. I'm not sure they knew they were at the zoo, but we did:)

Brennan-Christie's sweetie

Charles and Powell watching the ducks under the deck during our picnic lunch.

Me and my LK

Charles wanted to hold his little cuz. Too bad he didn't hold on! We had her despite the looks of it.

Mom and Owen

Mom, Amy, and Charles - see the giraffe in the background.

Alison and Powell

Owen the happy lil guy

LK and her Mimi. Notice her new sun hat (thanks Leelee) and sandals! What a big girl.

Alison and Lena Kate

Taking a little snooze

Here is the brownie recipe you just have to try:

Fudge Cake Brownies

6 Tbsp unsweetened cocoa

1 cup sugar

1/2 cup butter, melted

2 large eggs, lightly beaten

1/2 cup flour

1/2 tsp baking powder

1/4 tsp salt

1 TBSP vanilla

1/2 cup toasted pecans (optional)

powdered sugar

Combine cocoa and sugar. Add melted butter and rest of ingredients ending in flour. Stir until just combined. This is the secret to fluffy cake-like brownies. Do not overmix. YOu should still be able to see flour specs. Pour into lightly greased 8 by 8 pan. Bake at 350 for 25 to 30 minutes. Cut into 2 inch squares, and dust with powdered sugar before serving. Place in freezer for 45 minutes for cleaner slices. Try not to eat the whole pan in one sitting!

Next recipe: Beef and cheese enchiladas...stay tuned!