The Family Bash

Four dalmations, Cruella DeVille, Tigger and tiny tiger, a Nebraska corn husk, a cowboy, Elsa and Minnie all attended our annual family brunch at the City Nest.

They humor me so much and I thank them for that!

This year the brunch included mummified hot dogs (with raisin eyes).

And mini clementine "pumpkins" with other fruits to be dipped in a cream cheese-based dip.

We needed all the leaves in our table to seat this group.

It was one boisterous brunch! Bingo, an eyeball game (ping pong balls) and a two spooky stories next.

And then we got ready for a walk into Lincoln Square for a bit of Trick or Treating.

We lucked out with a really nice day!

The three oldest had a blast getting candy, and the two youngest had their first experiences 

with a bag and candy finding each other.

Wishing you the sweetness of this day however you celebrate today!

H. A. P. P  Y.    H. A. L. L. O. W. E. E. N.   

Cake Pops

Rebel that I am, I snuck cake pops into the Shedd Aquarium recently. Slippery slope, I know.

They might not look like much, but they were very tasty. I simply took delicious leftover cake from Maggiano's and mixed the frosted cake in a bowl, rolled the blended mix into balls and froze them.

Next, almond bark was melted and the cake balls were rolled in this.  Done.  Popsicle sticks were packed on top and applied at the time of serving.

Nice thing about those sticks is that they are easily "morphed" into birthday candles!

We had such a fun time celebrating the anniversary of my 30th birthday! The Shedd is a great place to go with kids of all ages. Don't miss the show at the Oceanarium!

Or the sting rays, sharks, turtle or colorful fish in the circular Carribean Reef.

Or the jellyfish.

Or touching living sturgeon in the pool.

And don't forget the cake pops!!