I finally got my wish! What are we saying? I almost always get my wish, but this time, it included riding the DART to Downtown Dallas. Our friends, the Koellikers, were in town, so we hopped on the DART at the Plano/Parker Road station and rode about 35 minutes until we got off at Union Station. We could see the tower, but we couldn't get to the tower. We finally took the stairs toward the Hyatt and made it safely to the base of Reunion tower.

The cost of the tower is a bit steep ($16 for adults), but I enjoyed the view. I like the fact that it so big and open. You can hang out in the middle portion, and then if you're daring enough, you can go outside. I swallowed my fear of heights and stepped outside, although I don't think I once stood near the railing and looked down. We could have spent the whole day up there, if we wanted.

I'd love to go back in the evening with my tripod. I wonder if they allow such a thing?

Selah "Crazy Fingers" Tilden. That's what Mike started calling Selah after a regional competition judge told her she had crazy fingers. She had her first Fall Orchestra Concert at Scoggins this weekend. We had friends who were visiting, so they were great sports and all joined us for the concert. It was fun watching the progression from 6th graders, who had only been playing  a couple of months, to the 8th graders who sound pretty impressive for their age. Selah has been taking lessons since this summer, and just recently graduated to second chair cellist. The musicians all did a wonderful job!

Being our first Texas fall, I was beginning to wonder if we'd ever have a cool enough day for soup. Today was that day. Up until now, we have had 80 and 90 degree days. Today it FINALLY felt like fall. I'm actually wearing jeans and a sweatshirt, my all-time favorite outfit to wear. With the cooler weather came some much needed rain, so today really is the Perfect Day for soup.

I made our favorite "Baked Potato Soup," a variation of my friend Tessa's recipe. Here it is:

Baked Potato Soup

2 boxes Chicken stock/broth

minced garlic - I use about 1 1/2 Tbsp

1 package cream cheese, softened

1/2 cup onion, chopped

2 or 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese

pepper to taste

1 package of bacon, cooked and crumbled (I just use a pack of real bacon bits)

1 package southern style frozen hashbrowns

Bring stock, garlic and onions to a boil. Cut up and add cream cheese. Once melted, add hashbrowns and let simmer until soft. Use potato masher or electric mixer to blend some. Add cheese, bacon and pepper. 

Look at this sweet little girl. Is she not the cutest little thing? She almost always has a smile on her face, unless she is making the "squishy" face. And this is how I get to spend my days...pretty rough, but someone's gotta do it!

Christmas will be here before you know it, so let me help take away a bit of your stress.

Family Mini Sessions are available now thru November 15th. For $150, you'll receive a 30 minute session at a location within the Collin County area. You'll also receive 5 digital images with a personal use print release and 25 Christmas cards with envelopes. Just Email me at liz@elizabethtildenphotography.com or call 816-304-8576 to schedule your session.