New Camera Lens

So I've really been loving my new camera!  For those who care about the specifics, it came with an 18-55mm zoom lens which is okay, but the aperture isn't very wide on it (3.5 at the widest), and I really like using all the natural light I can and shooting with it wide open.  When I bought the camera I also bought a 50mm prime lens with an aperture of 1.8.  I love that lens!  It takes super sharp pictures and lets in tons of light.  The only problem was I could never step back far enough away from my "subject" (Knox) to get everything I wanted in the shot.  He was always following me.  :)  So, I did some more research and just got a 35mm 1.8 lens, and I think this one will rarely come off my camera.  It lets in lots of light like the 50mm, but I can be closer to Knox and still get the shot I want.  All that to say, I'm really loving this lens!  Obviously, I take lots of "practice shots" for fun... these were when he had just woken up from his first nap. 

The Trains at Northpark

My dad and I took Knox to see the Trains at Northpark Mall, which is really great exhibit full of miniature electric trains that go through lots of different scenes.  This year they had Times Square, Grand Central Station, the Cotton Bowl, Downtown Dallas, the Texas State Fair, San Franscisco, and several others.  The best part: the proceeds benefit the Ronald McDonald house here in Dallas.  I've had many patients who aren't from the area and have no family support here, so the parents stay at the Ronald McDonald house while the patient is hospitalized.  It's a great facility, so I was happy to support it.     

Grand Central Station

Checking out Big Tex!  (Apparently this one didn't burn down...)   :)

Ron Ron and Knox

Video Catch-Up

Here's a couple of videos I took with my phone over the last couple of months that I've been meaning to post!

This one is Knox's first steps on camera on October 27, 2012.  He took a couple of steps by himself the night before, but this was the first time we caught it on video.  (Love that we can take little videos like this to send to family so quickly!) 

This other video is Knox face planting into some Cheerios.  :)  No, really, he loves them and apparently decided that using his hands would just take too much time.  Funny boy!  (This was November 6, 2012, so he was almost a year old.)

Knox's 1 Year Pictures

We took Knox's one year pictures last month, and they turned out pretty cute - despite the fact that he skipped his afternoon nap! 

Play Date with Brayden and Bryce

My friend Jennifer and I went to high school together and recently reconnected when we found out we have boys that are the same age.  About once a month or so we get together for a play date, and it's been so fun to watch the twins and Knox grow and change, and go from not even noticing each other to now playing together.  Jennifer is a nurse too, so it's really great to have that in common as well.  After being "stuck" inside for a few days with the snow and ice, we were going a bit stir-crazy, so Jennifer brought the boys over to play. 

Sweet Bryce

Happy Brayden!

Playing together

Brayden

Bryce

Hopping in the car.

Snow Day!

Since it snowed yesterday, we've just been playing inside, trying to stay warm... and entertained.  ;) 

My busy monkey.  :)

Christmas 2012!!

This year we celebrated Christmas three times!  First was with Logan's family, then with the LaPrade side, and then we wrapped up the holiday season with just our little family of three. 

One big happy Lowry family.  :)

Knox with Aunt Leah

Best shot we got of our family.  :)

LOVE this picture of Knox with Aunt Lacie!

The Lowry Family Christmas Tree.  There was no way I could fit all the presents in the picture too.  ;)

Leah always makes the cutest bows out of tissue paper. 

Cute candid.

Knox opening presents with Aunt Lacie.

A new "uck"!! 

Loving his new flashlight from Pops and LaLa.

Ross and Jessica at our house for the LaPrade family Christmas.

Mamaw and Papaw.  Love them. 



I guess it's true.  The box is more fun than the toy!

Love this shot of Knox inside his new tunnel from Nonnie and Ron Ron.



Puzzles!

Making his first basket!

Clapping.  :)

With Aunt Jess.

My parents.  (My dad hates having his picture taken.  Can't you tell??)  ;)

Nonnie and Knox reading.

Christmas morning!



Santa came!  He brought Knox a big activity cute (which he loves), a firetruck, and a giant ruler growth chart!  (Plus fun stocking stuffers.)

Logan making eggs.



We got a waffle maker as one of our wedding gifts, and I've always said I wanted to make home made waffles every Christmas morning as a family tradition.  We finally did it this year, and they turned out pretty good!  (It was really messy, but worth it!)

Checking out his stocking stuffers.  :)

Really studying his activity cube. 

"Talking" on the phone.  (He carries it behind his head while he walks around and has big conversations.)

Snuggling with Mommy.  :)

Sneaking in a smooch!

We got snow on Christmas Day!!  Knox clearly didn't know what to think about this.  (That face cracks me up.)

Snowy hair.  :)

Our backyard

Playing with the frozen acorns. 



Our first big family snow! 

We had a wonderful Christmas this year, and from our family to yours, Happy Holidays!