j. thomas photography | St. Louis children's photography | senior portraits

Hot lava! A fun volcano project - St. Louis children's photographer

Our second Christmas gift project was really crazy and entertaining.  Thanks to Aunt Elaine and Uncle Dale, my son had a "make your own volcano" kit!  The volcano mold was poured with plaster and allowed to sit overnight for the eruption.  The next evening, we all gathered around the kitchen to watch the lava show.  We all had a good laugh and "erupted" the volcano many times until the plaster was eroding.  Thanks such a great gift!

The very serious business of the volcano:

 

 Mr. A wonders if the eruption will happen if he puts his face right over the hole:

A steady hand pours the magic mixture into the volcano:
 

And red foam is produced!

 

Christmas creations over winter break - gingerbread house - St. Louis children's photography

My three children love to cook, create and conduct their own scientific experiments with every glass in the house.  Of course, this leads to some interesting, and messy, Christmas gifts.

My teen daughter was given a gingerbread house kit by her younger siblings.  The house was pre-made and ready to decorate, so the fun was left to the icing and candy designs.  I think she did a nice job, but the poor house was soon condemned and immediately eaten.

Miss K. shows off the final product before digging in:

Stay tuned for our volcano science project!

Another wonderful year and another happy birthday!

Thanks to everyone for all the wonderful birthday wishes today!  I spent most the day updating drives on my main computer but found some time for a fun movie.  I hope to celebrate with a family dinner this weekend when my children aren't so busy!

Wow, 41 years ago:

Christmas Eve at our house.

My daughter was very creative for Christmas Eve and made Santa this plate of goodies for his long trip.  Her homemade sugar cookies were cut into "S" and "C" for Santa Claus, and then a heart, of course.  I'm sure Santa had a wonderful, heartfelt snack.

St. Louis Children's photography - j. thomas photography

www.jthomasphotography.com

The Nutcracker 2008.

My children had a wonderful time dancing in the Saint Louis Ballet Company's production of "The Nutcracker".  The schedule was rather grueling, but the children didn't seem to mind.  But, it's taken me some time to recover from volunteering for every show.

 

My two little mice and my party girl.

 

My party girl with her good friend playing the Nutcracker Prince.

 

A silly group of mice waiting to perform.

   St. Louis children's photographer - j. thomas photography - www.jthomasphotography.com

A brave little fighter lost his battle.

Hamilton.

One of my precious little clients, and friend, lost his battle with congenital heart defects on Saturday.  I have known Hamilton and his family since he was a baby, and had the opportunity to photography him on occasion.  He was the type of boy who just lit up a room and his mother is a wonderful caring person.  My heart aches for her.

My son suffers from a rare and severe congenital heart defect, called Hypoplastic Right Heart Syndrome.  I have dedicated a large portion of my life to raising money for heart defects research and to help other families affected by CHDs.  The hardest part of my charity work is the untimely deaths of so many wonderful children I have come to know over the years.

Congenital heart defects are the #1 birth defect.  If you would like to learn more and/or have a child with a congenital heart defect, please visit my favorite children's charity at www.CHDfamilies.org 

St. Louis children's photographer - j. thomas photography - www.jthomasphotography.com

Halloween at my house.

My twins had a great time on Halloween.  Introducing Anakin Skywalker and Sharpay from High School Musical.  Hope your children had a great Halloween!

St. Louis children's photographer - j. thomas photography - www.jthomasphotography.com