Family Date Night

I believe that we are going to start having a family date night.  Our first "official" was last night, and we had a really nice time.  We went to the aquarium, had dinner, looked at the sights and Jackson saw his first IMAX movie "Born to be wild".  Jackson also had his first face painting experience and selected Cookie Monster on his left check (he was very specific about the location he wanted it).
The movie was about orphaned animals, and Jack and Bill loved it.  I liked it too, but it bothered me a little.  I am an animal lover, but the care these particular "orphaned" animals were receiving was better than my son received for the first part of his life.  Perhaps I am dwelling, but it makes me think about the other children out there that don't have the love and support of a family. 
Jackson ate an entire bag of popcorn, drank 1/2 of my drink and 1/2 of his during the show.  This child is a popcorn fanatic at the movies.  He said he favorite part of the night was the dolphins and the sharks (there weren't any dolphins, but the seals looked like them a lot!).
This morning, there were remnants of blue cookie monster paint all over the sheets, and very little cookie monster left.  He was too worn out last night to wash it off.  He cried this morning when I officially washed it off.  I guess I know what we will be doing again soon!!!

Just reflecting

I am laying beside my son as he sleeps, and reflecting on how much he has grown, what obstacles he has overcome in his short life, and how deeply I fell in love with him.  I was looking back at these pictures from Russia and they shock me on what love and a family can do for a child.  He is so smart, so loving, and has such a nice spirit.  Two hours until you are officially 4 years old.  I love you.  Happy Birthday, thank you for making me a Mommy.  I am blessed to be a part of your life.

Jackson is 4 years old!

Jackson's birthday always seems to fall right around the annual Curran vacation, which works out in his favor.  This year, he had a hard time deciding between a Thomas cake and a Spiderman cake.  He finally decided on a Spiderman cake.  I believe his favorite gift this year is a welding kit from Uncle Jim and Aunt Rita.  He is welding everything he can find.
Next week, the J man will have a second celebration with Daddy and I.  He loves to sing happy birthday and loves it when we sing it to him.  He especially loves blowing out the candles!!!

Family Photos

We had Curran family pictures taken at Nags Head on Tuesday.   It was what seemed like the brightest, hottest day and time of the week.  The "cousins" pictures turned out really well.  Megan, Katie, Amanda, Emily and Jackson were (uh...mostly) good sports.  I will let you guess which child was the least cooperative :)

This one is my favorite, it shows my son's true personality!  It's a keeper!

Aunt Janet and Cousin Matthew joined us for a few photos

OBX Wedding

Last Saturday, Bill's cousin Stephanie and her long time beau Nick were married.  We made the trip down to help them celebrate.  The ceremony was really a nice gathering with lots of family and friends.  They are really a nice, smart, fun couple with a lot of really cool things in their future.  We were glad to be a part of the celebration.

The annual Curran Family vacation followed Stephanie's wedding.  We are enjoying the Outer Banks this week.  It feels almost bizzare to not be at work, but we are having a lot of fun.  It has been a transition for Jackson, but he is having a great time as well.  More on our vacation to come....