Random Happenings

Summer is flying by far too quickly. It's hard to believe we're approaching August already...seems like we just got home with Claire and that was back in early April! Claire started daycare a couple of weeks ago and she's doing very well. The first few days were really tough on both Claire and Mom, but now she enjoys playing with the other little ones and hanging out with her loving teachers. Her cousin, Joey, is in the same room with her and both cousin Sam and Ben are close by as well. Having familiar faces around has made her transition to daycare easier.

Here are some pics of some random recent happenings here at Pullen Central:

Claire is pulling herself up all the time now and thinks it's pretty fun to stand up in her crib!

She also loves to walk while we hold her hands (and gets quite mad when we take a break). It won't be long before she's walking on her own!

Sam recently turned 3 and we had fun at his pool party! Here he is on his cool big wheel that he got from his Mom and Dad.

Happy Birthday, Sam!

Our niece, Vivian turned 2 the same week Sam turned 3. Since she lives in Indiana, we were not able to make it to her party, but we heard she had a great time. Happy 2nd Birthday, Vivian! We can't wait to see you again!!

Claire's first ride in the burley trailer...we haven't gotten a bike helmet for her yet, so we made do with Ben's hockey helmet. Ben kept helping Claire by pushing the helmet back when it would cover her eyes. Both had a great time! Note to self....buy Claire a bike helmet!

It was a rainy Saturday at the cabin, so Ben and Sam helped Granny make a very yummy chocolate cake!

The rain finally cleared and we went for a ride on the ski boat. I loved Sam's expression in this picture...so much fun!

Ben, Claire and Dave had a great time playing with our new "ultimate sprinkler ball" (thanks, Larry, Sharon and Andrew!)

Water baby!

Fun in the tub!

Fun Filled Holiday Weekend!

We had a great weekend at the cabin over the Fourth of July. All the Pullens (including 3 dogs) made it up, the weather was spectacular (finally) and we packed the long weekend with lots of fun activties, including lots of "firsts" for Claire. We also celebrated Teri's birthday and KP's semi-retirement.

Here we are waiting for the 4th of July parade in Pequot Lakes-Claire's first parade! The fire engine sirens scared her, but she was intrigued by all the activity.

"I'm ready for the candy-bring it on!"

The whole crew!

Helping out with Teri's birthday cake (notice the icing on his finger?)

Her cute holiday outfit, a gift from Mom's friend, Tracy. "Thanks, Trace! Don't I look adorable in it?!"

Checking out the activity on the lake.

You gotta love a good read on a lazy afternoon!

Ben's becoming quite the fisherman! He caught this large mouth bass and couldn't stop talking about how it jumped in and out of the water!

Granny and the gang (we tried to get a shot with all 4 looking at the camera)

Another first for Claire...her first time in the lake! She's a water baby-just loves it!

Hanging out on the boat-watching Ben float in the lake all by himself (a first for him!)

Claire and Joey getting sand in their pants on the beach...yet, another first for Claire (the beach, that is)

How big are you, Claire?

Just couldn't resist this one...exhausted after a fun filled weekend, snuggling with his Univ. of MN football (yes, he is his father's son)!

Summer Fun!

We've been busy enjoying our summer. Here are some pics of what we've been up to lately.

We went for a trolley ride at Lake Harriet and Ben got the blow the whistle!

We've been meeting lots of families who've also adopted from Korea. Here's a photo of all the kids at our last gathering...too cute!

Guess who's big enough to sit face forward in her car seat?! She likes the view much better.

We've also been spending time at the cabin. Ben has really become a cabin boy and can't wait to get there to go fishing, swim in the lake and go for boat rides.

Dave and his brother rigged up an good old fashioned tire swing for the kids at the cabin...It was a hit for both Ben

and Sam!

We're also lucky to be able to swim at Pullens South (Chuck, Teri, Sam and Joey's house). Here are some shots from Claire's first time swimming....she didn't like it at first...

but was having a great time before she knew it!

So silly!

Ben also participated in youth track meets at our local high school.

He's so proud of his "trophies" as he calls them.

We hope you all are enjoying your summer! Hard to believe it's the 4th of July already and Claire's been home with us for three months! Seems like she was never NOT part of our family.

Dave, Christa, Ben & Claire