Life at Pullen Central: June 2009

Claire is 2!!!

It's so hard to believe, but Miss Claire Bear is now 2! We had fun celebrating her birthday! Here are some pics of all the celebratiang!

Here she is celebrating at daycare!

Cousin Joey (who is in her class at daycare) loves cupcakes!

I think she liked it!

All ready for her party guests to arrive!

Stylin' party attire!

Many of you know that Claire loves her "bug" that came home with her from Korea. We couldn't resist having it be the theme of her party!

It was a beautiful day to hang outside for the party!

Now, for the loot!

The Pooh phone was a huge hit! She opened it first and had little interest in opening the rest of her gifts. In fact, her cousins Sam and Joey got into a few tussles with her because they all wanted it. "Mine!" was heard many times...aahh...to be 2 again. Thanks Uncle Brian, Aunt Kristy, Vivian and Olivia for the cool phone!

"I love books!"

Ben was more than willing to be her gift opener.

Claire got a fishing hat and fishing gear from Uncle Chuck, Aunt T, Sam and Joey-thanks! The hat says, "As a matter of fact, I DO fish like a girl!"

Look, Papa! I got some keys!

Time for cake!

"Happy Birthday to Me!"

"Yummy! More cake!"

When we ask her how old she is, Claire holds up her 2 index fingers and says, "I 2!"

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CLAIRE BEAR!! WE LOVE YOU!

Mama, Daddy & Ben

Ben's Art Show

The teachers at Ben's preschool do a really cool thing every year. They spend a couple of months studying all kinds of artists and then the kids create art inspired by those artists. At the end of the school year, they host an art show where all the kids' art is on display for family and friends. It's truly amazing how much they've learned and I know Ben was so proud to show us all of his hard work. Here are a few examples of his art. This is only a small representation fo what they did and I'm afraid I can't remember each artist that was the inspiration for each, but where I can remember, I've noted it below.

Inspired by Jackson Pollack

Andy Warhol

Korean mask

Drawing of Ben and Mom

I think this might be Van Gogh, but don't quote me.

Standing in front of his canvas painting. His is the maroon and gold one...surprised?!

Painting from Monet's boat...they really sat in a boat to pain these

Sculpture that he made with a couple of his classmates

Self Portrait

Pretty cool, Ben! We're proud of you!

T-Ball & Track!

Ben has been having a very busy summer! He's playing T-Ball for the first time this summer, which is a hoot to watch! It's adorable watching all the little 5 & 6 year old kids trying to figure out what they're supposed to do. He's also running track again this summer, which is sponsored by the high school track team. They have 4 races each meet and the kids are divided up by age and gender. He's loving participating in both. Here are some pics....

On your mark......get set.....

GO!!!

Sprint to the finish!

Throws right hand, hits left hand.

Joe Mauer would be proud!

I'm on third base, Mom!

He loves to field the balls as well!

He's SOOO excited to be on the maroon team! Now that the first week of practice is over, let the games begin!

Baptism Weekend!

We flew to Indiana a couple of weekends ago to celebrate the baptisms of two of our nieces, Mia and Olivia. It was actually our first time meeting Olivia, who is even more adorable in person than in pictures. We were thrilled and grateful to be part of such a festive weekend!