Life at Pullen Central: October 2009

Korean Benefit for Children

Last Saturday we attended an annual fundraiser put on by our adoption agency called, "Korean Benefit for Children." It's an annual event that raises much needed funds for the two agencies in Korea that, among many other things, take care of the babies being adopted until they can go home to their forever families. One of the agencies (Eastern Social Welfare Society) sent some representatives over to attend the event and we were thrilled to learn that one of the honored guests was Mrs. Oh, Ji Young, who was Claire's social worker during her time in Korea. We spent quite a bit of time with Mrs. Oh while we were in Korea....she, among so many other things, was the interpreter between us and Claire's foster family (who do not speak English). I fondly remember how she went out of her way to make Ben feel so welcome and special when so much attention was being focused on Claire. We were so thrilled to be able to spend some time with her while she was here and to hear updates on Claire's foster family.

Here's a family pic with Mrs. Oh!

I've talked about the Harstad's in previous posts....Claire was her foster family's first foster child and coincidentally, their second foster child, Tae, went to his forever family in Duluth, MN, a couple hours from us. We don't get to see each other very often, but we're in touch via phone and e-mail regularly. Margaret and Tae were able to make it down for the benefit, so here's a picture of us with Mrs. Oh. Tae is getting so big and is cute as can be!!

Ben and Claire are showing off their Korean Warrior Kites that they made

Here's Ben trying his hand at Taikwondo...can he break the board?

Success!

MN State Fair!

Ben's first day of kindergarten was on a Tuesday, so the Monday prior, Dave and I took the day off work and spent the morning with Ben at the MN State Fair! This was Ben's first appearance at the fair and we all had a blast! Here are a few pics:

A ride on "Ye Olde Mill"-a classic ride at the fair

Look who was hanging out at the U of MN building?

The giant slide was Ben's favorite! He actually got to go twice....once with Mom and one with Dad!

He's already talking about next year!

Catching up!

I've been a bit negligent on posting updates lately, so here are a slew of pics from the end of the summer.

It took to the end of the summer, but Ben finally got comfortable tubing at the cabin. Next year, he wants to learn to water ski...stay tuned!

Joey got in on the action as well!

Such a great big brother!

Makeshift catcher equipment

What a fun playground near the cabin!

Ben successfully climbed all the way up to the eyes of the caterpillar!

Claire loves to swing!

Check out the hand-me-down John Deere Ride On to use at the cabin....Thanks Great Uncle Gary and Aunt Kaye!!

Hang on, Claire!

Love the hat!

"Giddy-Up, Daddy!"

Nature walk

We had a great time at our annual reunion of dear friends in Osh Kosh, Wisconsin just before Labor Day!

Kaylee is growing up so fast and Claire loved hanging out with her!

"Chicka Chicka Boom Boom" as only Ann can tell it. Claire LOVED it!

What to you do with a whole bunch of kids when it's raining and cold outside? Wii to the rescue!

Another annual ritual....the Greenvile, WI homecoming parade! Claire is patiently waiting for the candy to arrive, oh and for Drew and George to pass us by in the parade as well!

Waiting for the start of the parade!

The end of summer meant saying "good-bye" to some preschool friends.

A week before preschool was over, a brand new playground was installed. Here, Ben and his buddy, Ryan, were having a great time on the slide!

The tire swing is the bomb!

A rite of passage at Calvary Childcare Center...on your last day of school, you get to have your picture taken ON TOP of the tunnel! Normally, it's against the rules to climb on top, but an exception is made on your last day!