June 28, 2009 by Amy Jo.

Ahoy me hearties! 

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June 28, 2009 by Amy Jo.

Carter declared a new career aspiration today:

           CARTER:  When me blow up I be motor-cycle rider.  And race car rider.

Later he corrected “blow up” to “grow up” - but I think the mistake was adorable!!

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June 16, 2009 by Amy Jo.

My little Carter had an all-out two-year-old tantrum at the library yesterday…complete with running from me when I tried to scoop him up to take him home!  All the while he is screaming “I want to be gooooooooood!”

When Daddy got home last night, he asked him what happened at the library, and Carter replied…

     CARTER:  I got bad.

That tickled me and made me have to hide my smile!  As if the bads took a hold of him and he couldn’t get loose from them!

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June 3, 2009 by Amy Jo.

Allison and I just got back from a 5 day trip to Minnesota for the high school graduation of Jonathan and Melissa Anderson, my cousins and Godchildren.  Jonathan and Melissa were born while I was a Junior at Saint Mary’s College in Winona, MN.  (It seems like 18 years has gone by so fast!  Has it really been that long since I was in college?!)  They have grown into beautiful young adults and I am so proud of them!

The graduation celebration was a little family reunion for my Mom’s side of the family - all of her siblings were there.  It was also a great girls vacation for me and Allison.  –Carter and Daddy also enjoyed a fun and productive “boys weekend at home”!  Here are the highlights…

ALLISON DISCOVERS PINE TREES
Upon arrival in Minnesota, Allison took a look at this pine tree and asked me:
“Mom, what kind of cactus-tree is that?”

CLOVER PATCH
Allison and Pop search for four leaf clovers.

MELISSA & JONATHAN’S GRADUATION
Allison and the high school graduates.

FAMILY
(back ) Amy Jo Maruschak, Mary O’Donnell, Mike Schauer,
Mary Susan Anderson, Pop Patterson
(front) Allison Maruschak, Nana Patterson, Jonathan Anderson,
Melissa Anderson, Karen Haggard

MALL OF AMERICA
We had such a great time at the Mall of America on Monday!

Allison and the American Girl doll that we had lunch with at the American Girl Bistro.

Allison zooming around the corner on her favorite ride, Swiper’s Sweeper.

Drivin’ the big rig…

Lego store.
 

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May 31, 2009 by Amy Jo.

Here is a picture of Allison with some high school students at Jonathan and Melissa’s (my cousins and godchildren!)graduation party.

Allison just made herself at home with these kids and I think they took her in as their mascot.  So cute! 

When we got back to the hotel…

ALLISON:  When we go back tomorrow I am going to ask my friends for their address.
ME:  Maybe should should ask them for their names instead?
ALLISON:  Oh.  I’ll ask them their names.  And I’ll ask them their address, too, because I want to go visit them.

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May 27, 2009 by Amy Jo.

A couple months ago Allison and I had a long conversation about how she doesn’t ever want to go to boarding school or college.  In fact, she informed me that she wants to live at home forever.  In the room that she shares with Carter.  And she doesn’t want me to change anything about her bed, comforter or any of the bedroom decor.  When she gets married and has children, all of them will also live in the bedroom with her and Carter.

Today, Allison informed me that she doesn’t want to drive a car when she gets bigger.  Ever.  She wants me and Daddy to drive her everywhere she needs to go…forever.  She finally agreed that it would be OK for Carter to drive her places when he gets older, but only if he can learn to drive “not too fast”.

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May 27, 2009 by Amy Jo.

ALLISON (while “cleaning” the kitchen floor):  When I clean it, it will be clean!

ALLISON (while still cleaning the kitchen floor):  I’m going in the path that I’m going in.

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May 27, 2009 by Amy Jo.

CARTER:  Knock-knock. Who-body dare?

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May 25, 2009 by Amy Jo.

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May 25, 2009 by Amy Jo.

The Buckeye Demolition Derby was a couple weeks ago and James, Carter, and I had a great time!  But Allison, not so much.  She is very afraid that a fire will break out and no assurance that the eight firefighters stationed in full gear with fire extinguishers around the arena were there to keep us safe would quell her fears.  Hum… I wonder why?  I think for the next Derby, Allison gets a babysitter while Jim, Carter and I enjoy the exciting smash ‘em up action!

Carter can’t seem to say “Demolition Derby”.  It always comes out as “Demolicious Derby”.  Such a cute little guy!

Here are our pictures from Derby night…

 
Allison copying a little boy who was climbing on a fence. 

Allison standing by a BIG tractor.

   
The dented up derby cars - BEFORE the derby even started!

Jim, Allison and Carter checking out one of the derby cars.

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