The Degel Family: A Magical Year

Here we are again, the close of another year. As I reflect on this year, I am blessed with how truly magical it was.

2009 starting off with love in the air (Avery kissed her first boy -Ty) and a new set of pearly whites (Avery got two teeth). It got better when Avery learned to feed herself (Feb), crawl (Mar) and walk (May).

You probably all recall being humored by Avery dancing to Lady Gaga's 'Poker Face', I know I find myself revisiting the month of May in the blog archives, just to get a giggle. We all know who she gets her dance moves from...Daddy!

The year was filled with play dates to the MN Zoo, the Science Museum, the Edina Pool & Edinborough Park. Avery revisited the Hubble House , the Steele County Free Fair and the Hollidazzle Parade. We had a family day at Afton Apple Orchard, picking raspberries and going on hay rides and Avery got to experience Sever's Corn Maze for the first time.

2009 was the return to golf for me and the introduction to a babysitter for Avery. Both golf and babysitters will be repeated in 2010!

It was my first Mother's Day and Kevin's first Father's Day with Avery. Avery was Baptized...you may recall her splashing in the Baptismal water...the congergation sure got a kick out of it and so did Paster Stephanie. The Easter Bunny paid us a visit and the Duck made it's appearance on Halloween. If you asked Avery what a duck said, she would confidently tell you "duck, duck".

"No ka oi!" (The Best!) We returned to Maui with Grandpa and Grandma Amazi, Auntie Amy and Uncle Cory. We were treated to a visit by Angie and Heath Reedy who shared some incredible Valentine's news with us, they had decided to adopt a child from Columbia (see their blog for the amazing story). Kevin got to golf at The Plantation, I got to lounge by the pool and took full advantage of the Ocean-side spa services! We even took in a little tennis...who knew I had it in me! We revisited Black Rock to take in the spirit of the island, it is spectacular (see the posting in March called 'Black Rock - A Family Tradition' if you'd like to see the story or watch the torch lighting ceremony)

We saw Avery become comfortable in her role as the skipper during many boating excursions and enjoyed Duluth during Kevin's 'Superior Lawmen Hockey Tournament'. Avery and I took a visit to Tampa.

Avery turned ONE!!! Jen, Chad and Samuel visited from FL in July and Grandpa Amazi came for a visit in August. Avery graduated from the Turtle room to the Penguin room at school. We got to make Avery's first snowman....the second week of October!

Kevin and I found our new home site in June, when we happened up a lot in Chanhassen. July 17th we listed our home on the market and one month later it was sold. Five weeks later we moved into Grandpa Bob's home on Lake Minnetonka. We closed on our new home on Dec 18th and unpacked in time to host Christmas Eve and Christmas Day...who says magical things can't happen?

Talking....wondering when I was going to get to that?! Once Avery is done being "shy girl" she has lots and lots to say. She is 17 months old and looked at me last night and point to the object around my neck and said "necklace"....she was right! She'll tell you what all the animals are and what they say...including bees and fish. She'll show you all the animated moves for "The Wheels on the Bus". Some of my favorite words to hear her say are: elephant, sorry & good girl (she tells Regan). She must say at least 50 words, she is so much fun to listen too.

With all the fun and activity experienced in 2009, we continue to be blessed with the happiness and health of our friends and family. We are grateful for the joy Avery brings us and are delighted to watch her explore the world.