ABC’s DeGroot style!
A: Afghanistan. Our brother-in-law, Paul, was deployed in August for what was supposed to be one year. As of December 10, we received news that he was selected as 1 of about 80 soldiers to be sent home early. He is coming HOME FOR GOOD sometime around the first of the year. Praise the LORD!!!!
B: Ball. Our adorable pup, Harley, loves to play fetch with her ball, whether it’s her blue racquet ball or her used Nike soccer ball.
C: Cooking and crafts. Erinn is trying to keep up with Martha Stewart these days now that she has more time at home. As far as the results, some are good and some aren’t so much, but all are done with love.
D: Ducks. Dustin snagged some sweet seats for a Duck football game (University of Oregon) at Autzen Stadium in September. We were able to cheer them on to a victory.
E: Entrance. We entered into the world of Apple. As of this fall, we are both members of the iPhone club and we own a (used) MAC computer.
F: Family campout. In May, we spent Memorial Day Weekend camping with Dustin’s side of the family at Grandma and Grandpa Johnson’s property: about 30 people and 12 dogs!!!
G: Gardening. We expanded our plot at the Nike Community Garden this year and had a lot of success. We grew (and ate!) everything from brussels sprouts to strawberries, lettuce and tomatoes.
H: Harley. In January, our hearts were stolen by our 7 week old golden retriever puppy. We have had so much fun (and learned a ton, too!) raising our Harley girl.
I: In & Out Burger. We loaded up on this yummy burger joint during our California road trip in August for a friend’s wedding. Can’t ever have too much of this yumminess!!
J: Josh visited. Josh (Erinn's brother), Kari, Avery, and Aiden flew out from Nebraska in August to spend a full week with us. We treated them to lots of summer Oregon activities and great weather.
K: Kayaking. Erinn spent four days in September in the beautiful San Juan Islands kayaking, biking, hiking, eating, and digging into God’s Word with 12 other ladies from our church.
L: Labor Day Weekend. Erinn’s parents and sister came out for a quick trip. We took them out to Cannon Beach and literally wore our swim suits to layout…it was 80+ degrees. Unheard of in Oregon!!
M: MCL. During a weekend trip to the coast in November, Dustin suffered an MCL knee injury when Harley and another golden retriever collided into his leg. We’re praying he can recover fully and quickly.
N: Nike. Dustin has been with Nike Golf for 6 ½ years and still loves going to work every day. He continues to manage several teams of reps as well as take on other various projects.
O: Oregon Coast. In July, Dustin and three great friends rode their bikes down the Oregon coast (about 370 miles) in just over four days along Highway 101. The wives catered to their every need along the way.
P: Pacific Crest Triathlon. Dustin competed in (and rocked!) his first Olympic Triathlon in June. He is hooked and can’t wait till the next one.
Q: Quit working. As of January 1, 2011, Erinn quit her job at Concordia University and gets to stay home and be a full-time wife and homemaker. She absolutely loves every minute of it!
R: Running. Harley is becoming a great running partner. We try to run with her at least three times each week…rain or shine.
S: Sunriver, Oregon. We were blessed to take three trips over to Central Oregon this year with both family and friends. Sunriver is one of our all-time favorite vacations spots.
T: Thankful. We’re thankful for Athey Creek Christian Fellowship, our church, and their commitment to teaching through the Bible verse by verse week after week.
U: Uncle & Auntie. We love being an uncle and auntie to the four cutest niece and nephews ~ Avery Ann (2 ½ yrs), Reid Cameron (15 mths), Cole James (1 yr), and Aiden Thomas (1 yr).
V: Vacation. This year, we were able to take more vacations than ever before in our marriage. Traveling with or going to see our friends and family is something we both love to do.
W: Wedding. Erinn’s baby sister, Sara, married the absolutely wonderful Paul Karlik in June! We were blessed to spend a few extra days with lots of family in Colorado for the big event. Congrats Mr. & Mrs. Karlik.
X: Xtra blessed. We are reminded daily of how blessed we are by our amazing friends. We cannot believe how the LORD continues to bring such fabulous friends into our lives day after day.
Y: Yeah!!! In April, we celebrated 12 years of Dustin being cancer-free. We are thankful for each year of life the LORD gives to us, and we thank God each day for our health.
Z: Zero. The Big Three ZERO. That’s right – Dustin turned 30 in January. To celebrate this special event, Erinn surprised Dustin with a trip to Sunriver with fabulous friends.
Merry Christmas!!
Dustin & Erinn DeGroot
Joshua 24:15
