Andrew is 12!

This year was a big one for Andrew. Although boys that are 11 turning 12 can now be ordained to the priesthood, since Andrew's birthday is so early in the year, it wasn't much of a change from what would have happened in years past. I can't believe that I have two Aaronic priesthood holders in the family now! Unfortunately, due to Covid, we couldn't have a bunch of family come to the ordination, but it was still special. Jonathon was able to ordain Andrew with the help of Bishop Skeen. 

At the same time that he was ordained, Andrew was asked to be the first counselor in his Deacons quorum presidency under Jared Busker. It was a lot of new responsibility in one day, but he is ready. Already in just a few weeks, it has been so fun to watch Christian and Andrew attend Zoom Priesthood meetings together and work with their respective presidencies to plan activities. Christian is a great example for him, and Andrew takes it very seriously. Christian also taught Andrew how to pass the Sacrament. He was nervous the first Sunday, but he did a fantastic job. My mommy heart was so happy and proud to see my boys serving faithfully in the church.

In the last year Andrew has grown up and changed so much. Christian didn't really start growing until around 8th grade, but Andrew is following more of the Hill pattern and growing early. He is already as tall as Grandpa Hill, and growing fast. He is such a great kid, and I know that these new responsibilities will help him develop even more skills and important character traits. 

It's been a rough year for birthdays with all the restrictions. Andrew was the last in our family to have a COVID birthday, and hopefully, we will put all this behind us soon and not have to have another birthday under quarantine conditions. We still couldn't have a friend party or go anywhere to celebrate, but we tried to make it as fun as possible for him. 

We had a Brazilian feast for dinner, complete with pao de quejo (cheese bread), guarana (Brazilian soda), kabobs, rice, and brigadeiros (Chocolate truffle-like candies). It was fun to have a cultural dinner and celebrate Andrew. After dinner, he opened his presents. It was pretty amusing that Andrew couldn't think of anything that he wanted for his birthday. Jonathon jokingly asked if that meant that he was spoiled. I don't think he is overly spoiled (though I do recognize our financial blessings), I just think that Andrew doesn't have a lot of wants. He is very content with what he has and doesn't ask for much. As a parent, that is great, but it also leaves me trying to figure out all the presents by myself. Haha! I shouldn't complain. We eventually came up with a few ideas, and he seemed happy with everything he got.