Special Day - #12

Today was a special day for Kerst.  He turned 12 and was ordained a Deacon by his Dad.

The day started out with his birthday breakfast request:  Belgium Waffles.  Not the American version.  The REAL Belgium Waffles.  John ALWAYS talked of how amazing these waffles were.  I didn't understand or believe him until we took a trip as a family to Germany and then headed to Holland and Belgium to tour his old mission romping grounds back in 2004.  American Belgium Waffles are OK.  The REAL ones are AMAZING.

John and Kerst have been researching Belgium Waffles and came across a recipe they wanted to try.  John ordered the pearl sugar.  We received it in the mail a week ago.  John started the waffle dough (yes, dough, not batter) yesterday.  It was a 16 hour process, but well worth it!

Notice the clumps of sugar - pearl sugar

We then headed to church (Stake Conference).  Afterwards, Kerst was ordained a Deacon.  His Uncle Aaron W and Uncle Rod V were able to attend as well as our home teacher, Russell S.  The Bishop, Young Men's President, Ray O., Jenna's swim coach and Julia's new father-in-law and our dear friend, Jerry B., Kerst's 11 year old scout leader, Ken B. and new scout leader, Javin H. were all able to stand in the circle.

It was a special day.

Joe B (Deacon Advisor), Javin H (Scout Master), Jerry B (close family friend), Rod V (uncle), Russell S (home teacher), Proud Dad, Ray O (Young Men's President and previous 11 year old scout leader), Mike D (1st Counselor in Bishopric), Aaron W (uncle), Ken B (new 11 year old scout leader - previous YM President), Bishop T.  Kerst front and center.

We celebrated with his Aunt Sarah W, Uncle Aaron W and cousins Kimball, Simon, Eleanor and Kristin.  Strawberry Pie!!!

Kerst made his own pie ... and then counted out and lit his own candles. 

Singing Happy Birthday

Big Breath ....

(He practiced a couple of times)  Now for the real deal .... all in one breath

Almost there .... 12 is a lot!

I love how Kendall wants to help  .... almost out of breath and he puffs out his final bit of air in his lungs.
No luck.  The last one was still lit.

Suddenly the candle went out ....  Who blew it out?!?! ...  Good Guess .... but you are wrong!

Way across the table - Jenna managed to blow it out.  I LOVE Kerst's reaction!

He received camping equipment for his birthday - he is camping in the snow on Friday!  Perfect timing!

He also received his annual birthday song phone call from Ticklebug Gma and Gpa P. aka - Buddy Club Grandpa.  When I told him he had a phone call, he knew right away who it was and put the call on speaker so we could enjoy the singing and conversation.

It was a GREAT day!  Kerst was SO super excited to turn 12 and become a Deacon.