An 8 year old, a road trip and a baptism

April 2022

Our Miles turned 8. 

My mom was bummed because she was going to be in Arizona during his birthday, at first she and Miles had planned for him to go visit her the weekend before his birthday but she ended up being pretty sick and that didn't work out. But then my mom had a stroke of genius and she said..."what if we bring him to Arizona with us?" They were driving down to Arizona to visit Grandpa Don's (my mom's husband) son and his family, who have a son that is close to Miles age. It's basically a cousin that Miles had never met. On their drive they had lots of fun stops and Miles was thrilled to be invited. 

Miles got spoiled from Grandpa, Grandma, And his newly met cousins. 

He really enjoyed lots of restaurant outings and hotel stays. And was gone for 10 days!

And he also got to go to the Grand Canyon which made all of us a little jealous. He is the only one in our immediate family to have visited the Grand Canyon. 

On their drive back home, they came up through Utah and visited some spots on Temple Square. 

We enjoyed some fun polo updates from our goof. 

As they drove through Idaho, they got some snow which thrilled Miles. 

When he got home, his brothers (and parents) were thrilled to see him. He came bearing gifts (thanks Grandma and Grandpa) 

He had so much fun and Grandparents seemed to enjoy his company too. It was a trip of a lifetime and he talks about it all the time. What a wonderful memory he gets to share with his grandparents. 

Several days later and during Easter Weekend, Miles was baptized as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I wish I wrote about this sooner but it was a whirlwind of a week and we were prepping the program the night before the baptism but everything went well and it was so special to share that ordinance with family and friends. And Miles was all Smiles!

 

And that was the first half of April. Miles is an absolute delight to have in our family. He is my helper and quick to observe others' needs. We love you Miles!!

Japanese Gardens

 At the end of March we had a family field trip to the Japanese gardens, to kick off our botany unit and get some 8 year old photos for Miles. I hadn't been to this garden since I was a kid. It is right next to the Rose garden that we always go to, and the rose garden is free but the Japanese garden is super expensive, so we just never make it there. But we found a great deal and had a wonderful time. 

And here is my little 8 year old who celebrated his birthday on an epic road trip with his grandparents and that will be its own post. 

We got into the garden and Edwin saw this statue and announced that "this is supposed to be fancy art!"

I actually don't know if they were supposed to climb on these, we weren't trying to be disrespectful, I promise

Loving the pink tree!

Beautiful coy pond and waterfall. 

Flying Walter

Probably my most favorite photo of the year. 

The boys found a stage and went crazy. 

Baertlein boys, doing their thing. 

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And that was a fun family outing. We all enjoyed the beautiful nature and beginning of Spring. I've heard it said that this is one of the best Japanese Gardens outside of Japan.