AZ/Ca Trip

Back before we went to Maryland Lexi and I went on a trip to Arizona and California. Being a teacher I have the summer off. For now, I'm not working during the summer, just relaxing. So we've decided to take advantage of this time and Gavin's age to go on our own family trips. This is the schedule of our summer:

-School got out end of May

-A week and a half later we went to St. George with my family for a week (See a previous post).

-A week and a half later we did our AZ/Ca trip (which I will give more details about later in this post)

-A week and a half later we got back from AZ/CA

-4 days later we left to Maryland for a week (Brief day-to-day were given during, a more detailed post will come after AZ/CA post)

-Now we have about 2 weeks before the Watson family reunion

-Then we'll have another 2 weeks before school starts

Not a bad summer! (And you always thought growing up as a student that the summer was for you)

Anyway, Lexi and I can't go an entire year without going to the beach. We also wanted to visit my brother Tim and his family in Arizona. So we thought we'd put it all in one trip, traveling when we wanted to, working around Gavin's schedule, etc.

We first we to Las Vegas. None of has had been there for a while and we figured we wouldn't have much of a chance to go for a while. We got there at around 4 p.m. and had the evening to spend there. It was just the right amount of time for an LDS couple to spend there without spending money on shows. Speaking of LDS couples, we probably saw about 5 other strollers there, which is not a lot compared to seeing tons walking around the Orem Mall. Ok, I'll finish with the boring details and get to the pics

No, we did not coordinate our shirts again, we are just always on the same wavelength when it comes to picking out traveling outfits.

It was a pretty good one time trip to Vegas. We're not planning on going back anytime soon.

We spent the night there and got up the next morning and headed out to Arizona to visit Tim & Shelbie. We loved spending time with them and their boys. Gavin especially loved the boys but still wasn't sure about walking, like them.

It wasn't too hot, just 116 degrees! We went to the Mesa Temple Visitor Center and walked around. We could barely stand the heat. We had to stop next to all the trees for shade and go back inside for air conditioning just after a few minutes of walking around outside.

The Stake YSA had a babysitting night, so we dropped the kids off with a bunch of strangers and when out for dinner and dessert.
It was necessary to take a dip in the pool
Dark Chocolate and White Chocolate. (Or Chocolate Milk and Skim Milk)
After only a few days in AZ (and they were short days, we wished we stayed longer after we left) we headed West for Southern California where my Grandparents live. The moment we stepped out of the car, we could feel the moist air of the OC and couldn't wait to get to the beach.

Gma and Gpa loved Gavin, and he loved them and exploring their house.
We did everything on Gavin's schedule. After his first nap we went to the beach. Then we came home and put him down for a nap and had gma listen for him while Lexi and I went to the spa. After his second nap we went out shopping or for dinner.

Feeding the ducks:

We left So Cal and went to St. George to spend the night there on our last leg of the trip. We loved doing Cafe Rio then Nelson's Custard and swimming in the evening. This was our first little family trip and it was a blast and a success. Many memories were made and we look forward to many more such trips.

Maryland day 6

Today we went to the naval base where Rob works. It was pretty amazing. There were planes everywhere that Rob knew all about and what tests were being done on them. I didn't take much pictures cause that would make us look suspicious.
We parked right next to the runway and watched a couple of planes take off. That was sweet. Then we drove to the water and stood on the sand.

For the 15th time I wished I was like my dad and always brought a handkerchief with me.
We drove around some more to the beginning of the runway where we saw the back side of some f-16s (or whatever they're called) take off. That was pretty cool, and loud. Then we saw a deer.
After we went just outside the base to the museum. Being here has brought me memories of when Lexi and I had been dating for about a month when she came out here. I'm not sure how I survived without her for a week but somehow managed. I wouldn't be able to do that now. Anyway when she was out here she took lots of pictures, posing for me and they became treasured memories forever imprinted in me (ok I'm starting to sound like a poet, a little weird). But I remembered those pics taken at the museum with her and knew exactly her pose and facial expression with the stuff in the background. So it was crazy seeing it all again but now being married and with our son this time.

It's been such a great week and we're sad to leave. Once again we hope all goes well with Gavin on the plane tomorrow. Thanks to Rob, Tina and family for being such good hosts and for all the memories (and for letting me drive your sweet car everywhere). We look forward to our next blog worthy adventure!

Maryland day 5

Yesterday we went to D.C. again. We first went to the archives. Pushing 3 strollers around all day is kind of annoying and gets us dirty looks, but sometimes we get right to the front of lines and that's just what happened here (but with more dirty looks) It was amazing seeing those documents. After we went across the street for lunch in the art park.



Next we went to the natural history museum.

Then we walked to the air and space museum. By then the sweat was pooring down my face so it was nice to get in the AC.

Next we checked out the botanic garden. It was actually pretty cool with lots of different kinds of plants and flowers. But it was even hotter and more humid in there.

We left and went across the street to the pond and statues in front of the Capitol.

The walk back to the metro was tiring and sweaty again. But we felt good having accomplished a lot.

We went to a Mexican restaurant for dinner which hit the spot. Today we plan on going to the base where Rob works.

Maryland day 4

Today we basically followed the same routine we do every Sunday. Go to church, take a nap, eat dinner and play games with family. We didn't go on a walk, but here's a pic of when we went on one the other day to the water.

This shows how green it is here. It's basically a huge forest with houses and roads scattered everwhere. This road is where Rob and Tina live. I think it's pretty cool and a nice change. Tomorrow we go to D.C. again!

Maryland day 3

Today we wanted to relax a little from a long day in D.C. yesterday and give the babies their routine naps. So we checked out the water. The actual beach is pretty far away but the bay is nice and close. Gavin loved sitting on the beach, fiddling with the sand and letting the water splash up on his feet.

The water was so warm. It reminded me of Costa Rica.



We're excited to relax a little more tomorrow (Sunday) and do what we do best, play games.

Maryland day 2

Today we went to D.C. We decided to take the metro.


We first went to the Holocust museum. After we were hungry so we had an authentic city hot dog.

Then we went to the American History museum.

Lexi's cousin lives in the area so we met up with them for dinner. We became pros of the metro system getting around. Gavin did great during the day and slept when and where he could.

We then went to the Washington, WWII, and Lincoln memorials at around the evening time.

Due to a cloudy day, getting caught in a downpoor of rain, and walking around in the evening, the heat wasn't too bad. We plan on going back again on Monday.

Maryland Day 1

I got an iPhone. So this is me trying to blog with it to keep everyone at home updated on our trip to Maryland to visit Lexi's brother for a week.

Here's a pic of Gavin at Solomon's island.island.

We look forward to much more fun here!

St. George

For the Claybaugh Family vacation this year we all stayed at a hotel in St. George. We spent a week down there doing all the fun stuff you can do in the area, along with all the sitting around the pool and spa you could do. (This is Sr. Todd blogging, btw)

Gavin loved the Splash Pad (and no, it has nothing to do with an ipad)

Anywhere you find water, Gavin will enjoy. He's definitely a Claybaugh. This is at the lake.

This is on the Red Cliffs Hike where we jumped into pools of water.

Gavin fell asleep on the hike.

At the hotel pool, where, you guessed it, Gavin loved!

We took a break from water and went inside the air-conditioned Brigham Young home.

This is on our hike up the crack of St. George (giggle, giggle).
Another highlight we currently don't have pictures of was when we went rapelling. It was Lexi's first time and she was brave and did a great job. The hike also included a lot of climbing down difficult terrain through beautiful slot canyons. Thanks to John J!

It was such a fun trip with many memories made. Thanks DAD for scheduling and researching everything to do there. Can't wait for next year's!

Hair

After our week long vacation last week, I didn't really feel like shaving. I kept it up for another week until my facial hair was getting long and itchy. Lexi hardly kissed me and when she did, they were little pecks with her lips stretched out like in "The Little Rascals" so she wouldn't touch my pokey hairs. So last night I shaved it. Here's the before:

The During:

I wanted to only cut a little at first to be a little more conservative for church, but I think that an Amish or Brigham Young look was a little too churchy:

So I decided to just shave it all. Here's the after: (I only cut myself once or twice)

That's better:

A couple weeks ago Lexi got the courage to chop her hair, no not her facial hair, her head hair (JK, she doesn't have any facial hair, that was close). This is something she had been thinking about doing for over a year now. Here's the before:

And the After: (Good job Cami!)

I think it looks great! Lexi is so stylish she is able to make everything flow with her outfits also. She is also very observant and is talented enough to do different types of hairstyles almost everyday. We were both very happy with the end results and got used to it quickly.

Gavin's 1st Birthday

On our 2 year anniversary we celebrated Gavin's 1 year birthday. I like that, less dates to have to remember (This is Todd posting, btw).

No, we didn't procrastinate updating the blog for a few months, this only happened a week ago. You've gotta love Utah weather in May. It was windy and a little cold.All of both our families came to help celebrate (minus those who live out of state, plus Shelbie and her boys)

Some of the gifts: (Thanks everyone!)

Ummm, Kim? What's wrong with this picture?

That's right, I don't think the thumb is supposed to be extended. You're teaching it to him all wrong. (Maybe it is, I don't know)

The Cake:

I can't believe he is a year already. Lexi and I have loved watching him grow and look forward to more. Thanks to everyone who came. It was fun!

Addition to post:

I just realized that Lexi already started a post on Gavin's bday but didn't finish because of the pictures (we need to communicate more, I guess) So here is what she had written:

Title: Gavin 2, Us 1

Gavin is ONE! We had a "little" party for him at the park with about 40 people there, that was just my and Todd's siblings and their children as well as our parents oh and "uncle" Manookin. Gavin opened gifts (thanks to all you sweet people who gave him gifts), devoured his cake and played with toys! It was really cold for May 16th, but turned out to be a fun party despite the weather!

For those who don't know, Gavin came on our one year anniversary, which I was grateful because he was four days early. So we get to share two amazing days. Two years have flown by. I can't believe that we've been married that long! It makes me excited for the coming years as I look around and see those who've been married longer than us and their happiness as more children and other events arise that bring them close together. Todd and I went out to eat the weekend before our anniversary at the wonderful Olive Garden. I told Todd I want to go somewhere that we don't have a coupon for, since we usually will only go out to eat if we have a coupon. After Gavin's party we shared gifts. I gave Todd a gift certificate to one of his favorite "hole in the wall" Mexican restaurant, El Gillo Gello ("El Gallo Giro", sorry this is Todd again, just editing) and some mango pop. Todd is the thoughtful one in our relationship and gave me a cute necklace (which he put on me...dream come true...sorry for the cheesiness, can't help it) as well as Mancala and a new game called Pepper.