Happy Hunt Household

Love our photographer!

2011-03-23T15:00:00.000-07:00

Emily Heizer is our favorite photographer (you can check out Emily's blog at... www.eheizerphotography.blogspot.com) and we couldn't pass up the opportunity to have a few pictures taken of our newest one and some family pics, the family pics will be coming soon! Here are just a few of the nearly 400 pics that she took.

"Courtesy of Emily Heizer Photography: www.eheizerphotography.blogspot.com"

"Courtesy of Emily Heizer Photography: www.eheizerphotography.blogspot.com"

"Courtesy of Emily Heizer Photography: www.eheizerphotography.blogspot.com"

"Courtesy of Emily Heizer Photography: www.eheizerphotography.blogspot.com"

"Courtesy of Emily Heizer Photography: www.eheizerphotography.blogspot.com"

Our Newest Arrival

2011-03-21T10:33:00.000-07:00

Brielle Evamarie Hunt

(Evamarie: aka "Jill" is the name of the girl that set Dan and I up on our first date. She is still one of our greatest friends...we are happy to name our daughter after her)!....Thanks Jill
March 11, 2011
7lbs & 13 oz

(1 week old) We are so happy to have this little with us!

The 3 Amigos (1 day old)

(1 day old)

The first Hunt family picture...I'm not sure why Connor is making that face.

Sleep-over with Chicken Pot Pie...GROSS!

2010-12-30T10:57:00.000-08:00

Our sweet little Kenzie...
This morning she woke up, came into our room, and I noticed that her left check looked a little swollen. When I asked her to come closer to examine her check,

she said...."mommy this taste yuck!",
I said, "What taste yuck? What do you have in your mouth?",
she said, "That stuff....It's yuck"! It was then I realized what she meant.

The night before I had made chicken pot pie for dinner, I told her, that if she wanted to eat anymore Christmas candy she would need to finish her dinner (which she wasn't too fond of).

In her lengthy attempt to finish her dinner, she fell asleep on our couch and never finished eating her last bit of chicken pot pie. The poor girl slept all night with that in her mouth...so gross!

Fortunately, her mouth wasn't swollen, it just looked that way because of the pot pie being tucked into the side of her check.

After she spit out the pot pie we had a nice little chat about finishing our food before falling asleep, and then had a vigorous tooth brushing session.

The things you need to teach your kids, I NEVER would have thought!

It's a ?????

2010-10-12T17:36:00.000-07:00

I was pretty certain we were having baby boy, but today our ultrasound showed that we are having a GIRL!! We are very excited for our 3rd addition. Mackenzie has decided that she will call her Emily. Dan and I have a few other names picked out so hopefully Kenzie won't be too upset with the name change when she is born.
Little missy is set to arrive March 8th, 2011. Hopefully she comes on time!!!!

Crazy Cakes!

2010-08-25T08:18:00.000-07:00

Within a 2 week period, I've got Dan's, Mackenzie's, and Connor's birthday. Talk about timing, I think our next child needs a different birthday month. During this month baking, decorating, and eating cake rules our life. I can't stand the thought of cake after the 2 weeks. Every year I swear I won't make another time consuming crazy cake, but every year I can't resist! Don't look too closely (I'm still perfecting my frosting skills), this was Kenzie's Mini Mouse cake. It took me 4 hours to decorate it. And that doesn't include the baking time to make the cake.

Originally I made her bow out of a "fruit by the foot", but as time past the black die discolored the bow, and so I was forced to place a real bow over the top of it.

I made Connor his own personal Mickey Mouse cake, which he loved not just eating it, but squishing the frosting and cake between his fingers and throwing it on my Kitchen floor. Not to mention he loved tossing the cake plate on the floor and watching it shatter. (NOTE: Cake eating for small children should take place outside).

His poor face was stained black for a day.

At LAST, pics of our house!

2010-04-21T19:50:00.000-07:00

This blog post is for you Michelle and for the rest of the Hunt's. Plus Glen!

So it's been 6 months since we moved into our house, and after all the endless calls, I've decided to finally get pictures up of our house.

Sorry, we don't live in the castle, although it would be fun... These are updated pics of our family for Afton!

Our little Princesses not wanting to take a pic. at the happiest place on earth

Our HAPPY HAPPY boy 10 months

Easter family picture

Kenzie's room (not set up yet)

A view from the family room, looking at our front room/door

Master Bath

The Kitchen

Our room (a work in progress)

Guest bath

Front door

Family room

Front room

Our front tree blew over the day we moved in. Nothing like being welcomed to home ownership

My Testimony

2009-12-27T00:06:00.000-08:00

This year has gone by so fast!!! So much has happened, and I've been horrible about documenting it. I hope to bring you all up to speed with my next blog post.

As the Christmas season passes, I can't help but think of Jesus Christ, and how much he has done for me. How grateful I am to him and his sacrifice for me so I can return to live with God again.

This year I was given a new church calling to serve the members of my ward (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints). I have the opportunity to teach new members of our church, and those who are learning more about us...the basic gospel principles of the church. It has been a wonderful calling and I have learned so much. A few weeks ago, we discussed the life of Christ; as I was preparing for my lesson, my thoughts went back to my testimony of the Savior and how it all began.

As I child I had always believed in God, but it wasn't until I was 13 years old that my testimony of Christ really took flight. I attribute that to my church leader Carol Clubb.
When she taught us young crazy girls, she always taught with the love of the Savior and his spirit. One Sunday she gave a lesson on Christ and his life that I will never forget. The spirit of God was so strong that I couldn't deny that there was a God, and that he loved me. I don't remember all that was discussed that day, but I do remember how I felt,and the slide show of Christ's life that she had made for us. For the first time in my life, I began to understand what Christ had done for me, and the role that he played in my life. That lesson was the starting point for me to try and follow Christ and be more like him.

So as I thought about my lesson, I thought I would share with the class a similar slide show in hopes they would have the same desire to be more like Christ.
...Thanks Carol!

Connor and our Family

2009-10-05T15:53:00.000-07:00

Connor turned 5 months yesterday, I can't believe how quickly time has passed. He is a happy baby boy and we love being with him! Dan says his default is a smile...we can't wipe the smile off his face, even when he's crying, that boy will crack a smile at us.

It's been awhile since I've updated my blog, so I thought I would post Connor's 1 month pictures and our family pictures. Emily Heizer our favorite photographer took these for us...you can check her out at...www.eheizerphotography.blogspot.com.

The Curse!

2009-07-27T23:05:00.000-07:00

I still remember our 1997 blue SL2 Saturn sedan (May she rest in peace!). She was a beauty...We traveled far and wide with her, and she never let us down. She was a bit rusty, but we blame the winter salt for that, and she had an interesting smell of vinegar (which spilled in the trunk of the car on our honeymoon because Dan insisted that we get vinegar to put on our homemade sandwich..."just like subway, right") and vanilla air freshener (we tried to cover up the vinegar smell...it didn't work). However, the gas mileage was awesome and my husband took pride in keeping her nice and clean. Dan and I had many talks about our children driving her in their teen years. Until that tragic day in August 2007 when I got a phone call from Dan,..."Janay, someone hit me on the freeway, and I think the Saturn is TOTALED!" Our hopes and dreams of our car where shattered. It was a sad day, and to make matters worse, we had just finished paying off the car (The curse of getting your debts paid off).

Luckily, I was a used car sales-women and had sold myself a nice VW, Passat. So at least we still had that going for us.
After the Saturn was taken from us, we turned our hopes and dreams to our little Passat.
Much to our joy, we made our last payment on our Passat this past Friday, July 24, 2009. As I was driving to the bank to pay off our debt a large rock came flying at my windshield and busted the glass, so yes, we will be spending a couple hundred dollars to get that fixed. (The curse has hit yet again, but you got to laugh about it. At least if was just the windshield and not the whole car...cross your fingers).
It seems to me every time we get a little ahead in paying off our debts we are hit with something else, I think someone is trying to keep us humble, and believe it or not I'm happy to accept it.

I LOVE to see the Temple!

2009-06-05T20:15:00.000-07:00

On June 18th, 2003 I returned home from serving a full time mission at Temple Square for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

I can't believe this month marks the 6th year since returning home. I often look back to that short period of my life and think about all the people I met and taught; my AWESOME companions and friendships, and all the wonderful experiences I had (too many to count). That small period of 18 months was the greatest crash course in life lessons that I could have ever had. I owe so much to my mission and the blessings it has brought me...

First and foremost a greater testimony of my Savior Jesus Christ, the power and beauty of the Atonement, and the joy of the resurrection.

Second, employment as a teacher at the MTC... the place were I met my husband (no he wasn't a missionary, he was a teacher too). Which has also lead to 2 wonderful children.

Thirdly, a better understanding of the spirit, its ability to change lives and convert people to the gospel.

I've learned the importance of the Book of Mormon and its testimony of our Savior. One of my favorite passages of the Book of Mormon comes from the introduction of the book, it says...

"We invite all men everywhere to read the Book of Mormon, to ponder in their hearts the message it contains, and then to ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ if the book is true. Those who pursue this course and ask in faith will gain a testimony of its truth and divinity by the power of the Holy Ghost. (See Moroni 10: 3-5.)
Those who gain this divine witness from the Holy Spirit will also come to know by the same power that Jesus Christ is the Savior of the world, that Joseph Smith is his revelator and prophet in these last days, and that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the Lord’s kingdom once again established on the earth, preparatory to the second coming of the Messiah. "
This was one of my favorite passages to read, it brings such power and conviction to me of the truthfulness of the gospel. Not only does it extend an amazing invitation, but it gives the steps to gain a testimony, and then once gained, what kind of testimony you will have.

I've developed a greater love for Joseph Smith and Brigham Young, and the need to have living Prophets on the earth.

Because of my mission I've learned the need to develop Christ like attributes and become more like him.

I now see the importance of service, the Lord needs everyone to do his/her part, where one slacks it becomes harder for the Lords church to function, no matter what the calling or need may be.

I've seen the amazing love of the church demonstrated through humanitarian and welfare relief. A small portion of my mission was spent at Welfare Square...though I enjoyed the spirit of all the tours I gave, the one that I enjoyed the most was Welfare Square.

There is something special about welfare square. Anyone who takes a trip to Utah, needs to take a tour at Welfare Square and the Humanitarian center.

Finally my LOVE for the Temple has grown so much. It's so important to attend the temple regularly. To feel the peace that exists their and grow closer to our Heavenly Father.

...I LOVE to see the Temple!!!!

Mothers

2009-05-23T14:38:00.000-07:00

We found what is quite possibly the greatest tribute to mothers the world has ever know on our friend Jill's blog. Enjoy.

California Bar Exam

2009-05-15T18:53:00.000-07:00

I PASSED!!!!!!!!!

Welcome Connor Hunt!

2009-05-11T12:18:00.001-07:00

Our little man arrived on his due date Monday, May 4, 2009!

He weighed 7lbs 13 oz and was 20.5 inches long.

He was born with a few little issues, but nothing that can't be fixed in the future.

He is perfect and we are so happy to have him. So far he is a great sleeper (Knock on wood) and Mackenzie can't get enough of him. She loves him a little too much, but I wouldn't have it any other way!
Connor 1 week old

They say that kids can regress a bit when a new sibling comes, but I never thought it would be regression back to her infant car seat!

Our First Family Photo (Connor 1 day old)

Connor just a few minutes old.

We were happy to finally have him, especially me. When Mackenzie was born there wasn't time to give me an epidural, so I thought I would try it again without an epidural. I did just fine without the epidural, but it was Dan that almost passed out from the experience. He didn't watch Mackenzie's entrance to the world, so I wanted him to see Connor make his debut. I guess it's a good thing he is a doctor of the Law, and NOT a doctor of medicine because the sight of everything made him light headed and he had to sit down so he didn't fall flat on his face. I guess we know who the tough one is.

Mackenzie holding HER baby for the first time!

Happy 2nd Birthday!!!

2009-04-29T13:23:00.000-07:00

I can't believe my baby girl is 2 years old. Time has gone by so fast! This year I made a ladybug cake. I got the idea from my sister-in-law and from the "Family Fun" magazine. Not to mention that one of Kenzie's favorite books to read is the Ladybug counting book. The cake was super easy to make, much easier than the crazy candyland cake I made for her first birthday.

If you can't tell the nose and month are the #2.

Mackenzie was really excited when we sang Happy Birthday. She had been practicing for several weeks blowing out the candles (she blew out both candles with one breath). Dan's birthday was a few weeks prior to hers, and when we sang happy birthday to him, she stopped us and said..."no, happy day Kenzie" so we had to sing happy birthday to her instead of Dan.

In the Koutz family with as many kids and grandkids that we have, we find it easier to celebrate birthdays combined. February to April we have at least 12 birthdays to enjoy. So this is the family party to celebrate Dan and Mackenzie's birthday along with everyone else.

Below I made flower cupcakes for the family birthday party. Again another idea from the "Family Fun" mag. These were super easy too!

General Conference

2009-04-29T12:32:00.000-07:00

This is Mackenzie's bucket of toys...

This is Mackenzie's bucket of toys when you fall asleep watching General Conference...
I thought Dan was just trying to be funny, by letting Mackenzie cover him with her favorite blanket and bucket of toys.

But I was wrong, he was totally asleep and when he woke up, he was shocked by the mess that had been created on his face.

"That's what you get for sleeping through Conference!!!"

Pregnancy Pictures

2009-04-29T10:39:00.000-07:00

I blog these pictures not for my benefit, but for my out of town family who has been requesting
pictures of me since day one of my pregnancy.

So after 9 months of asking...here you go!

8 months (March)

9 months (early April)

9 months (Late April)

This pregnancy has been a bit different. I was just as sick with this one, but noticed I threw up more, and was able to eat more. All in all, I lost about 20 to 25 lbs those first few months. I started wearing my wedding ring on my middle finger.

Then I felt really good from December until mid March I gained my weight back and was able to wear my wedding ring on my ring finger. I dealt with lots of heart burn which I expected since I had major heart burn with Mackenzie.

From mid March until now I've had some heart burn, and some new things...lots and lots of pressure in my hip/pelvic bones. I feel like my bones are about to split in half, especially at night when I switch from side to side. All this pain makes me walk like an old grandma. The left lower portion of my back aches, and I have lots and lots of swelling. So much swelling that I can't wear my wedding ring anymore. We've had a few hot days in Sacramento, and the swelling is worse with the heat. I'm learning quickly that I don't want to be pregnant in the summer.

With all this, I can't wait to welcome our baby boy (his name TBA, Dan and I can't agree).

I LOVE MY WIFE!

2009-04-11T09:18:00.000-07:00

I saw this video on my brother's blog and laughed and cried at the same time thinking of my wife's life, and yes I am that husband at the end of the song. I laugh because this is Janay's life with just one, and I have a goal of 5 or 6!

It's HAPPY HOUR, the Bar is OVER!

2009-03-05T12:35:00.000-08:00

It's happy hour in the Hunt home! I couldn't be prouder of my husband. He has worked so hard for so long to achieve this moment. He pointed out to me that since college and even more so when we got married his days have consisted of 15 hour days with work and school.

2 1/2 months before the Bar exam Dan started preparing, in mid December he and his law school buddy Will would travel weekly from Sacramento to Lafayette to visit with a personal tutor. This continued until February. In January Dan reduced his work time to 6 hours a week, to put more focus on studying. His Barbri (classes designed to help pass the bar) class also started the same month, the classes were every evening from 6PM - 10PM, Saturdays from 9AM-1PM, and Sunday's were spent with his tutor. Dan would be out of the house each morning by 7:30 AM to hit the books each day. In February Dan stopped working altogether and put 100% of his time into study. A few weeks before the test Dan consistently came home between 1:30 AM every morning and then would start his day again at 7 AM. Just to save some extra time in the morning, Dan stopped shaving and grew a lovely beard. With Dan's church calling as high council, I don't think the stake presidency was too fond of his new look. I didn't mind it so much, but I found it gross to kiss. That it self was enough motivation to shave once the bar was completed. This is the first time since before his mission that he wasn't shaving daily, and he really liked it. He keeps threatening me that once he is released from his calling he will grow it back...We'll see about that!

Those of you who know Dan, know how social he is, however, this test put a lot of fear in him and being social was out of the question. So our apologies if you feel Dan has ignored you.

So with all the time, and thousands and thousands and thousands and thousands and did I mention thousands of dollars spent for this 3 day test, Dan has officially completed the Bar exam on Thursday, February 26, 2009. It was a 3 day test that began on Tuesday, each day consisting of 6 hours of testing.

Day #1 was 3 essays in the morning and 1 large essay in the afternoon.

Day #2 was 100 multiple choice questions in the morning and 100 in the afternoon.

Day#3 was again 3 essays in the morning and 1 large essay in the afternoon.

Dan felt pretty good on day 1 and 2, but day 3 left him feeling a bit uneasy.

Regardless, I know Dan has done everything in his power to pass this test. He shared with me that he has really felt close to the Savior and wouldn't trade this intense experience for anything.

May 15th at 6PM will be the day when we find out whether he passes or not. May 15th is a special day for Dan...

It was the day he returned home from his mission from the Philippines

It was the day he started working for his first and current law firm

And it was the day the Aaronic Priesthood was restored to the earth to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery.

We hope the good streak continues!!!

I love you Dan and I'm so proud of you!

And thanks to both of our families for all their help and support!

Boy, oh BOY!

2009-02-13T14:37:00.000-08:00

In case you haven't heard, we are excepting a baby boy May 4th. We are excited for the addition to our family. Adding a second child to the family has made me a little nervous. I have lots of questions...

How do I balance time with each child?

Do I buy a double stroller and if so what brand?

Do I circumcise or listen to my doctor that says don't circumcise?

Why aren't boy clothes just a cute as girl clothes? Seriously, there is a lack of variety out there!

What do we name him? (Dan and I are having a hard time finding a name for this little guy.)

The questions are endless. But when all is said and done, we can't be HAPPIER about bring this baby into the world.

It's all about the BUSINESS in the front, PARTY in the back!

2009-01-11T19:06:00.000-08:00

Professional moms, hairstylist, fashion divas and anyone else who cares to have an opinion...I need your HELP!!!!!! Remember back in the day when this hair style was cool? It was the days of Billy Ray and his famous "Achy, Breaky". To be honest his hair was the only thing that was achy to me. I was never a big fan of the mullet look, but yet endured the style patiently.

This is my cute little Kenzie girl dressed in her Halloween costume in October. As you can see her hair was non-existent which was great for me. But now that her hair is growing in, this is what I'm finding...

Business in the front!

Party in the back!

The dreaded baby MULLET!!!!

I'm sure we have all looked at past pictures of ourselves and have thought..."Why didn't anyone tell me I looked like that" or "What was my mom thinking...Why would she cut my hair like that!" Readers of our blog, NOW is your chance to save my cute, innocent girl from such comments as these!

Your advice would be greatly appreciated...Do I cut it or let it grow out?

Family Christmas pics

2008-12-06T09:47:00.000-08:00

We finally took some family photos this year, here is a small sample of what we got. You can check out our photographers web site at... www.eheizerphotography.com

Video Footage of My Speeding Ticket

2008-11-04T13:27:00.000-08:00

In the discovery process the California Highway Patrol was forced to turn over the following footage of my speeding ticket. Enjoy, Dan.

...Don't let my husbands sarcasm fool you, we really do love our cop friends and all they do to keep us safe! Janay

"I find that hard to beleive officer."

2008-10-28T20:46:00.000-07:00

This is Dan. I had to start that way because people have complained that they don't know who is writing on our blog. Rule of thumb, cute pictures and their descriptions mean Janay, sarcastic critiques of the society we live in means Dan.

Anyway, as you all know Janay is pregnant with number two. As most of you all know, when Janay is pregnant she really puts everything she's got into making the perfect child. Some women just sit around with a "bun in the oven", waiting until the bun has been cooked and they take it out of the oven. Not my wife. She is more like a blender that is combining DNA and it is spilling all over the place. It is not pretty what she has to go through. Morning sickness is for sissies, my wife has morning, after morning, a little before noon, a little after noon, afternoon, the time before evening starts, evening, post evening, pre-midnight, middle of the night, dawn, and once again, morning sickness. From her pre-pregnancy weight she has lost almost 20 pounds. When she looks for pregancy clothes my wife doesn't go to "Motherhood" or "Mimi Maternity" she heads for the for the petite section at macy's because all of her clothes are falling off. It breaks my heart to see the ribs in her back as she withers away to make another baby for our family. Thanks to all for the help you have given.

We went out to the east coast in September for my nephews baptism, nieces birthday, and the other nieces blessing. Janay was miserable and almost didn't make the trip, but my sisters convinced her to make the trip so they could help take care of her, rather than Janay helping take care of Afton and her family as was planned. For the two weeks that Janay was there she only left the house to go to church. Because Janay was so sick I took Mackenzie home with me for the week. I have to give a shout out to all the families that helped watch Mackenzie while I was at work: The Barnum's, Kimball's, Anderson's, Lewis', Bouck's, and Newcomer's.

Needless to say I was ready for Janay to come home so I could stop passing Mackenzie from house to house like some kind of unwanted puppy. Mackenzie and I headed to the airport to pick-up Janay. I pull up to the curb and can see Janay getting her bag at the luggage carousel. I got out of the car and opened up the trunk to put her bag in. To my dismay a flashlight carrying, airport security worker, way past his prime, told me to drive around again.

Me: "Dude! My wife is right there coming out as we speak."

Old Man: "Drive around!"

Me: "Are you serious?"

Old Man: "Drive around!"

I jump in the car and drive around the airport. As many of you know, the speed limit at the airport goes from 35 to 25 to 10 in approximately 17 feet. I pulled up to the curb where Janay was of course standing there like she was about to projectile vomit. I jumped out of the car to once again open the trunk and instead was screamed at by a California Highway Patrolman, "Get back in your car!!" Ponch came up to my window and we had the following conversation:

Ponch: "Do you have any idea what the speed limit is back there?"

Me: "That depends on where you are talking about."

Ponch: "Right back there."

Me: "If you are meaning before getting to the pick-up zone it is 25."

Ponch: "Do you have any idea how fast you were going?"

Me: (Realizing this is the oldest trick in the book that the CHP uses so that you will convict yourself of speeding with your own statement, I responded accordingly) "No officer."

Ponch: "I had you going 45."

Me: "I find that hard to beleive officer. How exactly did you come to that conclusion? Were you using radar?" (Obviously he didn't know he was dealing with one of the top speeding ticket litigators in Sacramento)

Ponch: "I was following one hundred yards behind you going 45 and you were pulling away."

Me: "I really find that hard to beleive, there is no way I was going that fast."

He then went back to his cruiser and had a nice conversation with the washed up flashlight security officer that told me to drive around, and wrote me a ticket. He brought back the ticket and I asked him if he was going to enjoy spending his Halloween in court with me as much as I was with him. He told me that the date will likely change when they mail me a notice.

I took my ticket and told him politely: "I will see you in court officer."

The notice came and my date wasn't changed, so I pull out one of my own tricks and go down to the court a day or two before the hearing and request a continuance. My date was moved all the way to January. First rule of legal defense work: delay, delay, delay. When I finally meet the officer in court, if he decides to show up, he won't be able to recall the situation of issuing the ticket when I cross examine.

I seem to have a magnet for attracting law enforcement to my vehicle. It may be the McGeorge plate frame, it may be the sweet tinted windows, I don't know. But I do know that law enforcement is not infallible, and need to be kept in check when they pull numbers out of thin air. Was I going faster than 25, maybe. Was I going 45, I really doubt that, and it is my right to bring into doubt the accusation that I was going that fast. Bring it Ponch!!

Thank goodness for toilets!

2008-09-30T12:21:00.000-07:00

Let the truth be known...my life has been put aside, you may not see or hear too much of me in the next few months. I'm pregnant with our 2nd baby. For those of you who were around for my 1st pregnancy, you remember how sick I was. Well, nothing has changed this time around. I've set up camp in my bathroom, the toilet and I have become good friends unfortunately the toilet knows more about me than I would like. Mackenzie has been a real trooper, she is learning to become her own women, much to my dismay. And poor Dan has been wonderful, he works all day, goes to school all night, then comes home and takes care of all the household duties that need to be attended to.

Though pregnancy gets the best of me, we are still excited for #2 we can't wait to meet our little one in the end of April / beginning of May.

Olympics 8/8/2008

2008-08-12T10:50:00.000-07:00

I generally don't get too personal with my feelings on my blog since everyone in the world can access it, but I felt inclined to do so today.

For anyone who missed Sunday's 8/10/08 Men's 4 x 200m Freestyle Relay it was a MUST SEE!!! The race was incredible, I can't imagine how those 4 men must have felt after that race. I felt chills watching it, and it may be silly to say, but I almost wanted to cry. I felt great patriotism watching the US win such an amazing race!

I think I felt so connected to it because I grew up swimming and know how hard it is to make a come back like that. After the race, I began to reflect on my past as a swimmer and all the wonderful experiences I had. I learned a lot from being on a swim team, though swimming is generally an individual event, I learned a lot about team work, making the most out of your triumphs and defeats, I developed a lot of confidence, and surprisingly a strong testimony on the Word of Wisdom (those of you unfamiliar with the Word of Wisdom, it is a health code that Latter Saints live by...it includes abstaining from coffee, tea, tobacco, drugs, alcohol, and includes eating a healthy diet). I watched many excellent athletes fall into the party scene in high school and lose their ability to become great athletes.

As I look back, I feel gratitude for my swimming ability that I've been blessed with, for great coach's that spent endless hours working with me, for all the great friendships I developed, and for all the wonderful things I learned...Though I may not have very many outward talents or should I say hobbies (which I often complain about..ie scrapbooking, decorating, cooking, etc...) I am grateful for my one talent in swimming.

"Oh Canada..." Anyone else know the rest of their national anthem?

2008-08-10T20:59:00.000-07:00

For our summer vacation this year we went on the first annual Hunt/Gainor Family vacation. Our destination was the land of the great white north, hockey, the looney, the phrase "eh", and the word BEG..."would you like a beg for that, no I won't beg, I'll pay for my item, but a BAG would be nice" Dan's most embarassing, yet favorite line to say! If you haven't guessed by the title, then yes, we went to Canada. It was a wonderful trip and one of the most beautiful places that we've been to. Not to mention the incrediable home of Jonathan's parents, filled with fresh air, flowers, good conversation, the softest linens in the world and AWESOME food and baked goods...Thanks Gainor parents! Here we are on the ferry ride from Washington to Vancouver Island. We even got to see some killer whales off in the distance.

We spent our first night in Seattle. For those of you raised by wolves in a cave, that is the Spaceneedle behind us. The view at the top was amazing.
We were glad we brought the duct tape to tie up our kids in case they got out of hand, but who would have guessed it would have come in so handy to complete the back seat entertainment center.
A tender moment before getting on the ferry to Canada.

Barbs Place Fish n' Chips in Victoria Harbor. We almost walked around the whole island to find this place. But it was well worth the walk. It was a very popular place, we had to turn away three sets of grannies that wanted to sit at our table.
The Empress Hotel in Victoria. I don't think Jonathan knew he was in the picture. Because if he did know, he surely wouldn't be standing there with his hand on his hip like that. Very cute Jonathan.
Moments after leaving the Empress Hotel on our way to do some shopping, we were vicously attacked by some Canadians....birds that is. I was in front pushing Mackenzie, when all of a sudden I heard a splatter all around my feet, like someone had poured a bucket of mud off the top of the building. Then I heard a scream from behind me. The splatter was bird poo hitting the cement, what I didn't hear was all of the poo that hit Janay in the head, back, face, and Jonathan's back. This all happened in front of a corner cafe with everyone watching and laughing. A lady walked by and told Janay, "welcome to Canada." Melissa performed an emergency wash on Janay's head with a bottle of water and hand lotion. But the hand lotion was no match for the overwhelming stench of seagull excrement with a seafood diet.

On Friday we went deep sea fishing in the Pacific Ocean for Salmon and Halibut. For fear of losing our lunches we all wore sea sickness patches, and took a dramamine pill. This cocktail of seasickness medication, and waking at 4 in the morning made for a tiring day, but we all had a good time. We caught a couple of Red Snaper, and walked away with our lunches intact.
It may be July, but that memo didn't quite make it to Canada, it was COLD up there!!

On Saturday we went to the Buchart Gardens. Definitely the most beautiful gardens I have ever been to.
Kenzie smelling the flowers.
And what would a family vacation be without running out of clothes for your boy! We stopped at Taco Bell before all of our flights took off, but at Taco Bell, no shirt, no shoes, no service. Since Isaac's clothes were currently soaked, his sister was kind enough to lend him a sweater so he could enjoy a cheesy roll up inside.

Thanks Gainor family for doing all of the work to organize this vacation for us! We had a great time, and look forward to the 2nd Annual Hunt/Gainor Vacation!!

PS...don't forget your permanent resident card. Jonathan forget his card and was held up at US immigration, he barely made it on the ferry back to Washington. He sprinted to get to the boat and within seconds from leaping from the dock to the boat, the boat pulled away. It was a close call.

Rafting the American River

2008-07-14T17:54:00.001-07:00

I just want to say that everyone should have a manly man for a friend. Paul Middleton is a manly man. He does everything cool, rafting being one of them. It is even better when the Manly man is nice enough to take you out to do cool stuff with him. On Saturday we went up to the Middleton's place with our friends the Bouck's and Anderson's and rafted the river. I think we were on the river for 3 1/2 hours, and we loved every minute of it.Don't be jealous of our pasty white bodies!

I think we were the only ones who got the memo that we needed to smile

After taking a few moments to relieve himself in the river, Mike Bouck pulled Matt Anderson out of the water, like a shark was about to take his life. We are saddend to report that Mike's powerful pull was done with such force, that Matt lost his favorite shirt (you can view Matt's favorite shirt in the photo above, his is on the left side) that he had tucked in the back of his swim shorts. After our raft trip the topless Matt and shoeless Dan walked into Old Navy (don't they have a policy of no shirt, no shoes, no service...well not for these boys, they walked in the store like it ain't no thang!) After 10-15mins of shopping Matt successfully found himself a nice new pink polo, and Dan successful found $2.50 flip flops. Why did we have to get Matt a shirt and Dan some sandals? Because we had to eat at our new favorite Italian Restaurant, Macaroni Grill! (See the Olive Garden Post Below) Rachel Anderson was a trooper. She changed in the McDonald's bathroom and went straight to work as a Server at the Macaroni Grill. Rachel served us the best Italian meal we've had in recent memory!

Thanks Paul and Jenny for a great time!

Where is my salad?

2008-07-13T15:13:00.001-07:00

So Thursday night I took my wife out on a date. Mock me if you will, but the Olive Garden is my favorite Italian Restaurant. First of all because of the all you can eat salad and bread sticks, and second because I order the same thing every time and am never disappointed, Spaghetti with meatballs. We arrive at the Olive Garden in Folsom and get our table in a little over 5 minutes. Great. A minute or so later our waitress shows up and asks how we are. I say to her "We're great." But in my mind I'm saying "Why don't you have a bowl of Salad in one hand and a Parmesan grater in the other hand?" She takes our drink order and decides to come back with them after about 5 minutes...once again no Salad and bread sticks. Instead she asks for our order and I give it to her. Then she asks "Would you like to add a salad or bread sticks?" I respond, "No we'll just take the regular stuff that always comes." I am trying to be patient with the young lady so I am all the time thinking, why in the world would I pay for some other "special" salad when you are supposed to be filling me up right now with the free stuff?? She takes off.

Now we have been at our table for 15 minutes and not a trace of a breadstick, olive, or garden salad can be found.

It is now 20 minutes we've been seated and the girl appears from no where, drops some breadsticks on our table and says, "here's something for you while you wait." Like she is doing us some kind of favor! As if her manager found out she would get fired. Then not more than a minute later some kitchen guy brings out our food. Still no salad. I sit there, and stare at my food, refusing to eat until I get my warm-up salad on. But this is the type of waitress that you only see like flashes of gold in the pan, there one second, gone the next. I wait, like a duck hunter in the brush. Then I see her and call her over. I ask,

"Where is our salad? Did the policy change since we were here last?"

She responds, "We'll I've worked here for a year and a half and it has always been like this."

"Well the only reason we come here is the salad and breadsticks!"

"Oh you mean the free salad? You told me you didn't want salad."

"No, I told you I didn't want some fancy salad that you all sell, I asked for the regular old salad that you guys dispense by the ton."

"Oh, I'm sorry, I'll go get you one."

As she walks away, I was wondering, if she didn't know I was talking about the salad policy, what the heck was she thinking when she said she had worked here for a year and a half and it has always been like this.

So by this time it is like 7:30, and we've been seated for half an hour. But once again, like 5 minutes goes by and she still doesn't bring a salad. Some other employee passes our table and I tell him:

"Hey buddy, I have no idea where our server is, but can you just get me a bowl of salad?"

"Oh sure."

He walks away and I can hear him, but I can't see him, and a female voice tells him "Tell them I will be right with them. A minute later, Janay was talking a phone call outside, and the manager walks up to me and says:

"Hi"

I look up from my plate, "Hi", and we kind of just had this awkward stare at one another, because people don't usually walk up to me, say "Hi" and watch me eat. After a second, and realizing I'm not going to say anything, she says:

"So I understand you want to talk to me?"

"Ummmmm, no, I just want a bowl of salad."

"Oh, you didn't want to talk to me?"

Mental thought: Unless your hiding a bowl of salad behind your back, then no, I don't want to talk to you.

Actual Conversation: "No, I really just want a bowl of salad to go with my dinner."

"We'll have one right out for you."

Finally, about 5 minutes later, the elusive one, saunters over, with a grin that says "Everything's Fine! I'm the greatest server in the world, so cheery, so friendly, your wish is my every command" she plops the salad bowl on our table 40 minutes after we had sat down.

I eat one bowl, that's it, one. Because by this time I had metally and physically been broken by this Olive Garden waitress, given in and eaten most of my meal already before my salad. For me, 3 bowls of that salad is the norm, before my food even comes out!

If I weren't on a date with my wife, things would have gotten ugly, I would have gone Bakersfield Chimp in this place (true story http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2005/03/04/national/main678061.shtml) but since I have to be on my best behavior with her, I kept things pretty cool.

Then, there was the check. We had a movie time to make, and the waitress had disappeared again, so I just put my credit card on the edge of the table. When she appears, she takes our plates, and leaves the credit card! I gave her 3 minutes to come back, or I was headed for the manager that likes to watch me eat. She made it just under the deadline. We paid and left. We made a pact that we will never eat at Olive Garden again, unless friends or family force us to, and we also will go with the understanding and expectation of receiving the worst service in the world.

Lest you think our decision was too hasty, I will recount our previous visits:

Previous Visit: Janay and I go on a Friday night, wait an hour an a half to be seated. Once seated, a black widow starts climbing in and out of the wall we are sitting next to. Rather than kill the spider, then simply scoot our table 2 feet down the wall.

Visit Before that: My family (6 adults, and 2 children ages 2 and 4(the children did not eat)) receive horrendous service, and when the bill comes they tack on the automatic 18% gratuity because we were a "party of 8".

Visit before that: Janay and I out with friends. I order the never ending pasta bowl. After my second bowl of pasta, my never ending pasta bowl ended. The waiter refused to give me more pasta, even though he had brought out 5 different bowls of pasta for my buddies wife who would take a bite and ask for something else, "because I want to try them all!"

So long Olive Garden. It was a love-hate relationship that has now, sadly, and like so many of these relationships, ended in divorce.

4th of July

2008-07-11T12:05:00.000-07:00

We've

made it a family tradition to go to Lake Tahoe to celebrate the 4th. They claim to have the best firework show west of the Mississippi. I would have to agree, it's incredible to watch the fireworks burst over the Lake, while listening to patriotic music synchronized to the fireworks.

Next year I would like to rent a boat and actually be on the lake during the firework show.

However if you are looking for a grand firework show on the East, Dan says Washington DC is hands down the best firework show EVER!
Thanks Newcomer family for joining us for our Tahoe fun. We can't wait until next year to grub on that finger lick'n' KFC!

"...Deep in the heart of Texas..."

2008-06-29T13:39:00.001-07:00

If you can stand the HEAT, Dallas, TX is a great place to visit!

My sister flew Kenzie and I out so I could babysit while she and my niece went to girls camp.

Kenzie and I had a great time...despite flying standby and waiting in the Sacramento airport for 6 hours with no available flights, then deciding to drive down to San Jose to fly out the next day into Austin with a 2 hour wait to fly to Dallas. My Kenzie did great! She was so patient, thank goodness, and I meet a lot of nice people, which made the wait more pleasant. Though the standby situation wasn't ideal, there can be many perks to flying standby, I wouldn't do it otherwise!

Kenzie loved playing with her cousins
This was an EXTREME fire making display. My sister and niece learned how to make campfire out of delicious treats
When my Sister and niece got back from girls camp, we traveled to a nearby resort called "Great Wolf Lodge". I prefer to call it "Great Bear Lodge" mostly because I kept forget the name but also because I just finished reading "Twilight" and the Vampires in the book had wolf like characteristics. So I wanted a different association with the resort. Not that a bear is anybetter, maybe I should have renamed it "Great Dove or maybe Duck Lodge" they are kind animals.
The lodge was AWESOME, I recommended it to any family that loves the water. They had a huge water park mostly indoor with a few slides and wading pools out doors. Above was just one of the few insane water slides they had. We had a blast, and Kenzie loved it!
The little ones at the baby pool
My sister with half of her family

Down With Meth!!!

2008-06-15T20:04:00.000-07:00

We are very pleased to announce that the Meth Addict that lives in the apartment behind ours is moving out!! I'm pretty sure he is not a regular reader to the "Happy Hunt Household", so I don't think I am going to offend him. I actually didn't know the guy was a meth addict until my wise elder and friend, Trevor, pointed it out to me. Trevor was like a probation officer in Wyoming so he knows all about "tweakers". Unlike Trevor, I was never exposed to drug addicts in my previous employment. Not many meth addicts reporting to the MTC. The only drugs the missionaries were taking were their ADD prescriptions, and birth control. I didn't know about the latter until Janay told me that half of the temple square sisters were prescribed birth control to regulate their hormones and stuff. That and it kept their skin clear, we all know that only the hot sisters get called to Temple Square, and once there they need to remain hot. I digress.

So Trevor points out that every single time he comes over, this guy is out working on his piece of junk car. I would say 9 times out of 10, that I walk out of the house this guy is working on his car, or sitting in it, or under it. I just thought he was a crappy mechanic and could never get his car working. Trevor being a bit wiser in the ways of the world, informed me that when Meth addicts are tripping, they always want to have their hands moving, and thus why our neighbor was always fiddling with his car. Trevor planted the seed in my mind that the guy was a meth addict, rather than a Tim Allen Tool Time wannabe with his 92 Red Pontiac that leaked oil like an Exxon Tanker in an Alaskan bay.

But the seed which Trevor planted blossomed into forbidden fruit last week. At 4 AM Janay and I were awoken by a loud conversation going on outside our window. One of the voices was unmistakably our little friend. He said "Wha wha wha whacha got?" (he has a significant stutter) A voice responds "Meth", and our neighbor responds "I'll take everything you got."

Then on Saturday a uhaul was parked in the visitor's parking spot outside our apartment. I saw our neighbor moving out some furniture and I asked him if he was moving out. He told me that he in fact was moving out because they bought a house. I congratulated him on his purchase and silently rejoiced within. I think I am supposed to feel bad about this rejoicing, but I don't want my wife and daughter living around drug addicts, not to mention I think half of the US imports in oil from the middle east were spilled in our parking spaces by this guy and his car. Therefore, I also blame him for the high gas prices lately because of all of his oil consumption.

This guy must have missed the high school assembly when they have a bunch of former drug addicts, who have turned their passion to kung fu, come in and break bricks in half and then scream "Don't do drugs!" Then they hold up a 2x4 and yell something like "Drugs are for wimps! Can a wimp do this?!" and he like breaks it with his forehead. Was my school the only one who had these assemblies? I think they trained with this guy:

Did we mention...

2008-06-10T21:42:00.000-07:00

We bought a HOUSE...

And it has a POOL ...

And a beautiful GARDEN...

Or maybe we just took a trip to Hearst Castle! Did we trick you? Please take our survey on the top right of our blog, we are thinking of buying a house by the end of the summer, what are your thoughts?

1st B-day, Mother's Day, New York!

2008-06-01T14:41:00.000-07:00

Mackenzie's 1st Birthday

Mackenzie loves to swim, so we had a swim party with our family and friends!

My friend Stephanie made Mackenzie's personal sized birthday cupcake, it was so cute! CRAZY ME made a "Kenzieland" cake. I thought it would be "fun" to make the cake, make the homemade strawberry filling, homemade icing, and then decorate it. I think I bit off more than I could chew because this cake was so big and so overwhelming! I'll NEVER do it again!

Mother's Day
Do I finally look like a domestic Diva?...P.S. I have shorts on under this apron!

For Mother's Day, Dan bought me an apron that I've been wanting for a long time. My friend Stephanie Lewis makes these aprons. Stephanie is so crafty, she can reproduce pretty much anything you can find at Pottery Barn. You can find he stuff on her blog http://www.yepadoodle.typepad.com/. Thanks Dan for buying it, thanks Stephanie for making it!

"Start Spreading the News" I Love New York!!!!!

My Mother-in-law, Mackenzie, and I took a flight to Rochester, New York to welcome the newest Hunt grandchild Alexis Reid. I must say Becca, Dan's sister has made the adjustment to motherhood look quite easy. We found lots of fun things to do in Rochester...

Alexis is so beautiful!

Mackenzie and I in the "Sacred Grove"

*The fun in Rochester!

-Shopping at Walmart

-Taking a tour of the University of Rochester Medical School

-Eating a nice picnic lunch with bees, and Jail birds (convicts)

-Visiting the amazing Wagman's, along with their greeting cards, and we can't forget the "Special Joey" Sandwich

-Visiting all the church sites. The Sacred Grove was beautiful, it brought me back to my days as a missionary on Temple Square.

-Picking fruit at the Farmers Market, and seeing some really "cool condos"

-The best part was Becca driving the wrong way on a one way road

-We had a great time, thanks for all the FUN!!!!

More New York pics

2008-06-01T14:00:00.000-07:00

These pics are in random order...I love that the Palmyra Temple is the only temple that has clear glass so when you are in the Temple you can look out the window and see the Sacred Grove. The picture below of my mother-in-law is standing just below that clear glass

I LOVE this picture of the temple, you can catch a glimpse of it through the trees as you walk on the dirt road from the 2 Smith homes. I wish I had a better camera!

The Sacred Grove was so peaceful, I'm so grateful for Joseph Smith and for his courage to tell his story, I am truly blessed because of it!

In these 2 pics, you can really see the love that 2 cousins have for each other!

Playing Catch-up

2008-05-25T16:28:00.000-07:00

We went to Utah for Conference, and our mission reunions, and are just now getting around to putting these pictures up. This is Janay's Mission President, Arlen Crouch and his wife.
Janay with her sisters. Janay threw her sister Vonnie a surprise birthday party.

This is my first convert baptism, Amor Dumlao. I had no idea she was going to be at the mission reunion. Turns out that she married an Elder from my mission, they were married in the temple, and had a baby boy the day before Mackenzie was born. It was great to catch up with Amor, and even better to see that she is still active in the gospel.
These are our tallest friends, the Gainors. We are looking forward to the innaugural Hunt/Gainor Vacation to Canada this July.
Here we are with our friends the Farmers, and my Mission President, Jack Peck. The man walks on water in my book.
Here was another awesome experience. As we were leaving Janay's mission reunion at the Marriott in Downtown SLC, I checked the front desk for parking validation and recognized the man standing next to me. It was Elder Octaviano Tenorio, who at the conference previous had given one of, if not my favorite conference talk ever. We walked away at the same time and I stopped him and told him I just wanted to shake his hand because he had had such a great impact on me. He ignored my hand and said..."Brother, give me a hug!" After my hug he grabbed my arm and went over to meet Janay and Mackenzie, where this picture was taken. He is a very kind man and a great example for us all. You can read his talk here :http://lds.org/conference/talk/display/0,5232,23-1-775-34,00.html

I've been "Hubby" Tagged

2008-05-21T10:46:00.000-07:00

What is his full name? Daniel Anthony Hunt.
How long have you been married? It will be 4 years on July 17th.
How did you meet? We were both teachers at the MTC, and my supervisor (who happened to be his ex-girl friend) set us up. I guess I could have been offended by the set up, considering the situation, and I kinda was at first, but after date #2 I had forgiven her.
Who eats more sweets? This is a tie!
Who said "I love you" first? He did!
How old is he? 27 (surprisingly everyone thinks he is the older one, but little do they know that I've got him by 4 months).
Who is taller? He is.
Who is smarter? "He's got the brains, I've got the looks, lets go and make lots of money" (that's a line from a song in case you didn't know).
Who does the laundry? ME, ME, ME
Who pays the bills? Dan
Who sleeps on the right side of the bed? Me, it's closest to the bathroom and Mackenzie.
Who mows the lawn? The gardeners
Who drives? Dan, he thinks I drive to crazy.
Who is more stubborn? DAN...that's how lawyers make their living!
Who kissed who first? Dan, although he would say different
Who has more siblings? Its a tie
Who wears the pants? Its a tie

I tag Stephanie Lewis

Just Call Me Doctor

2008-05-12T18:09:00.000-07:00

Well, not really, but we finally had our graduation ceremony for Dan to get his J.D., otherwise known as Juris Doctor, or Doctor of the Law. He actually has a few classes left to take, and will be done in December, then sit for the February Bar. But all of his friends were graduating this May so he chose to do it now, rather than next May with a bunch of people he doesn't know.
From left to right, Dan, Eric Fernandez (an aspiring D.A.), Mike Saroca (plans on doing military law), Scott Rooker (going to do something with some firm in Stockton).
We tried to match Mackenzie's outfit to Dan's robes so she could match "the purple dragon."

Dan graduated from Law School in the same building he graduated from High school, the Memorial Auditorium in downtown Sacramento...TENDER!

Law and Order

2008-05-06T22:29:00.000-07:00

No, this isn't the Sacramento County Sheriff that pulled me over that fateful Sunday morning months ago, but this guy is pretty much the coolest cop I've ever seen, so he made it on the blog. I was not going to let the Sacramento County Sheriff take me down with a speeding ticket without a fight, so being the young budding lawyer that I am, and having watched Law and Order as a kid, I decided to take my ticket to trial. I went to my first hearing a month ago and pled not guilty to the speeding charge. I obtained my trial date and feverishly began to prepare. I knew that I might be going up against a seasoned DA...out for blood.

Yes, this is what I pictured...except that I wasn't a woman, and the court reporter didn't wear hearing aids in my vision of things. I showed up on the appointed date ready for battle. The courtroom was buzzing before the hearing. I brought my briefcase and legal pad so I could look like an intimidating real life lawyer, rather than the chump law student that I actually am. I wore my best suit, glasses, but held off on the cuff links, I didn't want to look too flashy to the judge. As I sat and waited for the trial to start I nervously reviewed my notes, eying the Highway Patrolmen sitting next to me to make sure they weren't stealing my case strategy. Finally the judge walked in and the bailiff called the court to order. The judge called my name and I approached the bench, "Good afternoon your honor." The judge gave me a look like "Easy buddy, this is a friggin' traffic ticket, not a murder trial!" I took my seat and the Judge addressed me, "Mr. Hunt, the officer has failed to appear, and therefore your case is dismissed." I slid my legal pad into my briefcase like I had somewhere much more important to be, like I needed to get back to billing $500 an hour, said "Thank you very much your honor" and walked out of the courtroom. I had just won my first trial, surely to be the first of many. But for now, I can enjoy the feeling of being undefeated in the courtroom.

Technology

2008-05-05T13:36:00.000-07:00

I'm sure you are all wondering why we haven't updated our blog...For starters, our lame computer won't read our memory card from our camera. Therefore, we don't have fabulous pics to go along with our fabulous stories. Then this fabulous computer crashed in the middle of Dan's fabulous law final this past week. "...But I still love technology..."

The Napa Valley

2008-03-30T15:40:00.000-07:00

Janay and I were raised as orthodox Mormons, therefore our parents never took us to see Napa Valley because Satan himself was known to reside there...or it might have been that both our families were poor as all get out and couldn't afford the luxury of a trip to Napa. (But that doesn't make sense because Napa is a little over an hour away, and I do remember countless trips to Utah which is much further away than Napa. The trip to Utah seems even longer when we have to smell vomit that is having the heater of a Volkswagen Vanagon blown full blast on it, thank you very much Sarah) Janay's family much prefered Disneyland as their vacation of choice.

Janay and I decided to venture off into the unkown, even if it was only an hour away. We were delighted with the beauty that Napa has to offer. We first went to a couple of wineries and enjoyed the views they had to offer, but couldn't take the tours because no children under 14 were allowed. I guess they think that our 11 month old would turn into a raging alcoholic if she were allowed to see the wine making process.

After the wineries we headed to downtown St. Helena, filled with cute "shoppy-shops" as Janay would say. Here we found the most delicious olive oil known to mankind. For all you Mormons out there, go to Napa for the olive oil tasting, forget about the wine! We bought a bottle of roasted garlic and parmessean olive oil, that if my cardiologist would approve it, I would drink with my Italian meals. There were some other cool shops, like a little chocolate shop and kids boutique store that Janay enjoyed.

For lunch we went to Taylor's Automatic Refresher, as featured on the food network's Drive-ins, Dives, and Burger Joints. Good burgers, amazing garlic fries, and shakes that were simply "top of the line, top of the line."

We'd like to take this moment to thank Tammy for opening our eyes to the splendor of Napa. And thanks to Ethan Michael Butt for being such a good boy on the trip.

We left Napa still feeling worthy to hold a temple recommend, and recommend to all of you a visit to this gem in our own back yard.

San Franisco Parking!

2008-03-29T13:43:00.000-07:00

For the Easter weekend, we went to San Francisco with our friends the Newcomers. Parking in San Francisco is an expensive pain in the neck. We had two places we wanted to visit before we went to a baptism for (Mackenzie's play buddy...Ethan)a friend of ours. One place was by Fisherman's wharf, and the other was by Union Square, the two worst places in SF to try to park. We first went to Fisherman's wharf and like a diamond in the rough found a free two hour parking spot a block away from the store we wanted to go to. We did our shopping, gave thanks for the parking spot and sadly left it for dinner, knowing this truly was a special spot. Next we headed to dinner near union square. We came upon our restaurant and hunted a parking spot like a cheetah hunts its prey. Lo and behold, as we pulled up a car was leaving directly across the street from the restaurant, I parrell parked black beauty with the aid of sensors and my wife, and we were moved almost to the point of tears at our luck. Once again, free for two hours. We had a most delicious meal of chicken tika masala and naan, then headed for the baptism in Burlingame. Our friend warned us that the parking at "St. Paul's Church" could be nasty, but I knew this day was special. I drove towards the church with a sense of hubris only a naive young man could possess, determined to conquer all bay area parking. We pulled up to the church, and without a hint of surprise, there was one spot left, directly in front of the entrance to the church. I parked and stepped out with a bit of a swagger, for I knew today, I was a champion. Mere mortals only dream of days like this...

New Golf Pants and Polo: $38.67
Chicken Tikka Masala and Naan: $15.00
Parking: $0.00

Spending the afternoon in San Franciso and walking no more than 150 feet from storefront to steering wheel...priceless.

Easter

2008-03-24T21:13:00.000-07:00

1.The first pic is Kenzie in her Easter Dress
2. pic is the Koutz fam enjoying the Easter goods
3. pic his Kenzie enjoying the Easter goods with her Dad

St. Patrick's Cupcakes

2008-03-24T18:28:00.001-07:00

I decided to test a new baking creation for St. Patricks day (and for 2 of my friends b-day)...the shamrock cupcake. It was pretty easy to make, but it took a lot of time.

Springtime is in the air!!

2008-03-24T12:54:00.000-07:00

As many of you may know, spring has officially arrived in California. The weather has been gorgeous, the sun hangs in the sky a little longer, bees are buzzing, birds are chirping...and evidently suffering with some major diarrhea. I came out on Saturday morning to find my car violated and victimized like I have never seen before. I guess this is the price we pay for living in the City of Trees. I look forward to the day when my cars will be garaged. Maybe I'll put a copy of the Reader's Digest, or the daily paper up in the tree so these birds can have some nice reading material (but the sports section stays with me).

Kings Game

2008-03-19T21:11:00.000-07:00

We took Little Mac to her first Kings game and she absolutely loved it! She clapped her hands, danced, and smiled at everyone around us. She was quite the distraction for everyone around us because they couldn't resist her smile. She is truly her daddy's girl becuase when the refs made a bad call she screamed, "Hey wefs! Pawish your glass eye!"

Music

2008-03-19T21:05:00.000-07:00

Due to your request, I finally changed our music option. Instead of our music coming on automaticaly, you now have to select it to listen to the music. Enjoy!

Little Mac Can Waive

2008-03-15T12:28:00.001-07:00

Little Mac has discovered the art of the waive. She is now really good at waiving goodbye when I leave the house now. The other day was the most impressive though. She did her usually waive good and then amazingly said, "Peace out home skillet" and gave me a peace sign, then went back to babbling and playing with books.

Dan

We know this guy...therefore we are cool.

2008-02-29T23:11:00.000-08:00

This is our friend Trevor (The 2nd Rapper, one not wearing a hat). His rap career unfortunatly didn't work out, so instead he is studying to be a lawyer.

Best News Reporting...EVER!!!!

2008-02-29T23:10:00.001-08:00

2008-02-19T09:58:00.000-08:00

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!Valentine's isn't a big deal to me, so I made it very clear to Dan that I didn't want any presents for V-Day. However Dan surprised me for lunch, he skipped his class, and left work early, to deliver chocolate covered strawberries and eat lunch with me. It was a nice surprise. The only funny thing was, I had planned to make chocolate covered strawberries with my friend Stephanie that day. You can never have enough (I made the ones on the plate) and of course we ate them all. Dan and Mackenzie sporting her "I love Daddy" shirt given to her by her Aunt Susette

2008-02-14T18:46:00.000-08:00

Okay here we go for those taggers:

1) MOST EMBARRASING MOMENT:

I was 16 years old. I had my permit so my Dad was sitting next to me in the car as I drove down the main drag in Elk Grove. Summer School had just gotten out at the high school and students were walking home. I being the ladies man that I am had to cat call the hotties walking home. You'll never guess what I yelled at them as I rolled past in my sweet teal blue Ford Escort, "Hey Ladies!!" Pretty smooth aren't I? Trouble was, as I took my eyes off the road to check out the foxy ladies and yell this ridiculously good pick up line, the cars in front of me stopped. I rear ended the car in front of me, broke my Dad's finger in the process, and the group of girls all laughed hysterically. I was sued for the first time at the tender age of 16...I was destined to be a lawyer, and a sucker for the females.

2) FAVORITE FOODS

chicken tikka masala with naan bread, all things Filipino, Spaghetti with meat balls, Beef Enchiladas made by Janay or my Mom, Tacos by Janay or the crunchy taco at El Pollo Loco, Greek Gyros, Pizza, Philly Cheese Steaks while watching Survivor, all of this shall be washed down by Dr. Pepper.

3) FAVORITE VACATIONS:

The Philippines hands down, deserted beaches, sweet shopping, and most of all Filipinos were everywhere!! The Cayman Islands, scuba, snorkling, good food, best beach I've ever been on. East Coast for the History, Utah for the family, Southern California for a million things to do. Monterey for Pebble Beach and the hole in the wall BBQ in Pacific Grove.

4) FAVORITE TV SHOWS:

The amazing race, Jonathan and I will win this someday. Survivor, don't know how much longer it can hang on. Amercian Idol, some of the best entertainment ever. Sportscenter dahdahdah dahdahdah. PGA Tour everyweekend on the Golf channel or CBS. The office. Arrested Development, funniest show ever to be canceled after 3 seasons.

5)THREE THINGS MOST PEOPLE DON'T KNOW ABOUT ME:

First, that I am actually good looking. Most people don't see this in me.
Second, I have quite possibly the world's ugliest toe nail.
Third, I can't stand the sound of people chewing their food. The one exception to this is my daughter, she makes it sound cute.
Fourth, I didn't see the birth of Mackenzie, I was too busy helping Janay.
Fifth, I'm a Notary.
Sixth, I'm not good with numbers.

I do hereby tag, Brad and Becca, Ryan and Stephanie, Trevor and Ellen, Nate and Chelsea, and anyone else who is reading this.

2008-02-14T17:00:00.000-08:00

How long have you been together? 3 years, 6 months and 27 days as of this date.
How long did you date? From October 03 to March of 04. Engaged in March, married in July.
How old is he? 26
Who eats more? Janay, she is still feeding Mackenzie by proxy.
Who said "I love you" first? Dan, but Janay wanted to say it but she wasn't going to until Dan stepped up and acted like a man.
Who is taller? Dan, thankfully, Janay would look crazy if she was 5'11"
Who sings better? Dan, expecially the Hymns of Zion
Who is smarter? Depends, Dan is book smart, but Janay is more in tune with the Spirit so she is right all the time
Who does the laundry? Dan hasn't done a single load since being married. But he will fold it like every month or so.
Who does the dishes? 98% janay, 2% Dan
Who sleeps on the right side of the bed? Janay, closer to the bathroom and Mackenzie's cries in the middle of the night.
Who pays the bills? Dan
Who mows the lawn? The cool mexicans.
Who cooks dinner? Janay is actually becoming a really good cook. Dan has completely forgotten how since Janay is a full time stay at home mom.
Who is more stubborn? Dan
Who kissed who first? This seriously will not be resolved until we watch the Tivo in heaven. Dan says Janay, Janay says Dan, but both enjoyed it thoroughly at the end of the second date.
Who asked who out? Dan asked Nay out after encouragement from his ex-girlfriend and Janay's MTC supervisor, Jill Newell.
Who proposed? Dan did on the steps of the Maeser Building at BYU, the same place his grandpa asked his grandma to marry him.
Who is more sensitive? Dan, he has blessed with one of the gifts of the spirit, the gift to weep.
Who has more friends? Toss up, but we keep in better contact with Dan's friends.
Who has more siblings? Same, 5 each.
Who are you tagging? Everyone that is cool, sassy, and fresh.

I Love Cops

2008-02-13T22:44:00.001-08:00

You know what I really love? Bored policemen. They can really make your day. Last Sunday I left my place at 6:50 AM to be at a 7:00 AM church meeting. For those of you who don't frequent Sacramento Streets during pre-dawn hours, there is no one out but Bishopric members, High Councilors, and other folks who go to PEC. Evidently this group of people have a problem with speeding because the Sacramento County Sheriffs department is out in force to make sure we all slow down. Anyway, the Sheriff pulled me over, took my driver's license, and 20 minutes later gave me a ticket for what he "estimated" was 60 in a 45. Had I know it was going to take half a millenia to write a ticket I would have read the good word, or done some home teaching or something productive.

I hope the judge likes me because I need to go to traffic school so my insurance rates don't rise. My red-light violation this summer is supposed to lock me out of traffic school for the next two years. I need my VW beetle back, that thing wouldn't go faster than 35 without the engine catching fire.

January 2008

2008-02-12T23:55:00.000-08:00

January 2008

*Janay turned the BIG 27. She fears the day when she turns the BIG 30 much like the fear she is showing in the pic below!

Janay, Mackenzie and niece Makayla @ Universal Studios
Kenzie wasn't too sure about this crazy looking Dora. Maybe as parents we should be grateful, maybe this means we can have a life that most parents dream of...a life without Dora. Or maybe we're living in a dream world, after all, she's only 9 months!

The Top 12 of 2007

2008-01-30T22:05:00.000-08:00

January Events 2007

* We started 2007 off right by taking a trip to the Cayman Islands. It was so beautiful and relaxing, Janay who was 6 months pregnant finally found relief from her morning sickness!!! Thank goodness!

*All 6 of the Hunt siblings and a few of their spouses came to Cali for a visit. We had 11 people sleeping in our 1 bedroom apartment. It sure was cozy, but we had a good time. Cayman Islands
Hunt siblings at Sacramento Temple
Becca and Brad had to sleep in our Kitchen to fit all the sleeping bodies in our apartment
The Hunt slumber party

2008-01-30T20:20:00.000-08:00

Febuary Events 2007

*We went to BYU's Living Legends (Dancing from around the world) it was awesome

*Several of Janay's friends came into town Mara Broadbent and Debbie Garmen. Janay had a great time visiting with them

*The Gainors came into town for a visit more good times

*Dan was called to the High Counsel (which was an overwhelming thought for a full time law student and full time law clark, but the Lord has blessed us)

*Janay took pride in the thought that she's never had a cavity but this month she was humbled by her dentist who informed her that she has 8 cavities. (This hit our pocket book!)

*Brian Hunt and family came for a visit, we went to the Jelly Belly Factory and couldn't resist the pic Janay and Melissa Gainor (pregnant with Isaac)
Dan and Jonathan Gainor (One of Dan's best mission buddies)
Janay and Laura Hunt (pregnant with Jefferson)

2008-01-30T19:26:00.000-08:00

March Events 2007

*Enterprise-Rent-A-Car threw Janay and her friend and co-worker Tammy Power a baby shower

*Koutz family went to San Franisco to visit the parots on Telagraph Hill

*We took a trip to Pebble Beach with Glen (Janay's brother) Baby Shower
San Fran
Pebble Beach

2008-01-30T19:03:00.000-08:00

April Events 2007

*Janay's young women threw her a baby shower

*We celebrated Dan's 26th Brithday on April 19th

* Monday April 23rd was Janay's due date, but when Janay went to the doctor there was no sign of Mackenzie coming

*Mackenzie came to the world on Saturday April 28, 2007 @ 3:17 AM. Mackenzie came in 4 hours. Janay was tough and did it without drugs, although she wanted some.

*Mackenzie is a wonderful baby and is learning and growing so quickly Baby shower

Mackenzie after one of her first baths
The proud DAD
Mackenzie with her friend Ethan Power (who was born 3 weeks before her)
Proud mom
Janay days before birth

2008-01-30T18:45:00.000-08:00

May Events 2007

*Janay celebrated her first Mother's Day

*Old San Jose Friends Jen and Steve Fairbanks came to visit

*We moved from our tiny one bedroom apartment to the Newcomer's home to house sit for the summer.

*We took a trip to Utah for the Memorial Day weekend. Mackenzie got to meet the Hunt family and friends for the first time

Jen and Steve Fairbanks came to visit
Andrew and Lauren Stacey (MoStacey) visit us in Utah
The Farmers (one of Dan's best mission buddies) visit us in Utah with Daphne their new little one

2008-01-30T18:19:00.000-08:00

June Events 2007

*On June 3, 2007 we had Mackenzie's blessing lots of friends and family joined us to celebrate this event

*Dan's law firm paid for a weekend trip to San Franisco. We had a great weekend and Mackenzie loved being out and seeing the crazy sights

*Janay's sister Susette Damron and her family came to visit

*Brad and Becca (Dan's sister) came to town to live with us until they head to NY for medical school. "Let the Summer of Love Begin"

*Janay's Brother Glen took us along with Brad and Becca to Santa Cruz, Monterey, 17 mile drive to Pebble Beach, and delicious BBQ in Pacific Grove

*We spent our nights with Brad and Becca taking walks, getting yummy ice cream, and seeing the sights of Sacramento.

*To end July we spent the weekend in San Franisco and visiting Muir Woods Mackenzie's Blessing
The view of San Franisco from our Hotel room
Brad, Becca, and Mackenzie at Pebble Beach

2008-01-30T17:31:00.001-08:00

July Events 2007

*We went to Lake Tahoe for the 4th of July with Brad and Becca. It was the best firework show. Also, Brad taught us the origin of the Martin Harris Pagent songs.

*Brian Hunt's family and momma-uh came to visit

*The Middletons took us River Rafting

*We drove down to LA in Brad and Becca's car. They droped us off in Newport Beach to spend the weekend on Balboa Island with the Koutz Family for a reunion.

*The Koutz reunion consisted of eating lots of Balboa ice cream bars, going to Universal Studios and enjoying the Southern California Sun.

*We celebrated our 3 year Anniversary

*We drove with Brad and Becca to Utah for the Hunt family reunion

*July ended the "Summer of Love" and Brad and Becca flew to New York to start medical school. All the Hunt Grandkids
The Koutz bike ride in Newport Beach

4th of July in Tahoe. Poor Mackenzie, Dan thought it would be funny to cart her in her stroller without her carseat. Janay stopped that right away.
Mackenzie and her younger cousin Jefferson sporting the TRUE BLUE. GO MIGHTY COUGARS!
On our way to the Jelly Belly Factory Aunt Becca thought it would be fun to put Kenzie in her own seat.
The Hunt reunion

The 2007 pics don't end here, click on "older post" to veiw all of 2007!

2008-01-30T17:13:00.000-08:00

August Events 2007

*We took a weekend trip to Bakersfield and Santa Barbara to visit our friends the Gainor's (one of Dan's best mission buddies)

*We moved from our house sitting home to our new apartment (note: Never move twice in one summer when you have a new baby)

Mackenzie and Isaac Gainor in Bakersfield (already holding hands, aren't they too young for that!)

2008-01-30T15:59:00.000-08:00

September Events 2007

*Went to LA for the BYU vs. UCLA football game. Our Nephew Cameron Koutz came with us and Brian Hunt (Brother) flew from Utah to join us. The BYU crowd was awesome. We were amazed that Mackenzie was able to sleep through part of the game with all the noise...GO MIGHTY COUGARS!!!!!

*Our beloved Saturn was totalled someone hit Dan on the freeway. Needless to say, we had to buy a new car (actually SUV).

*All the ward boundaries in our stake were reorganized, so the new ward we moved into was now a totally new ward. But we love this new ward. There are tons of young couples to do things with.

*Dan's law office took us to Disneyland and our good friend Jill Newell met us. We had a wonderful time, after all Janay loves Disneyland!

2008-01-28T13:55:00.000-08:00

October Events 2007

*We went to fleet week and watched the Blue Angels fly over the San Francisco Bay.

*Dan surprised me at 3AM with a trip to Utah (This was also a surprise to his family who live in Utah)

*Brian Hunt and Family surprised Dan two weeks later with their trip out to Cali (We had a fun weekend at Apple Hill)

*Went to a friends Halloween party. Poor Mackenzie was supposed to be a little kitty, but she looks like a little China-man.

2008-01-28T13:45:00.000-08:00

November Events 2007

*Janay and Mackenzie went to Yosemite with (her sister Susette) the Damron Family. Dan surprised her a day later by showing up to Yosemite to meet her. It was awesome!

*We spent Thanksgiving in San Jose with the Koutz and Damron Family

2008-01-28T11:11:00.000-08:00

December Events 2007

*Janay's mission companion (Sister Liz Phillips) and family came to visit

*All 34 members of the Koutz family came to Cali for Christmas

*Mackenzie turned 8 months

*We ended 2007 with lots of parties, fattening food, and awesome company!

Mackenzie and her cousin Riley with matching dresses
The Koutz clan all 34 of us
HAPPY 2008

This is Dan's Final year of Law School!!!!