First Mother's Day with Louie

Grandma and Grandpa Johnson joined us for a Mother's Day Sunday Brunch. I couldn't quit eating the bread pudding with blueberries. Louie was happy with his bottle -- doesn't quite realize what he's missing out on... just yet.

Race for the Cure

Of course Louie wanted to help his Aunt Tiff walk for the cure. We are so blessed to have her in our family and cancer FREE.

The Boys Hangin' with the Easter Bunny

Louie, Sam and Charlie (all born within two months of each other) are trying to survive their parents' best efforts to capture their first moment with the Easter Bunny.

First Visit to Texas

Louie did great on his first plane ride. He slept for most of it--thanks to his bottle, woobie, and a little help from Tylenol! We had a great visit with my mom and dad in Texas. Louie was able to spend time reading stories with Grandpa Lou and playing with Grandma. He had never seen a cat before was quite intrigued by thisquiet and small animal--very different from the loud and large animal at home. Louie got his first (and will not be his last) taste of the famous Texas Blue Bell Ice Cream. He got to meet his Austin aunt, uncles and cousins over BBQ in Waco. Cousin Samantha was a wonderful playmate to Louie. We had a great time!

Murphy is a big brother

Murphy is quickly learning that life is NOT all about Murphy anymore. It is now all about baby Louie. The day we brought Louie home, we allowed Murphy to get a good sniff of his new baby brother but didn't think much more about it. As the days went by, Murphy became increasingly aware of how much time this new bundle of joy was taking from his play time with us. To get his favorite game of chase started, he would steal the baby's pacifier and run off with the ribbon hanging out of his mouth. Once we were clever enough to attach the pacifier to the baby, he began to take off with the burp cloth or baby's toy. Soon he realized how tasty the remnants were in those baby bottles. Thankfully, this was only a phase.
Now, Murphy goes where ever Louie goes. Murphy was my companion for those 3 a.m. feedings in the nursery. Murphy has never been interested in the baby's messy diapers--frankly, who is?! However, if the baby is taking a nap, then Murphy would prefer to nap by the crib; but is only allowed to guard the door. If the baby is laying in his bouncy seat, then Murphy lays with his back against it to enjoy the vibrations and music. If the baby is playing in his activity gym, then Murphy is there watching for the right moment to snatch a toy. Occasionally, Murphy will walk by and give the baby a lick/kiss on his head. Louie gives me a confused look as to say, "What the freak was that?"
Recently, Louie has begun to notice Murphy. This is very new. He is quite enthralled to watch Murphy play in the snow or run around the house with his treats. I look forward to the day when Murphy and Louie can explore and play together.

A Much Needed Break

Cody and I went skiing in Park City. I think this was the first we had BOTH been away from Louie. I was nice to get a much needed mental break from bottles and nap schedules.

Baby Louis is born!!

We are very pleased and happy to announce the arrival of Louis William Johnson. He was born on December 13, 2008 at 12:18 p.m. He was 20.5 inches long and 8lbs. and 9 oz. As friends and family know, we have looked forward to having our own family since we were married a few years ago and began the process of adoption in January 2008.

Never did we suspect what a positive and enriching experience it would be to adopt a baby. It is not to say the process isn't full of moments of total uncertainty, doubt and frustrations, but we think we had a one in a million experience. We were picked by the most wonderful birth mother in August. She was 5 months pregnant at the time and found us through our agency, LDS Family Services. We accepted and agreed to meet her. As exciting as it was to be "picked," we have treasured our relationship that has developed with the birth mother and her family. With certainty, we know it was meant to be for us to have this relationship and to adopt Louie. We recognize that the Lord was able to take two difficult situations, that neither expected to be in, and create a very positive outcome for all. There were many small moments during the process that continually reconfirmed that this was so RIGHT! In the realm of unknowns, these repeated small moments have been the best part of our experience so far. And now that we are enjoying the greatest gift of a baby in our home has made this an incomparable experience. Ultimately, Louie will be the beneficiary of this amazing relationship with his birth mom. From the beginning, we have always said he will know how much he is loved by everyone involved in the process.

Now we are home with our little Louie. The day he was born, the power went out and there was so much snow we couldn't get in the driveway. We received the ultimate Christmas present and enjoyed having time to spend with him during the holidays. Julianna and I had our world turned upside down...and we wouldn't have it any other way.

Thanks to the many of you who have been supportive during this process. We have received a mountain of emails of well wishes from friends and family. Please know of our gratitude for you. I have attached a few pictures.

Beijing Olympics 2008

We took a gamble to see if Julianna could somehow get a Chinese Visa and join me in Beijing for the Olympics. Even though I would have to work, we would be able to spend time with our great friends Paul and Kim Florence who were also over there. However, requesting a last minute Visa in a tightly controlled communist country is not the easiest or smartest thing to do. Since my Visa submitted by the State Dept. came back denied because I didn't "show enough shoulder' in my passport photo, I figured we would run into endless roadblocks. China also required we show a "booked hotel reservation" and since I didn't know where we would be staying I took a gamble and put a reservation on a credit card with plans to cancel as soon as we received her Visa. Would have worked fine except I forgot to cancel until I placed a panicked call to the Holiday Inn at the Temple of Heaven to cancel the day before the reservation would have been non-refundable! Whew! Her Visa arrived the day before I left!

We had a great, albeit, hot and humid time touring all the sites of Beijing! The heat and smog were stifling. Highlights were all the Olympic venues, Great Wall, swimming and baseball events, feet massages, and scoring deals at all the markets. Though the real highlight was watching a very giddy Julianna take in Opening Ceremonies. For all of you who know her, she tends to have a professional demeanor, so this was great to see her smile and watch her on the edge of her seat pointing out every detail. It was spectacular. My favorite memory was seeing Michael Phelps in 400m relay, beating out the French (sorry Dave) by 2/10th of a second!

Duck Beach - August 2008

North Carolina does not disappoint! The beach weather, time with the girls and the amazing food created the perfect recipe for relaxation. Our typical day would begin with a first breakfast of peach pancakes, laying out at the pool and enjoying a second breakfast of Oreos, Twix bars and a Diet Coke. Often we were entertained by Chappy's dolphin antics, the latest in each others' lives and doing our "required reading." I worked on the last book of the Twilight Series -- Breaking Dawn-- and several pop culture magazines. After a gourmet lunch of panini style sandwiches, we would take a short trek to the beach and plan to "close out the beach" --in other words stay until close to twilight. The weather could not have been more perfect. We all left with the evidence of smoking hot tans! And not to break tradition, once we return home, we have a final meal together at the RIO!!! Love those fajitas.

Top Ten "Loves" for a Happy Marriage

Happy 2nd Anniversary!
1. Love of Mexican food and the perfect chips and salsa combo
2. Love of Traveling--Kauai is our current favorite
3. Love of Reading -- historical fiction and chic-lit for me, political and biographies for Cody
4. Love of Snow Skiing and Tennis; but not at the same time
5. Love of Dual Climate Control in our Car
6. Love of Learning About and Visiting Different Cultures
7. Love of Simple things. Good food, friends, family, and outdoors.
8. Love of Dogs; especially our dog MURPHY.
9. Love for Family Time Together
10. Love for Each Other

Posted by Julianna and Cody

Adoption Classes

Last weekend Julianna and I attended classes for couples seeking adoption. We really didn't know what to expect, but after two long days of sitting on uncomfortable chairs, we realized we could have stayed for another two days. Rather than "tell us" about the process, they brought in excellent panels of couples who had adopted, birth mothers, bi-racial and foster parent families, and adults who were adopted as children. It was fascinating to hear each individual story. It was evident to us that the Lord has a soft spot for adoption situations and his care is prevalent throughout. There were many miracles in the room and each reaffirmed our hope to one day have this miracle in our life.

After hearing an adoptive couple tell their success story in a very personal way, we left in awe. There was so much to "chew on" and were silent on the whole drive home. A slice of pizza and a Diet Coke from "The Pie" helped us digest the experience. We both felt, as we have all along, that this is the path we need to follow. The adoption process is a blessing for both the birth parents and the adoptive parents.

Truth is, we have never done this before and neither have most birth parents and it is a learning process. It confirmed to us the need to be very sensitive and flexible to each others needs --ultimately the spirit will guide the ebbs and flows. Most of all, this process has brought us closer and more appreciative of what birth parents go through. All of them love their babies. All of them wanted the best for them. And all of them felt directed towards the adoptive parents. A few of the birth mothers that spoke were 15 years old yet they were unbelievably composed. Their spiritual maturity was evident as they expressed the importance of having their baby sealed to a forever family -- which they knew they couldn't provide at that time. They had been dealt a difficult hand at a young age and somehow had enough foresight for their baby and themselves, to make a good decision often in the middle of lack of support from some family and friends. We were truly amazed by each person we met.

Easter Tradition

Easter Tree displayed with a "D.C touch"
One of my favorite family Easter traditions was discovered in Europe while traveling with my girlfriends about 3 years ago. To our surprise, we came upon an Easter market in Vienna on the grounds of the castle. These delicate, hand-painted Easter eggs were everywhere! At first, we didn't quite appreciate the novelty of these little eggs but soon joined the throngs in Vienna and Prague to find the right colors with the perfect designs to make our own Easter trees at home. Ask any of us girls about our eggs and you will see an affinity towards our eggs like that of a mother hen. We carried those eggs on our laps all the way home on the plane--each was loved for it's unique design and color and none could be harmed. I don't think, or expect Cody to love these little cherubs as I do. However, he knows how much I value them especially as he broke a few during our move last summer and felt horrible about it. I couldn't talk about it. He thoughtfully had the little pastel egg replaced by a BIG red and white decorated egg. Of course, he would get an egg with the U of U colors on it. Nothing says Easter like red and white! Love you Cody.

White House Christmas Party 2007

We were invited to the White House Christmas Party. Being rookies at this, we showed up "fashionably late" to find out that we've almost missed our chance to have a picture taken with President and Mrs. Bush. We were the LAST couple in line. Who knew? Again, I admit it...total rookies! The Marine Band played Christmas music while we mingled with Cody's friends. It was so cool to walk through the Green Room, Red Room and Blue Room and note the historic photographs hanging on the walls and old furniture. The buffet was great but truly the desserts had my attention! Every chocolate, cream and ganache was used in delicious desserts. The detail of the White House Gingerbread House was my favorite. What an amazing opportunity we almost missed!

Hunter Family Reunion, Thanksgiving 2007

When the "Hunter Clan" gets together, we love to talk, share stories, eat, go to movies, enjoy the outdoors and play games. We especially love new games! Guitar Hero was a hit! Becky bought it for Jeff's kids--the aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews couldn't get enough. However, I have to say, it was harder than I expected. The nieces and nephews made it look so easy. I loved that all the music was from my high shcool days and even back to Steve's high school days. Jordan, Becky and I taught our family how to play Settlers. Now this game has been around awhile--yet, still addicting! We played a few rounds of that too. Adorable Ethan was showing us all how to master the game of Kerplunk. It was a quick Thanksgiving weekend which left us with fond memories and looking forward to our next reunion.

Here Goes Another Remodel

2005 Remodel



2007 Re-remodel



















Re-Remodel
I have always liked old houses, but am not a fan of all the old stuff in old houses. In 2000, I bought the house we are currently in, remodeled it and lived there with roommates. Later in the Summer of 2005, I bought the house across the street, completely gutted it and remodeled it and moved in while I was dating Julianna. This became our first home after we were married. See pictures above of the kitchen remodel. We sold this our "first home" to re-remodel my first bachelor's pad/house bought in 2000. After the renters moved out, we moved in to start what was supposed to be a simple carpet, paint and tile project... Yah right... not the case with us. After removing weight bearing walls and tying in supports in the ceiling, we opened up walls around the kitchen to add natural light. See photo above with the wall partially taken down. Sad, but true, I am re-remodeling the same kitchen from the 2000 remodel and unfortunately don't have a better picture of the finished kitchen, so a photo of Murphy by the Christmas tree will have to suffice. It exhausts me to think of the work involved but have found the process a good diversion from the pressures of life. We love it! This house has given us an extra room for a "new addition" and is the perfect space for us. Well, for now, until I get the bug again and see another project out there.

Posted by Cody

On the Hunt for a Christmas Tree

Paris Canyon --
Thanksgiving Weekend 2006
Murphy was about 5 months old in this photo and wants nothing to do with it. This was his first snow and didn't want to waste time in a photoshoot. We searched the mountain high and low and finally found our first Christmas tree; circa Charlie Brown style!

Posted by Julianna

Mele Kalikimaka

October 2006--Kauai
Napali Hike - Napali Coastline on the North Shore

Shaved Ice with Mac-Nut Ice Cream and Coconut Milk - You've got to try it!
Poli Hale - Most Western Sunsets of the U.S. & most beautiful

Before marrying Julianna, I had never been to Hawaii. I had walked the slums of India, climbed the highest mountain in Africa, rode camels in Mongolia, but had not been on a simple non-stop to Hawaii --to what I presumed was the worlds most over visited tourist attraction. Well...now I know. Kauai, in particular, is spectacular. As much as I love the mountains (coming from a land locked state) the ocean is always mesmerizing. On Kauai, you have both. Add an average temperature of 70 degrees all year long to create paradise. Julianna had it all planned out. In our rental Jeep, she took me all over the island. I still haven’t tried to surf but did body surf with a bunch of guys while several large sea turtles swam nearby. Julianna swam in between her "power reading" sessions. Who knows how many books she plowed through? Just waiting to go back!

Posted by Cody

Girlfriends' Annual Beach Trip

Duck Beach, North Carolina -- August 2006

Yes, we are standing in the last remnants of a hurricane! What a wild experience. We felt a little like Noah's Ark. We watched endless rain for two days. Once the rain quit, we decided to explore the small strip of sand of what was left of the beach. Even after the sun returned, the streets and our driveway were still flooded a couple feet deep. We had to hire a tow truck to pull us and our cars to dry land. A beach trip we will never forget!

***Me, Amber, Caroline, Jill and Jill***

Posted by Julianna

Meyer Family Reunion, Bear Lake, UT-July 2006

As long as I can remember, my family has spent the week of the 24th of July in Bear Lake, UT for a Meyer Family Reunion. In fact, during my mother's childhood, Grandpa Meyer dragged their silver bullet trailer over to Bear Lake and "parked" it to spend the summers there. So, it has become a tradition we count on every year. Great food, water skiing, family time, sun and the beach. What can be better? Just prior to our 2007 reunion, Grandma's health was declining quickly. She was determined to attend and even bought some new outfits for the reunion. Grandma's will power got her to the reunion but her health couldn't keep up. After spending a few days at the lake with her family, the 5 daughters took her home. The sisters needed to have a family meeting with Grandpa to discuss full-time care for Grandma in a rest home. In reluctant agreement, they packed up her belongings and put Grandma in the car to drive her to a care center. In the driveway, she passed right then and there in the passenger seat of the car. Apparently she was weighing in her opinion and didn't want to go. Of course, she is greatly missed. What better way to go? She was able to spend her last few days on Earth with her husband, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren in a place she had loved all her life. She quietly slipped away at the young age of 83.
***1st picture of family games***
***2nd picture is Grandma, sister Tiff and 4 of the 5 Meyer sisters***

Posted by Cody

Murphy's Puppy Days

July 2006
Murphy has been personality plus from day one. Clearly from the photo, this dog is never late for feeding time. His energy goes beyond food -- he loves to wrestle with Cody, chase his tennis ball at the park, and as a morning ritual petitions us to scratch his belly.

We love our "Murpy."

Posted by Julianna

Our First Road Trip - Escalante, UT

Escalante, Utah --June 2006

Wow! Cody can really put the "road" in Road Trip!!! Now most of my friends and family will tell you it is unusual to see me in a desert like environment for a vacation. I am a beach girl -- that is my mecca. A place where I can fully relax with a good book, Diet Coke and the warming sun. However, in Escalante I did appreciate the contrasting beauty of the red rocks to the green trees. This was my first "all day" road trip. We 4-wheeled over these beautiful desert boulders for hours to see the "Hole in the Rock" and Lake Powell. I do love the outdoors but I don't necessarily need to sleep in it.

Wedding Festivities

What an amazing wedding weekend! On Friday, Cody's parents hosted a wonderful garden party to welcome family and guests. Many of our friends came from the East Coast, family from Texas and some of my second grade students. Marcy out did herself in preparing a delicious menu of salmon, fillets, variety of salads and her rum cake. The weather cooperated and many enjoyed the new deck built during the snowy months by Cody's family and friends--it was worth it!
On Saturday, we were married in the Salt Lake Temple. It was the highlight of our weekend. Afterwards, my parents hosted a ring ceremony and wedding dinner. My dad's toast captured the day for me, "The ceremony today not only sealed Cody to our family, but it sealed the Hunter family to the Johnson family."

Posted by Julianna

Shower to Shower

April 2006

Let the parties begin...

Family Bridal Shower: Cody's sister, Tiffiny, hosted a couple's bridal shower for us. Cody wasn't quite sure about attending a girlie party but actually enjoyed every attention. Tiff was very creative in capturing our dating time line in a game called Catch Phrase. It was darling! What a great party surrounded by family and friends.

DC Friends Bridal Shower: The girls out did themselves! With a travel theme, passport poetic invitation, past traveling photos decorating the room, I was overwhelmed! Not one detail was missed. It was a great reunion with DC friends and a little lingerie to go. See picture above.

Friends Reunion/Bridal Shower: What a blast to the past! My best friend Sara found our group of friends from 15 years ago. Forget the marriage advice, we just loved catching up on where the last 15 years had taken us.

Posted by Julianna

Bear Lake Beginnings

September 2005
Cody thought he would "woo" me with the warm September weather, changing fall leaves, and raspberries at Bear Lake. We had a great time riding a 4-wheeler through the mountains, loving the leaves and taking a zillion photos! Here is where I learned that Cody was a photo fanatic with me as his focus. Fortunately, we did get one with the two of us and the changing fall foilage.

Posted by Julianna