When Lynn and Jay Hays first met, neither of them could have imagined the life they would build together. They were both high school students in the suburbs of New Orleans, but despite hearing Jay's name around campus, Lynn never actually met him while he was a student there.

 

"I heard about him all the time," Lynn recalls. "But he never seemed to be at school."

 

It wasn't until after Jay graduated and returned to campus to pick up his yearbook that their paths finally crossed. What began as an easy friendship quickly grew into something more. They spent the next several weeks getting to know one another, enjoying each other's company, and building a foundation that has now lasted more than 26 years.

 

"We had instant chemistry and became fast friends," Lynn says. "We stayed in the friend zone for a little while, but by the summer between my Junior and Senior year, we were a couple."

 

More than two decades later, that friendship remains at the heart of everything they’ve built.

 

Originally from New Orleans, Lynn and Jay relocated to Acadiana after losing their home during Hurricane Katrina in 2005. What began as a difficult transition eventually became an opportunity to put down roots and create a new home for their growing family.

 

Today, Jay owns and operates Hays Homes LLC, building premier custom homes throughout the Acadiana area. Lynn is an Ultrasound Technician and opened Lafayette’s first prenatal keepsake facility, Sneak Peek Ultrasound, in 2007. Last year, she closed the business to focus more of her attention on interior design and raising their four children.

 

And with four children spanning nearly two decades, there is never a dull moment in the Hays household.

 

Their oldest son, Jay Jr., is 19 years old, followed by daughter Nola, 17, son Sully, 10, and Bash, who is 4. The large age gap between their children is something Lynn often laughs about, but it has become one of the things she loves most about their family.

 

"I'll have two kids in college before Bash even starts preschool," she says. "Jay and I thought we would only have two kids, and then somehow we ended up with four."

 

While the family may not have followed the plan they originally envisioned, Lynn sees those extra years of parenting as a blessing.

 

"We consider it a testament to our love and relationship," she says.

 

The Hays children each have their own interests and talents, which means Lynn and Jay spend much of their time cheering from the sidelines, attending events, and supporting whatever season of life their children happen to be in.

Jay Jr., a sophomore at LSU, excelled in wrestling during high school, winning second in the state his Junior year and achieving over 100 Varsity wins throughout his Wrestling career. He also plays both piano and guitar. He currently operates his own pressure washing business called Precision Wash Co., which started as just a little side hustle right here in the neighborhood and has grown into a fully licensed and insured company. 

Nola, a Senior at STM, competed in tumbling and trampoline for many years, winning local, state, and regional competitions. Throughout her middle school years, Nola was also a cheerleader, played softball and basketball, and ran track. She spent one year as a competitive cheerleader at STM but now chooses to focus on Student Government and Campus Ministry. 

Sully, a 5th-grade student at St. Pius Elementary, is the family's all-around athlete, moving from football to basketball and competitive wrestling. He also recently took a liking to pickleball. Sully even has a ninja course in his bedroom! 

Bash, the youngest, had been tagging along to his siblings' sporting events since he was in the womb, and can’t wait for his turn to show off his sportsmanship. 

 

"We're fully invested in anything and everything our kids are doing," Lynn says. "And they do it all."

 

That commitment to family extends beyond sports and extracurricular activities. At home, some of the family's favorite memories are made around the dinner table. Jay has been cooking since he was a teenager and remains the primary cook in the household today.

 

"Cooking for people is his love language," Lynn says.

 

Whether it's gumbo, crawfish, or whatever the family happens to be craving that week, Jay is usually happy to make it happen. Those shared meals provide a rare opportunity for everyone to slow down, reconnect, and enjoy time together amid busy schedules.

 

Family traditions are equally important. Birthdays always begin with balloons, decorations, and breakfast in bed. Christmas celebrations wouldn't feel complete without gathering with extended family and singing "The Twelve Days of Christmas," a tradition that has become one of the highlights of the holiday season.

 

Of course, life isn't all schedules and responsibilities. The Hays family also loves to travel whenever they get the chance. Recent adventures have included a cruise that took them to Bacalar, Mexico, where they swam in the famous Seven Color Lagoon. They've enjoyed destinations ranging from Tennessee and the Florida Keys to St. Lucia and countless cruises and Disney trips over the years. Yet despite their love of travel, New Orleans still holds a special place in their hearts and remains one of their favorite places to visit.

 

That appreciation for community is one reason Sugar Mill Pond has become such a perfect fit. Interestingly, the neighborhood wasn't part of the original plan. The Hays family initially rented a home in Sugar Mill Pond while building a house elsewhere. Within a month, however, they had completely changed their minds.

 

"We decided to buy a lot and build our first home in Sugar Mill Pond instead," Lynn says.

Since then, they've built a second home in the neighborhood and even convinced Lynn's mother to relocate to SMP. 

 

What they love most is the lifestyle. The walkability, outdoor spaces, neighborhood events, and daily interactions with friends and neighbors have created exactly the kind of community they were looking for.

 

As for relaxation, that's something they'll worry about someday.

 

"Relaxing is not really something that happens much," she says with a laugh. "We're always on the go, and we love it."

 

For now, life is full of sports practices, family dinners, neighborhood bike rides, holiday traditions, and the beautiful chaos that comes with raising four children. And after 26 years together, Lynn and Jay wouldn't have it any other way.