GUESS WHO WENT TO DISNEYLAND!!!

For those of you who may know me really well, you know that Disneyland is one of the places that I have been avoiding; much like the plague. There are so many other things in life that I enjoy doing-hiking, camping, playing on the beach, visiting with family and friends, organizing and cleaning closets, etc. I just couldn't ever imagine myself purposely going to Disneyland. The lines, the people, the inflated prices, the noise, the princesses, etc. YUCK!

You can only imagine my dismay and shock last fall when the honor choir director mentioned that the choir would be performing in Disneyland. WHAT??? I HAD to go to the "happiest place on earth".

Long story short, I agreed to put aside my feelings for Disneyland to accompany Amanda and Daniel on their choir trip. We would stay with Doug's Uncle Frank, which was a bonus. We decided that we might as well make it a 5-day ticket because it would probably be our only trip to Disneyland-ever!!!

For the past 5 months, I have been avoiding thinking about the whole trip. I would deal with it when the time came. I knew that I was going to support the kids and that we would be there as a family. Doug was so excited about the trip, and his enthusiasm was starting to rub off. Unfortunately, the week before we were suppose to go, his assistant took a "stress leave", so he couldn't go. He had to stay home to do his job and her job (payroll).

The "happiest place on earth" wasn't looking too happy at this point. Five days in the forbidden place with three kids with different needs and interests-by myself.

Fortunately for all of us, Martha Patten agreed to come with us on our trip. She was awesome. She stepped in as a parent/grandparent and was an enormous help and lots of fun, even when Stephanie threw up everywhere. (Thanks, Martha)

The first day or two were a bit rough. Stephanie spiked a high fever and threw up. She continued to be sick for a few days. I was overwhelmed by the stimulus as soon as we entered the gates. Too many choices, noises, people, lines!

The last part of the trip actually went well. I figured the parks out and realized that Disneyland is not a thrill park. No major rides for me to run to and ride over and over. It is all about the fantasy. Stephanie started feeling better and enjoyed meeting the characters. The kids met up with friends from school and went off discovering things together. Martha and I got great exercise as we walked and talked each day. On Friday, we clocked in at over 37,000 steps (ten miles).

In the end, I did enjoy my trip to Disneyland. The kids had a great time with their friends and each other. They did a fabulous job on their choir performance. Stephanie got better and enjoyed the stroller. If you ask her what her favorite ride was at Disneyland, she will say that it was the stroller ride. I learned that I can enjoy the unknown and relax and enjoy the chaos. Martha got to play the washboard in a band.

Yes-it was a good trip full of happy memories and some great pictures. Did I upgrade my tickets to an annual pass? NO-but I may return someday to experience Disneyland with Doug and our grandchildren.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY STEPHANIE RENEE DAVIS!!!

On Sunday, March 16th, our sweet Stephanie turned 5 years old. What a magical age! For her, there are two reasons that being 5 is so wonderful.

Number 1-She can finally chew gum. Thanks to Big Abby who sent her a large box full of every kind of gum available, she will be able to chew gum every day for the rest of her childhood. By the way, she LOVES chewing gum!!!!!!

Number 2-She can now go on dates with Mom and Dad! Each month, Mom or Dad take each child on a date, and tonight was Stephanie's first date with Mom. They went to McDonalds and then Cold Stone for ice cream. Stephanie was in heaven!

It is hard to believe that our little one is already five years old. Where has the time gone? As we look through pictures of the past five years, it is fun to see Stephanie as she grows and changes each year. She has been a blessing and a joy in our family. She has a wonderful spirit. She is gentle, kind, and compassionate. She can lighten a room with her smile. We are so happy to celebrate her at this time!

Happy Birthday, Stephanie! We love you!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DANIEL ANTHONY DAVIS!!!

It is hard to believe that Daniel is turning 10 tomorrow. It seems like just a short time ago that I held him in my arms as a newborn baby. Where has the time gone? I wanted to share a few pictures to celebrate him on his special day and to tell Daniel that I love him so much and I am proud of the young man that he is becoming. Thanks for the memories, Buddy!



Daniel is amazing on the piano. He has a great ear, and he loves to play the piano. In the above picture, he is playing Christmas songs at the Oakland Temple Visitors' Center. I am always amazed (and proud) when I hear him play for others. He has been blessed with a wonderful musical gift, and I am grateful that he shares his talent with others.



A few weeks ago in Primary, Daniel recited all 13 Articles of Faith in order to receive a special "13" cookie. It was made from a whole batch of cookie dough. Daniel was given the challenge in Primary, and a week later he received the award. The Articles of Faith have been written into songs, so he learned to play them on the piano and memorized the words at the same time. I love that Daniel has a sharp mind and a strong testimony of Christ. I was excited and proud of him for reaching this goal in such a short amount of time.



Super Scout Daniel! Daniel is a very decorated scout. He will now move from the Bear den to the Webelos den. As a Bear scout, Daniel earned his Bear badge, 11 arrow points, Leave No Trace award, 20 belt loops, 8 pins, and the Religious Knot badge. In the above picture, Daniel is receiving his Religious Knot from Vic Rowley. We are excited about starting the Webelos program.



Daniel and Doug Patten pose for the camera after creating this masterpiece scouting hat cake for the Blue and Gold banquet last week. It was confetti cake with a pudding center. It took the boys about 4 hours to create this work of art, but it was worth it. It was entertaining to watch and yummy to eat. We are grateful to Doug Patten for stepping in and helping Daniel with his father/son cake. Our Doug was away on a business trip in Idaho. Way to go, guys!!!



If you look closely, you will see that Daniel is making a fully loaded pizza. He loves food! Although he may look small, don't be fooled! He has a large appetite. We no longer have left-overs in our home. Daniel sees to that. His favorite foods include chili, salmon, tacos, pizza, and pot roast.