the exit interview

iso400 35mm f2.8 1/160

It was the last day of my mission in the Argentina Rosario Mission.  I sat across the desk from my mission president, Jorge Ventura.  He asked me a question in spanish- "do you know how to find a husband?"  I wasn't sure what he meant or how to respond.  He filled the silence with profound wisdom that I will always be grateful for-

"Hermana Miller, tiene que casarse con alguien que no tiene miedo de trabajar y no tiene miedo de sacrificarse."
Translated: "Sister Miller...marry someone who isn't afraid to work and isn't afraid to sacrifice."

If you know Danny at all, you know that I followed that advice very carefully.  I am so grateful that my girls have him to learn from.  They see him work long days and come home with a smile on his face.  They see him frequently offer to help neighbors and friends.  They see him care of rental property that we have worked hard to obtain.  They have been given the privilege to work there.  They like the money they can earn...but what is even more valuable is the lessons of work and sacrifice they are learning by being at his side.

I will always be grateful for my mission, but especially that wisdom I received on my last day in Argentina.

honey butter popcorn

When you come home with 11 missing assignments just 2 weeks into the term...at least you have honey butter popcorn to snack on while you sit at the counter for HOOOOUUUURS.

VW Transporter

Danny was able to resurrect his 1970 VW Transporter (a.k.a. VW bus truck) this summer.

Danny and Grandpa Davis used to drive through the orchard and fill this same truck up with peaches to the brim and take them to the farmers market.  He always wanted to have a truck like this as his own some day and then when he turned 16 Gramp and Gram surprised him with it.  He did a few things to fit it up back then and started driving it but not too many weeks after the transmission went out and he decided to park it for a bit.  About 10 years ago Gram fixed the transmission and had it painted and did some interior repairs.  About 2 years ago Papa had some engine work done to it by Gordon Gunn.  This whole time it sat next to the rock shop house under a Costco car tent and then after Gram passed away it started to live in her garage.  Papa was finally convinced to let it come back to it's 16 year old owner after 25 years of either sitting or being worked on. "Every time I drive it it brings back the great memories of growing up on the farm with Gramp and Gram." Danny

SOUTH CAROLINA- day one

It was Lauretta's 50th birthday.  A group of us decided to go to South Carolina together to celebrate!  Lauretta, Alicia, Michelle, Misty, Lindsay, Kristen, Heather and me.  In the cold of each winter, although I had never been there- I have always imagined South Carolina to be the perfect spot for me.     I was right :)

and now she is ten...

 Everything is more fun with a friend by your side...

especially when your mom insists on taking birthday pictures every year.

We were a few weeks late of your actual birthday...or a few months.

But sunshine, the beautiful mountains, daisy chains and a dear friend made it worth the wait.

camping

Our annual DAVIS FAMILY CAMPOUT was held at Payson Lakes this year.

It is ALWAYS the highlight of Ellie, Kate and Sophie's summer.

Experienced but not necessarily pictured:

family + friends who act like family

floating on tubes

bike riding

tent sleeping

campfire s'mores

walking stick carving

dutch oven cooking

dirty feet + fingernails

spectacular star gazing

mudpie making

afternoon naps
dog walking

delicious food

waking to the sound of cows mooing

tie died t-shirts

sunburns

braided hair

making new friends

exploring

a million memories

 We can't wait for next year!!!