Sometimes the best stories begin with an unexpected invitation. More than 15 years ago, Davin and Jessica Dacus were both asked to tag along on a friend's blind date to make things a little less awkward. The original couple lasted about six months. Davin and Jessica? They're still going strong.

Today, the Dacuses are a family of four, with Declan, 10, and Denni, 4, at the center of their busy life, along with their five pets. The family has called Brookhaven home since April 2022, after being drawn to the neighborhood's mature trees and beautiful yards.

"We had no idea how special of a neighborhood we were getting until after we moved in," Jessica shared. "We love how the neighborhood feels like its own community within the city."

The Dacus children keep the family on the go. Declan loves baseball and has played competitively since he was six. He also enjoys basketball and football and participates in Gifted & Talented and Math Extensions at Cleveland Elementary. Denni has danced at Massay's for two years and recently discovered a love for cheerleading. She is now part of a competitive team at Tribe and is looking forward to her first competition this fall.

Outside of activities, the family loves traveling, going to the lake, watching sports and having weekly movie nights. They are passionate OU fans and season ticket holders for both football and baseball. One of their favorite recent memories was traveling to Omaha to watch OU compete in the Men's College World Series.

"We love sports, going to the lake in the summer, and traveling!" Jessica said.

Giving back is another important part of family life. Each year, Jessica and the kids organize a Christmas philanthropy project and invite their children's friends to participate. Past projects have included collecting items for students at Bridge's and creating backpacks for members of the homeless community. This year, they plan to collect coats and donations for those in need.

"We feel it is important to teach the younger generation the importance of giving back to your community," Jessica said.

The family's community involvement also includes Cleveland PTA, Norman Bible Church and giving back to Cleveland Elementary. Davin contributes through his work as the owner and operator of Friendly Air Quality LLC, a family-owned HVAC company inspired by his own childhood growing up in his dad's heat and air business.

For the Dacuses, life is full of busy schedules, family traditions and opportunities to make memories. But beneath it all is a deep appreciation for the family they've built and the community they've found in Brookhaven.

"I am most grateful that God chose me to be my children's mother and forever thankful for all the ways He has blessed our family," Jessica said.

For a family who loves to travel, cheer from the sidelines, give back and simply enjoy being together, Brookhaven has become more than the place they live. It has become a community where they can continue growing, connecting and making memories together.