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I have heard talking heads complain about America being “over-therapized”; since we first recognized Rowan’s speech delay and Davin’s delays, we have had seven therapists (in addition to many doctors). Rowan started with a physical therapist and a developmental therapist (this is when they thought he couldn’t talk because he couldn’t walk, when in fact it was his ears that slowed his walking) and now he works with a speech pathologist who specializes in audio verbal therapy. Davin worked with a speech therapist, and occupational therapist, and a resource teacher last year. This summer he is attending a speech camp that is run by speech therapists, he continues to work with his occupational therapist from school, and he attends a social skills class run by a therapist who specializes in helping kids with Aspergers. In addition, I attended classes and workshops run by these therapists as well as worked directly with our therapists to glean information from them about how to help our boy...

I gave Davin and Rowan summer cuts a few weeks ago and it seemed to make them grow-up just a little. There is other evidence of them growing as well. Davin made amazing progress this year at school. We had an end-of-year meeting with his teachers and it was wonderful to take note of all that he had accomplished this year. Tasks that seemed an overwhelming challenge are now easy and he continues to improve every day. Today both Davin and Rowan started swimming lessons and Davin was a champ! He did everything his instructor asked and had a great time. Davin continues to be a sweetheart, mostly cheerful and eager to help around the house. The other day at church he started to talk about going on a mission. He told me that he was too little to go but that he would go when he got bigger. He then asked, “Will you be sad when I go? Will you cry?” I was caught off-guard by his question and got a little teary. I gave him and squeeze told him “Of course I will cry!” and secretly prayed that ti...

I have a lot of friends who are having babies this summer. Not be left out, we decided to get a baby as well… Not sure what the gender is yet, but it seems to sleep through the night just fine.

For over eight years, Chris and I have been the only married couple among my siblings, so we were exciting to welcome a new couple into the family. My brother, Jeremy and his wife, Haley were married on June 12 th and we were excited to be a part of the celebration. The weather looked a little iffy on the morning of the wedding day (it had rained the night before), but when we arrived at the Bountiful Temple, it glistened against the sunny blue backdrop. After the beautiful wedding service, we posed for pictures on the temple grounds and then gathered again at a charming Victorian mansion turned reception center for lunch. The evening reception was held at a ballroom and we had a great time visiting with friends and family. We sent the couple on their way only to see them again a few days later at an open house in Idaho Falls, which is where Haley is from. The open house was lovely and it was a fun experience to get to know Haley’s family and friends better. We are so excited to have ...

I had a fun time taking pictures of Tiffani and Amy in their bridesmaid gear and I couldn’t help but take the opportunity to tell them how much I love them. You are both so amazing and I love you dearly. Thanks for being wonderful sisters and even better friends.

When I’m away from my family, I do just fine. I really love my life in Charlotte and there is family to be made no matter where you go. I think this is more of a tribute to my good parents than saying that I don’t need them. I keep in touch with my family and try to stay as close as I can even though I am thousands of miles away. However, there is nothing like being home and together. We had a lot of togetherness during our last trip and that togetherness is why we keep coming home instead of taking all the exotic trips that we could take. It is fun to see my boys start to be aware and take part in that togetherness. Without a doubt I do wish it was more frequent! More than anything, I want my Grandma Winter to know how much I appreciate her dedication to keeping us together, even when there are so many things that could pull us apart. I love you!

We traveled to Utah for my brother’s wedding this June and while the focus of the trip was to celebrate his nuptials, we had a few fun adventures with the boys along the way. Despite our early flight and long trip, we found the energy to go to the zoo as soon as we arrived in Salt Lake City. The boys loved the zoo, especially the carousel ride and the train. Davin is interested in snakes lately (though fortunately he just likes to talk about them, not own one), so he was brave enough to go to the snake house and was ecstatic when he found a snake log on which to ride on the carousel. The next day was spent at Jere’s wedding (blog and pictures to follow), and the day after we took the boys to their first day at Lagoon, the local amusement park. My dad had several free tickets and it was amazing how not paying made it all the more fun! The weather was drastically cold for June (a high of 65!), so we bundled in sweaters and jackets and braved the cool weather. Davin and Rowan are crazy...