I've learned that the best days are worth celebrating in a big way :)

I've learned that the day you were born was one of the most memorable of my life.

I've learned that there can never be enough kisses and hugs...even if its just because you don't want to go to bed :)

I've learned that an "organized" mess is at least better than CHAOS!

I've learned that dancing makes us all happy!

I've learned that you have the VERY best big sister and I hope you will always be close with one another.

I've learned that you are lucky to have the VERY best friends and family who love you and support you in so many ways.

I've learned that I'm heartbroken when you're sick or hurting.

I've learned that you will always be very best friends.

I've learned that you both have the SWEETEST smiles!
I've learned that some are just born to be Yankee fans...no matter how forced it is :)

I've learned that the things that as much as you are different, you are the same :)

I've learned that TWO will ALWAYS be better than one.

Mommy and Daddy are so proud of you both. Lots of hugs and kisses on your 2nd birthday! What an accomplishment for us all :) Happy Birthday TJ & Ella! Love, Mommy, Daddy and Cesca

Giddy-up!

Today, we ventured to Rochester for the twins 2nd year portraits. The photographer was very patient. The results were amazing. We all had a great time! This was a first :) Adding to the list of firsts was a request to sign a "modeling release" form for the studio to use the portraits (particular of Ella - who ironically cried the first 5-10 minutes) in advertising, studio displays or future campaigns. Joel, our photographer, told me Ella was easily in the top 5 most photogenic children in his career (who knows - maybe it was his first day!). All joking aside, she does photograph well, and she made her mama proud! While I can't share the images here, they'll be on display at our house :) After the session, we all rode the carousel and then enjoyed some ice cream (You can catch a glimpse of Ella on the horse in front of Cesca.). What a great ending to our weekend!

Tutu Cute!

Our first day of dance class has finally arrived! We were dressed, bag packed and ready to go by 7:30am (class begins at 9!). Upon arriving, the studio was filled with a lot of little girls and parents waiting for their session to begin. Mommy hung out with Melanie (Sydney's mommy) while the girls were in class. Francesca came walking back down the hall with a HUGE smile on her face and told me she had fun. She has shown us a butterfly (with her legs), how to stand tall like a flower and how to walk along the line (like she did with her teacher). Most importantly, she can't wait to go back - next week!

lions...and tigers...and bears...OH MY!

One of our favorite summer trips was our day at the zoo. We couldn't have asked for better weather or better kids. Inherently, when trying to get an animal and child in the same picture, it is difficult to get the kids to look at mommy instead of the animal, so there are a lot of pics of the back of their heads but they really show just how much they enjoyed our trip :) We hope to get back this fall...but in the meantime, we'll be planning the twins 2nd birthday with the zoo in mind ;)

Transitions

As always, I'm going to try to catch up on the blog...hopefully, over the long weekend. As I started to sort through pictures, I noticed this one and couldn't help but post it. We recently have transitioned Antonella from her crib to a toddler bed (basically) by removing the front of her crib. She is exploring her new found freedom at night. We often hear her out and about in her room or find her in strange places sleeping - on a bean bag, behind her crib, next to the A/C vent, behind the door etc. Every once in a while, she wakes up in the middle of the night, and we let her sleep somewhere else - in Francesca's room, our bed, etc. I took this picture after watching her one morning sleep in this position for an hour...it doesn't seem to be bothering her a bit. She's so versatile!

These boots were made for walking.

So, outside of the morning hair (and maybe even it adds to it), I thought these pictures were too cute. I LOVE these girls.

Summer Lovin'!

We are fortunate enough to be enjoying the summer of all summers! We have been blessed with GREAT weather and lots of memories - birthdays, picnics and all around good play time. While I usually always have my camera, it sometimes either doesn't make it out of my purse or else I am walking around with a drained battery. However, I always relish in a quick snap or two to capture my favorite moments. Enjoy!