Happy FIRST Birthday!

Abby and Jimmy turned ONE on August 24, 2011.  It was a fun day spent enjoying the time together as a family and spending time with Grandma (from Michigan).  We decorated the house the night before so when they got up, they could enjoy some floating balloons and a party banner above their playroom.  Then we went out to the Houston Aquairum as a fun birthday surprise.  After checking out all the fish and marine life, and a random tiger, we had lunch and headed back home for a little party with cake and presents with Grandma (from Michigan) and Grandma and Grandpa (from Texas).
Saturday we had their official birthday party with Grandma (from Michigan), Grandma and Grandpa (from Texas), Uncle Jim, Aunt Michelle, and cousins Amber, Avery and Allie.  The babies seemed to enjoy the dinner and were a little more hesitant with the cake smashing, but eventually figured it out!  Then opening the presents were a big hit - why? ... because of all the cool paper and bows!  The presents were enjoyed too - once out of the box.

This first year has been amazing. It has been full of excitement, love and happiness.  It has been full of struggles and tears.  We have learned a lot; all of us.  We made it through the most difficult year as parents of twins (or so I am told).  And though it was hard at times, and we had no idea what we were doing most of the time, we are leaving the first year behind us feeling proud of the parents we have become.   Our hearts (and hands!) have never been so full and the love we have for Abby and Jimmy is overwhelming!
We are now turning the corner to begin year two, where we start learning about what is like being the parents of two mobile, active toddlers.  Here we go!