the Cake

Many of you have asked who made the fabulous monkey cake for the twins' birthday party. You can check out her blog here She really does a fabulous job and will work around any crazy idea you have. And believe it or not, the fondant actually tastes good, too. Check her out.

A beautiful day

We had a great week while Greg's mom stayed for a few days after the big party. As usual, I neglected my photog duties, but my mom joined us for a day at Huntington Gardens. I had 2 free hands (when was the last time that happened?), and it was the most beautiful day, so I did get some pictures taken. I do have to say, though, that the ONE THING I wanted at their birthday party was a picture with the twins and all 4 of their grandparents. I didn't get it. I guess the Packers will just have to keep coming back until I can get it right. I think these pictures pretty much speak for themselves...

PAAAAARRRRTYYYYY!!!

11:30am: All is still at the Secor house, awaiting the arrival of 2 little monkeys... 12pm: The said little monkeys arrive (fashionably late) ready to P A R T Y!!!

Ethan thinks these presents look like fun.

But then they all of a sudden got really scary.

Starting to get the hang of it...

Miles of frills, but she wants the ball. Go figure.

Uncle Jimmy says it's never too early to start.

"What's going on here, folks?"

"I think I can like this"

Needing a little help- who's child is this?

Washing it down.

Ready for a really great story? Yes, the morning of the twins' very first birthday party, Ethan and Greg got in a fight. Greg didn't really know it was a fight when he was unassumingly playing with Kate and Ethan's finger comes out of nowhere into Greg's eyeball. A fairly long story short, he scratched the cornea (as told by the ER doctor) and Greg's been in pain and unable to see out of his left eye since. The doctor says he should be able to see within 5 or so days. He was pretty miserable throughout the party and finally decided to tape his own eye shut for a little bit of comfort.

First Day at the Races

My dad thought one year old was a good time to take the twins to the track for the first time. He was in heaven. They had a pretty good time, too.

Jimmy and Kira

Jay, the bugler came to play some birthday songs to the twins and they were definitely entertained.

12 months- 12 things

1. They are getting more adventurous with their walking. They will take off towards something they want and unfortunately don't usually make it all the way. We've had a lot of face-plants. 2. Greg is having a harder time with the transfer to sippy cups than the twins are. 3. They think they're ready for just one nap a day, which would be nice if they would be happy without the second nap. 4. They still fall asleep in the car and stroller. 5. Their carseats are now facing forward and the jury is still out whether they like it better or not (they really liked facing backwards) 6. Ethan has 5 teeth; Kate 4. 7. We went swimming yesterday and they LOVED it. 8. They can get themselves off the couch- and are so proud. 9. They have never had a french fry. 10. They each have a very distinct smile for when they are proud of themselves. It's my favorite. 11. Kate likes to play with my hair (and she's actually very soft and it feels really good) 12. They had banana chocolate chip (one chip each) pancakes this morning for breakfast, and were in heaven.

ONE YEAR OLD!!!

It is hard to believe that just one year ago, these sweet little babies entered our lives. It was quite the road less traveled to get them here, but we have loved every second they have been a part of our family. I feel like first birthdays are really for the parents. So, I'm taking my moment. here's the past year in a very brief review.

One Day Old

Kate- 4lbs 8oz

Ethan- 4lbs 12 oz

One Week

One Month

Two Months

Three Months

Four months

Five Months

Six months

Seven months

Eight months

Nine Months

Ten months

Eleven months

... and finally these little monkeys are 1!!