I don't even know where to start with this post. We had such an amazing weekend. The bat mitzvah was amazing, the girls were amazing, the guests were amazing. I am so tired that I am going to let other people write this post. Here are some of the amazing emails and texts we received from friends. There are so many more but here are a few.

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Your entire family did so well last night!  The girls are so poised and read beautifully, your speeches were lovely and the party was a blast. (Dinner was DELICIOUS. Who was the caterer?)   It was a true honor to celebrate with you! – Becky

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I wanted to let you know what a wonderful time we all had last night celebrating Maddie and Alexa with You and Dan.
There were so many heartwarming moments, it was really great. Maddie and Alexa are amazing young ladies. The party was super fun for all. – Jen Cook

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Hello!  Just a quick note to thank you again for including us last night. It was so beautiful from beginning to end and we were thrilled to celebrate with you. – Debbie Bocian

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What a success tonight was!  Everything about Alexa and Maddie’s bat mitzvah was so melodically orchestrated — from the sweet young voices of the girls singing in Hebrew to the high-energy dance party. Maddie and Alexa’s speeches were so thoughtful and brave.  They really illuminated a lot about them, as well as the time we live in. Enrico said that the night was filled with joy — and I would add — love.  Your daughters’ admiration for you, your devotion to them, and the affection between you two seemed lifted up by the love of the family and friends that surrounded you.

I loved hearing you both talk about your children and your family life.  Gayle’s speeches were so colorful, sensitive, and warm; Dan’s were funny, heady, and beaming.  It was particularly poignant when Dan thanked Maddie and Alexa for wanting to do a bat mitzvah because he felt more fiercely protective and proud of his religion and culture than ever before. You have some awesome traditions — the hora, the bat mitzvah speech, and the entire concept of celebrating one’s entrance into adulthood.  Gayle, that slideshow is something the girls will cherish forever — as well as all the sweet and loving things you said about them.  We were so honored to be a part of this milestone, and so proud and happy for you. Please accept our blessings for your beautiful family — and many many more years of happiness to come. Amy & Enrico

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We just couldn't bring ourselves to say goodbye when the party was still in full swing. We snuck out to catch the tail end of my Fellowship event.  We were honored and thrilled to be able to participate in such a special night for your daughters, but, most of all, we were excited to see what a beautiful family you and Dan have raised.

Thank you again for including us. We were so happy to do so. Give our best and thanks to Dan, to what is obviously the most popular twins around, and of course to Nate.

Congratulations and God Bless,
Bill and Cindy

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What an AMAZING night!  You must be so proud of your girls – they are dynamos, care about their world, AND are so sweet.  They did a beautiful job last night – as did you!  Yes, we shed a few tears 😉