Inside the Adorable Life of Neil Patrick Harris and David Burtka With their Twins

Neil Patrick Harris and his spouse David Burtka have built a strong and loving family unit together. Their familial bond was strengthened after the arrival of their adorable twins, Harper and Gideon. Initially, the couple had no intention of pursuing a romantic relationship when they first met in 2004. In fact, Harris revealed in a 2012 interview with Out magazine that he wasn't in the market for a serious commitment at the time.

Burtka reminisced about his mid-20s when he believed that he would spend the rest of his life alone, while he was in a difficult long-distance relationship. He explained that he was already in a relationship when he met Neil and was struggling with the challenges of maintaining a long-distance relationship between New York and L.A.

They started spending time together as friends, but the professional chef soon found himself drawn to the actor's charm. "We hung out with other people and had a few lunches, but there was nothing romantic at first. However, I couldn't help but be enchanted by his stunning blue eyes," Burtka revealed.

In the same year, he ended his previous relationship and had his first date with Harris, where they watched the movie Taking Lives in 2004. After three years, Burtka proposed to Harris, and in 2008, Harris returned the favor by popping the question. Their relationship took a significant leap when they became parents to fraternal twins, Harper and Gideon, through surrogacy in October 2010. They announced their engagement publicly in 2011, five years after Burtka's initial proposal. The couple finally got married in 2014 in Perugia, Italy, after starring in multiple shows and movies together.

"We prioritize open communication in our relationship," Harris shared with We in April 2019. He emphasized the importance of addressing issues as they arise rather than letting them fester beneath a surface of pretense. "Keeping things pent up" only leads to further complications, he noted.

The couple takes great joy in being parents to their children and have made the decision to raise them in New York City. Burtka expressed in an interview with Us in October 2019 that they couldn't fathom having their family reside on the West Coast. Living in Harlem has provided their children with exposure to a wide range of experiences and opportunities from a young age. Burtka believes that this exposure has contributed to their growth and development in a positive way, stating that living in a house in the Valley or Beverly Hills may not offer the same level of exposure and experience. The couple feels incredibly grateful to call New York their home.

Scroll down to see photos of Harris and Burtka’s family over the years:

Credit: Abel Fermin/Shutterstock

Neil Patrick Harris and David Burtka's Family Album With Twins Harper and Gideon

Neil Patrick Harris and David Burtka's love story blossomed into a big, happy family with the arrival of their twins, Harper and Gideon. Despite not having any expectations of starting a romance when they met in 2004, Harris revealed in a 2012 interview with Out magazine that his love for Burtka grew stronger after the birth of their children.

"In my mid-20s, I once lay in bed contemplating a future without a partner," shared the How I Met Your Mother star. This was during a difficult phase in his long-distance relationship with someone else. Burtka shared, "I was struggling with a rocky long-distance relationship while also attempting to keep up with the New York to L.A. dynamic. Long-distance relationships are extremely challenging."

They started spending time together as friends, but the chef couldn't help but feel drawn to the actor. "We hung out with other people and had a few lunches, but there was nothing romantic. However, I couldn't help but find him adorable, especially with those mesmerizing blue eyes," Burtka shared.

After splitting from his ex in Michigan, Harris went on a first date with Burtka to watch Taking Lives in 2004. Three years later, Burtka proposed to Harris, and in 2008, the Gone Girl star returned the favor. The couple welcomed their fraternal twins, Harper and Gideon, via surrogate in October 2010, and went public with their engagement a year later, five years after Burtka's initial proposal. They eventually tied the knot in Perugia, Italy, in 2014.

Harris revealed in April 2019 that communication has been the key to their flourishing relationship. According to him, bottling up feelings and putting on a false front only exacerbates issues, which is why they make it a point to discuss any problems they encounter with each other.

The couple cherishes their role as parents to their children and are currently raising them in New York City. Burtka shared in an interview with Us in October 2019 that they couldn't envision having a family on the West Coast. Living in Harlem provides their children with a multitude of experiences and exposure to diverse environments from a young age. Burtka believes that their children's growth and development are enhanced by the abundance of opportunities and experiences available to them in New York City. He considers their family fortunate to be living in such a dynamic and enriching city.

Scroll down to see photos of Harris and Burtka's family over the years: