GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — Living to be 100 is quite the accomplishment, but it’s double the excitement for one Grand Rapids man and his twin sister. On Sept. 4 they’re reaching the milestone, century birthday together.

A lot has happened over the last 100 years. For Ira Spieker and Ida Spieker Melhmann, who lives in Iowa, those history lessons are their memories.

Ida and Ira spent their childhood on a farm in Iowa and now their century of experiences are chronicled in a book of short stories Ira wrote – “From Iowa Soil through Atomic Bomb Debris to the Furniture City.“

Friday, 24 Hour News 8 had a chance to sit down with Ira and Skype Ida to talk about their lives.

One of their fondest memories together growing up is learning to sew.

“When Ida and I came home from school we learned how to do embroidering. Between my sister and I we got enough blocks that my mother made a quilt,” Ira told 24 Hour News 8, as he proudly showed some of their creations still in his bedroom.

As they continue living a long, fulfilling life, we had to ask – what’s their secret?

“Oh, I just don’t drink or chew,” Ida told 24 Hour News 8 as she laughed.

“I don’t smoke tobacco and I didn’t drink bootleg whiskey… and I didn’t chase wild women. I let them chase me,” Ira added.

Ira and his family will travel to Iowa in week for a big celebration for the twins. They’re expected over 80 people to help them begin their 100th year.

“We’re glad to see each other and we’ll have a good birthday and won’t worry about what’s going to happen the next day, ok?” Ira asked Ida.

“Ok. I hope it’s a good day. I hope you make it down here fine. I’m looking forward to it,” Ida told Ira.

Copies of Ira’s book will be for sale after Labor Day on eBay for anyone interested in learning more about Ida and Ira.