A.W.
Hello,
Welcome to Texas! I don't know if your 2 yr old is or is not ready for daycare; but it could just be a big change for her especially since you just moved here from Cali. Don't let her first day make you second guess yourself. I would give it some time before deciding if daycare is right for your 2 yr old. Also, if there are times during the day your girls see eachother, it could make her a little upset and take a little longer to get used to being in school.
Have you tried taking your concerns to your little one's teacher? If she's aware of the situation she may be able to offer different ways to help your daughter feel more secure. Daycare teachers are usually more than willing to work with parents when they are aware of the situation. At least I was. When I worked at a daycare center and would get in a new child, either I or my assistant would spend a little more 1:1 time with that child and 1 or 2 others. The goal was to help get a few friendships started so the new child would be a little more excited about coming to school. I'd also spend a little extra time with the parents during the first week to let them know how the day was going and who their child seemed to be playing well with. That often led to playdates outside of daycare; which REALLY helped the transition to daycare go a little more smoothly.
What about traditons? Do you and your girls have any time in the evening to just sit and share your events of the day together? I'm not sure how talkative your 2 yr old is; but encouraging her to share her day could help remind her how much fun she had during the day. Just thinking out loud.
If by chance the daycare environment is not the right fit for your family, there are many great alternatives such as a montessori school, an in-home daycare center or a nanny share. I know there are several great providers in the RR area. Many offer some kind of pre-school program; which would benefit your 4 yr old and would allow you to keep the girls together.
I hope my response has been helpful to you. Hang in there. It will get better!
Best of luck,
A. W.