Fall Fun!

We've been enjoying our early Fall weekends while the weather is still nice. Now that the kids are a little older, we are able to do a little more with them and it's quite a bit easier to get things all packed up and everyone ready to go for an outing. Last weekend was beautiful, so we made an early morning visit to the zoo. The highlights were the big tractor, watching Raleigh the Ape eat breakfast and the "moo cow" umm, tinkling right in front of us. Max and Tessa are still talking about that last one.

Yesterday was just gorgeous and I'm so glad we decided to take a last minute trip to Hobart, IN to visit the County Line Orchard for some apple picking, tractor rides and a visit to their animal farm. It was our first time there and we will definitely go back. We had a blast. Max loved shouting every animal's name he saw, they both fed a cow and they were obsessed with pumpkins. I think a visit to a pumpkin patch is definitely in order in a few weeks! Right now, were working on teaching M&T about Halloween and asking them what costume they want. We've heard cow, lamb, butterfly and moo cow even though I'm not really sure they get the concept of halloween costumes yet.

Hope you are all enjoying the beginning of Fall!

Using our Imaginations!

Max and Tessa have some new DIY toys for pretend play and they love them! There cooking up lots of special dishes (couscous is a popular one) and building lots of things (mostly houses). I love watching them use their imaginations and they are starting to play more with each other instead of just next to each other. It cracks me up every time one of them calls for the other to run, wrestle or jump on the bed (even though jumping is a no no!). Fun times at the Cranley house!

Two Year Stats!

Happy Birthday Tessie Lou & Max Man

Today is Max and Tessa's 2nd birthday and we cannot believe how fast their second year has flown by. We celebrated yesterday with a small family party at Duke's parent's house. It was a beautiful day and Max and Tessa had a blast! We are having so much fun with them at this stage. They crack us up every day. Max loves all cars, trucks, buses, motorcycles and tractors. Tessa loves animals, coloring, all books and stickers. They are talking up a storm and I could listen to them chat all day long. Max loves to talk about "stinky garbage trucks" and the "fire coming" when he hears a fire engine come down the street. Tessa loves saying "holy mokes" and counting "1, 2, 4!" and naming pretty much everything she sees. She'll also tattle on Max when he's doing something he's not supposed to be doing by running to me and yelling, "Max double trouble!" I can't begin to describe the amount of joy they bring to our lives and we look forward to each and every day with them. We have their two year doctor's appointment this week, so we'll have some new stats soon!

And, a big thanks to my parents and Duke's parents for all of their help with the Party. Mary and Don, the house looked great and the cake and cupcakes were delicious. Mom and Dad, thanks for driving in and helping with the set-up, food and taking on the tent DIY project. You guys are the best!

Happy Bday Honey

Tuesday was Duke's bday and I'm a little late in posting about it here, but I wanted to tell my honey happy bday again! Happy birthday to my best friend. Each and every day you make me laugh, shower our kids with love and attention, work hard at growing our business and tolerate my love of reality TV even though you can't stand those trashy shows;) We are pretty lucky to have you. Love you tons!

No More Phone Pics!

Months ago when Duke went to New York, our camera was either lost or stolen and we just never replaced it. Well, the need to have one for our business finally prompted us to get one and I know my mom is really happy about getting clear pictures that are not from our phones! So, here you go mom... photos from a real camera!

Back to Posting

It hasn't really been since Easter that I've posted, has it?? I can't think of a better reason to get back to posting than to congratulate one of my best friends on her pregnancy. It's not exactly new news (her due date is August 27th!), but we are so thrilled for our friends Kathryn and Wes! We can not wait to meet Baby Powell! Here is a picture from a few weeks ago at a shower for Baby Powell.