August Happenings

It is still REALLY hot here but we are enjoying the rest of our summer. And what's better in the blazing heat than some hot wings:

and a walk by the river:

We had our final family trip to the botanical gardens on the day that our membership expired:

Teddy enjoyed the water part:

and snacks:

Another summer treat: fresh corn on the cob from the farmer's market. Yum Yum!

My aunts drove through town again on their way home and my family went out to dinner with them (I was unfortunately not able to join them). Apparently the world's cheesiest baby was able to go:

And his father gave him chocolate mousse:

LOTS and lots of chocolate mousse:

"I'm glad my mommy isn't here. She'd never let me have so much fun!"

Someone else is having fun... with their summer crops. Check out the popcorn grown here in our very own front yard:

And here is the happy farmer with his net harvest (we are saving it for a special occasion):

Other crops we are currently harvesting at the Hoschek Family Farm include green beans:

and green beans... EXTRA LARGE:

August also means birthday parties around here. We started the month celebrating with two of our favorite 8-year-olds. Here Teddy enjoys the "big swing" at Cameron's birthday party:

But the best part of a party, of course, is the cupcakes:

"Maybe Mommy does let me make messes after all."

I had to snap a photo of Teddy and Shae in their coordinating outfits:

We got to celebrate our other favorite 8-year-old's birthday at her pool party. Here is cousin Maggie with her soccer cake:

Shae got to debut his new bathing suit (did you guess that Teddy picked it out?):

We love a good pool party!

And of course we love chocolate cake!

Teddy got a turn at the pinata:

Here he is "shhhhh'ing" us when we are getting excited:

When it is simply too hot to play outside, Teddy has been hanging out inside with his buddies:

But the highlight of this month was definitely when cousin "Ol-i-ger" came to visit:

(Oh yeah, he brought Aunt Sammie, too). Go Cubs!

This August Teddy's Grandma Judy and Grandpa Bud celebrated their 44th wedding anniversary! Here is Teddy with the cake we made them (would you believe me if I blamed Teddy for the way the cake looks?):

The cute couple:

All of this summer fun is tiring, but we save time to relax too:

Here are a few videos showing Teddy's latest obsession. These days, the first thing he says when he wakes up is "Letters! Letters!" (It used to be Elmo and then it was books).

Lastly, here is Shae trying to solicit a performance from Teddy. Of course, right before taking this video, Teddy was happily singing along. Oh well!

Did you notice the common theme in these two videos? Teddy obviously enjoys watching himself in the videos on our camera!! Gotta love those videos of "Baby Teddy!"