The Lieslands

simply livin' it up

Taking Mari to College

Over the past few days we moved Mari into college. She moved in Wednesday, we said goodbye on Thursday, then we stayed in Cincinnati for a couple of days sans kids.

Setting up.
Mari and her roommate.
All set.
Susan and Mari
Opening Mass, with Fr. Eric (my friend and college housemate)
Pre-goodbye
Susan and I went kayaking
Susan wanted her picture take with Mr. Redlegs. She is a big Reds fan.
After dinner at Dewey’s we went to Jim and Jack’s for some country music.

State Fair

We attended the Iowa State Fair this year on the first day because Rose was performing with her tumbling troup. That was fun and it was another fun day at the fair.

Corndogs!
Little Hands on the Farm
They like to climb on the concrete animals.
Rose on a Rhino
We went to Snakes Alive! this year for the first time.
Andrew joined us for the evening.
Cotton Candy is a must.
Andrew ate some Iowa sushi.
Lucia and Rose had their picture taken with some county fair queens.

Elliot Senior Pictures

Elliot and Cam had their senior pictures together. Susan and Elliot had to scramble to find just the right outfits and I think it all worked out.

Mar-Mar and BeBob 50th Wedding Anniversary

We just got back from a quick trip to Cincinnati for Mar-Mar and BeBob’s 50th wedding anniversary! We hosted a party at Holly’s house and invited extended family and my parents’ friends from throughout the years. It was a fun day and great to see so many people.

The Hyland Clan
Some cousins
Susan and Rob
Mar-Mar and BeBob

Gary and Kathie Move

Gary and Kathie moved over the weekend and the entire family was on hand to help during various phases of the move. Their new place is closer to our house and just a couple of miles down the bike trail.

Hope Mountain VBS

Lucia and Rose attended Hope Mountain VBS last week. Susan served as a shepherd for Lucia’s class. Elliot and Cameron volunteered during a different session, working in the gym with the younger kids.

Old Liess Family Pics

Susan’s parents are moving and over the past few weeks we’ve been sorting through some of their belongings. Susan found some of these old family pictures and took some pics of them.

Donley Visit

The Donleys visited last weekend. We had a fun time hanging out and attending Clive Festival.

Snookies

Nothing caps off a sweltering summer day like a visit to Snookies. Ian and Hope work there, too, though only Ian was working this evening.

Google decides the placement for these, and I usually just roll with it.

Farm Sunset

We were at a friend’s farm this evening for their annual Independence Day party. It was a weird weather evening, but the shape of the storms made for a beautiful sunset.

4th of July Fun

Parking garage sparklers as we wait for Yankee Doodle Pops.
Hope and Elliot
Pool time on the 4th.
Sparkler time as we wait for the Reagen fireworks in our neighborhood.

Sun Valley Lake 2024

This weekend we made our annual trip to a lake with the Liess clan. A good time was had by all.

Hope and Mari
Lake Lounging
Des Moines Cousins
Susan and Rob
Lucia and Rose
Kathie and Gary
Liess Clan
Kathie, Gary, and the grandkids
Kathie, Gary, Susan, Erin, and Mary
Kathie being silly.
The Lieslands
Lucia and Rose
Rose and Lucia
Kathie in the hammock chair
Susan and Mary
The ladies