Mari and Andrew are both playing for mid-level competitive teams this year. That means a little more practice, more serious games, and an overall higher level of play. So far, so good.
Mari’s First Soccer Game
Happy Birthday, Mari!
Today we celebrated Mari’s 13th birthday! It also happens to be Father’s Day, so this morning we joined the Liesses at church and then Panera. After Panera it was straight to Valley View pool. Mari wanted to spend the day at the pool, and we came close. After the pool it was back to the Reagens’ for Skyline, presents, and cake.
Mari has really changed a lot over the past year, transitioning into a young lady. She loves reading and hanging out with her friends, including Hope, Milana, and Sabina.
Favorite song: FRIENDS by Marshmello & Anne-Marie
Favorite color: Blue
Favorite food: Skyline
Favorite band: None
Favorite book: Harry Potter
Favorite sport: Soccer
Favorite movie: None
Greetings from AZ
Hi my name is Marilyn Liesland (otherwise known as Mari) I am Robs daughter. Here are some lists about our trip.
These are the things I like about Arizona:
- ice cream
- swimming
- donkeys
- sunsets
These are my favorite things about our trip so far:
- swimming
- nice weather
- disneyland
- santa cruz
- san diago
- SURFING!!!!!!!!!
These are the things I look forward to when I am back in Des Moines:
- houses
- pools
- friends
- the Reagens
- Mimi & Papa
P.S. the lists are not in any order : )
Cincinnati Visit
This past weekend we traveled to Cincinnati to help out Holly and attend my cousin Kelly’s wedding on Saturday. It was a fun visit, with plenty to do. We also had the chance to celebrate Mari’s birthday with the Hyland clan.
Happy Birthday, Mari!
Mari turned twelve yesterday! She is definitely looking and acting more “grown up” lately. We were in Cincinnati for her birthday, so we had the opportunity to do some different things. On Friday, the day before her birthday we headed to Sunlite Pool in the afternoon and then the Reds game in the evening. My cousin Kelly was married on Saturday, her actual birthday, so after a day of wedding we had the Hyland clan over to Mar-Mar and Be-Bob’s for dinner, cake, and presents.
Mari continues to be a multi-faceted individual, who enjoys reading, soccer, and playing with friends. This past year she learned how to play the tuba and was one of the top tuba players in her 5th grade band. She is sad to take the year off as we hit the road.
She is still an early riser, usually getting up around 7 or 8, before the others. She enjoys toast and cereal for breakfast. Ham and mustard continue to be staple ingredients for her lunch. I would say that pizza is her favorite food, but we are Skyline for her birthday dinner with the Reagens.
Favorite song: Superhero by Coldplay
Favorite color: Blue
Favorite food: Pizza
Favorite band: Coldplay
Favorite book: Harry Potter
Favorite sport: Soccer
Favorite movie: Ghostbusters (the remake)
Mari’s Band Concert
This evening Mari had her first band concert. It was so fun to see and hear the big band. The gym was packed and they rocked about 10 songs, alternating between the full band and the different sections. Mari has really embraced the tuba this year and it was fun to see her in action!
Lucia Rides a Bike
Mari worked with Lucia off and on all day today helping her to learn how to ride a bike. Susan and I were not so sure she was ready yet, but Mari and Lucia’s patience both paid off! There is still some work to do, but she is off to a good start.
Father/Daughter Dance
This evening Mari and I attended the Father/Daughter dance that is put on by the city of Des Moines. We went to Blaze Pizza before hand with Nate and Hope and then walked across the street to the Science Center. Last year was our first year and this year was even more fun. Lucia was sad because she could not go, but she will get to go next year.
Winter Drama Performances
This week the kids had their drama performances with their homeschool enrichment classes. They all love drama and enjoy being in the plays.
Moving up in the (music) world
This year Andrew and Mari both started playing new instruments – Tuba for Mari and Cello for Andrew. In recent weeks they have both progressed beyond the entry-level classes that they were in. Mari started playing with the full fifth grade orchestra a couple of weeks ago and yesterday in class she was particularly proud of being called out for her skills. She was asked to come to the front of the class to play a solo of Jingle Bells.
Andrew will join the full seventh grade orchestra at Indian Hills Junior High next week. His friend Will is already in this group and Andrew is excited for some more complex work.