The Lieslands

simply livin' it up

Beaverdale Fall Festival Parade

This morning we marched in the Beaverdale Fall Festival Parade. Our friend Brad Anderson is running for Secretary of State and his wife Lisa organized a parade contingent for him. We were near the end of the parade so we spent the first hour spectating and collecting candy and then jumped in when our group came by. Susan played Robin Hood and redistributed all of the candy our kids had collected to others along the route.

Wills Family Orchard

Today we visited the Wills Family Orchard in Adel to pick some apples and make our way through the corn maze. We learned a little about organic apple growing and the kids had a great time picking the apples.

The Kids Under an Apple Tree
The Kids Under an Apple Tree
Lucia Enjoying an Apple
Lucia Enjoying an Apple

 

New House Color

After talking about it for years, we finally got our house repainted this summer. We love the new look!

Our House Shortly After We Bought It (2009)
Before. Our House Shortly After We Bought It (2009)
I need a better shot, but this will have to do for now.
After. I need a better shot, but this will have to do for now.

 

First Day of School

Today was the first day of school for the kids! Elliot is starting first grade, Mari second, and Andrew fourth. This is their third year using the Christopherus curriculum, which we love. They start a little later than everyone else and were excited to get into another school year.

2013 First Day of School
2013 First Day of School

Lucia’s Driving!

Looking to take advantage of the nice Labor Day weather, Lucia decided to go for a cruise around the Rudicils’ back yard.

Lucia Driving
Lucia Driving

Lucia’s Baptism

Today we celebrated Lucia’s baptism. Mary and Casey, her Godparents, were in town from Kansas City. Mar-Mar and BeBob were also in from Cincinnati. Lucia cooperated very well and took the entire event very seriously, as she usually does.

Lucia's Entourage
Lucia’s Entourage
She did not get to try the cake, which was very good.
She did not get to try the cake, which was very good.

 

Meals from the Heartland

Today we worked our annual shift at Meals from the Heartland. Nate organized a big group of us to work two tables.

Our Crew
Our Crew

Mar-Mar and BeBob Visit

Mar-Mar and BeBob are in town for the weekend to help us celebrate Lucia’s baptism. It is super-hot, so we have a pretty laid-back schedule.

BeBob Reading to Mari and Elliot
BeBob Reading to Mari and Elliot
Mar-Mar Enjoying Some Light Retirement Reading
Mar-Mar Enjoying Some Light Retirement Reading

 

Lucia on the Move

Lucia has been moving now for a few weeks. She usually moves while she is sitting up, sort of scooting around town. Lately she has also been making more progress toward crawling. She is into anything she can get her hands on, and it often ends up in her mouth.

Ledges State Park

Today we hit Ledges State Park, which is always a good time. We ran into an interesting family from Ankeny that came to the park to do some drawing. Their three kids were getting ready to head back to college and they wanted to all do something together before they left.

Climbing
Climbing

State Fair – with Holly, Alex, and Henry

Holly, Alex, and Henry came to visit us this past week. One thing we did while they were here was introduce them to the butter cow at the Iowa State Fair. Andrew, Mari, and Elliot had to have their cotton candy and this year they got to try out the giant slide.

Andrew, Elliot, and Mari, with their Cotton Candy
Andrew, Elliot, and Mari, with their Cotton Candy
Mari & Henry
Mari & Henry

Bonus Video:

Mari’s First Slumber Party

Mari had her first slumber party this weekend. Adrienne, from Mari’s soccer team, invited the whole team to celebrate her 8th birthday. Mari had a blast and was not ready to come home on Sunday!

Hula Hooping at Adrienne's, Photo Credit: capncavedan
Hula Hooping at Adrienne’s, Photo Credit: capncavedan