October, already?

Shane is practicing the violin

Loading up and moving out!

Setting up in the new office.

Walk to Defeat ALS, Des Moines, Iowa

I will catch you all up to date as far as what is going on in our lives. Shane started 4th grade this school year, and now is taking violin lessons through Beginning Orchestra at school. Kaylie started 2nd Grade and has a new teacher this year. She is getting used to her, I hear she's not as sweet as her last teacher, and yells more... (per Kaylie)

On September 16th, Jason and I celebrated our 14th Wedding Anniversary. We had a WONDERFUL dinner at Taj Mahal (Indian Cuisine) in Cedar Rapids, and went to a good movie called Extract. A big thanks to Lynneita and Jason for watching the kids for us!

To let our family and friends know, at the end of September, Jason has moved his office to Cedar Rapids in the downtown district. This is a big milestone for him. It's a fresh start in many ways. I am very proud of my husband, he has been so strong through out the years of owning his own company.

On October 10th, our family and our brother-in-law Karl, walked in the Walk To Defeat ALS fundraiser in Des Moines, in honor of our friend Andy Plank. It was a very cold day, and we saw the first snow for the year. But even with the bad weather, the walk still had a lot of attendees. It is a very good cause, let's pray for the cure of ALS to be found!

Camping at Kent Park

Lynneita and Jason came for supper.

Out finding sticks on our hike. Shane and his guest, Zac.

Eating delicious ice cream in Tiffin.

Trying to prove a point that it was too cold to swim, didn't work.

Water Fun '09

We went to the Waterloo Water Park on Saturday, July 11. The day was full of fun and laughter with Diann and Rick, Krisit's family, Rachel, Isaac's family and Judy! Afterward we went back to Wonase's to have pizza and celebrate the birthday twins- Rick and Brentyn. It was a fun day had by all!

The adjustment.

The end of Lucy's trail came on July 2nd. Her health had been failing considerably. The vet was awesome! Dr. Shannon had been Lucy's vet since the first visit when she was a puppy. She explained everything very well, and truly loved Lucy and referred to her as a friend. Afterwards, we buried Lucy at my parent's "Pet Cemetary". My dad had the hole dug and a name plate that he welded that says " We <3 Lucy! " It was incrediable, and so touching.

When we returned back home, Gracelyn asked the big question, "where's Lucy?" I knew that was coming, and has asked several times since. Shane is still sad, but we have all adjusted to ONE less in our home. We love you Lucy, and always will. She was one great dog loved by many!! This is a picture of her eating her last steak bone. We should have given her more of them throughout the years, but after finding bones buried in my plants, in the couch cushions, and then later in her years, the fact that she'd get sick after devouring the whole bone kind of discouraged us from giving in.

Family pictures of all of us together

Where we started...Just the three of us.

Our final family picture of the 6 of us.
Lucy and her kiddos.

Our dear old Lucy

As many of you know, this week we have learned that our family dog, Lucy, is terminally ill with advanced Kidney Disease. She starting showing symptoms of her back legs not working quite right about three weeks ago, and we just chalked it up to old age. She is 12 yeas old now, and we learned from the Vet that the life expectancy of a Golden Retriever is 11-13 years. We have many wonderful memories of her and I am posting a few of those right now. Lucy is still with us today, but failing daily. She doesn't 'look' sick until we see her walk. She has been with us through my pregnancies, resting her head on my belly with each one. And the moment we'd bring each new baby home, she fell in love 10 times over! What a wonderful family member and protective of these kids. She absolutely LOVES them as her own. She will be missed when the time comes, which is very soon.

Splish Splash, Summer Fun!

The kids enjoyed playing with their new water sprinkler! Oh the joys of summer!

Trying New Things

Since Shane does not like any sport, but has shown a little interest in tennis, we signed him up! He has a good arm, now he just need the confidence to use it. That is the whole point of taking the tennis lessons. To build his self esteem and to feel good about himself. This morning he told me that he wasn't taking a shower and wasn't going to go to his tennis lesson. I think he was just nervous. Once we got there, he saw two kids, a girl and boy twins who were in his kindergarten class. Jason was even able to get away from work and meet us there to watch and Shane was all smiles when he saw his Dad! By the end of his first lesson, he showed excitement and couldn't wait to practice at home with his raquet and ball. His next lesson is on Thursday, seven lessons left. Wish him luck!! We are so proud of him for at least trying it out.

First camping trip with our three kiddos!

We kicked off summer vacation by going camping the first weekend of June. We plan to do many more camping trips, now that we bought our tents. It rained some and stormed at night, but otherwise it was a lot of FUN!

Borgwardt Family Pictures May 2009

Memorial Weekend fun!

We visited some old friends at the camp grounds, had fun at the North Liberty Blues & BBQ event, and finished off the weekend with a picnic lunch at the Macbride Raptor center.