Basketball begins

Well, we have been taking a break and enjoying some time at home until this week. Basketball has started and this year, we have two games to go to each Saturday. Nick is playing and so is Rylan. Shawn is coaching Nick's team and he is very excited. (Nick, not Shawn :) ) Rylan is going to have a different coach this year. Shawn has always been his coach in the past, so we hope that everything goes OK.

Halloween Fun

The boys had a good Halloween, I think. They had their parties at school and got to dress up there. Then we did the grandparent thing, my parents, Shawn's parents and Shawn's grandparents. Also on Wednesday, we went to trunk or treat at our church. They have tons of candy and they haven't touched much of it, but we can all guess who has :)

Mr. President

On Tuesday October 28, 2008, Rylan Patterson Shrum was officially elected by his GT peers as President! What an honor! But with honor comes sadness, as he received more votes than his best friend John David Elder. That part was tough for both of them, but true to both of them, they remained best friends and played together at recess that very day. Rylan was supported by a great campaign manager, Keaton Conrad (also one of his good friends.)

Homecoming 2008

Nicholas was given the opportunity to be one of the attendants at the Prairie Grove Football Homecoming this year. He absolutely loved it! He loved the tux (tuck as he called it), the girls, and the attention. He got to be out of school all day and ride in a yellow corvette convertible in the parade. What a day! He did a great job and we have tons of pictures to remember the day.

The Boys

I just wanted to post some pictures of the boys that I really love. My favorite picture of Rylan is the one in his all star uniform with the famous Holcroft frown on his face. This is how he looks when he is in deep concentration about something. Looks a lot like a certain side of the family. :) My favorite one of Nick is the one in the sock hat and jacket. He had on shorts and a t-Shirt and Shawn opened the windows to let some fresh air in, and obviously, Nick did not appreciate it. We did have some great news this week. Rylan qualified to be a part of the Gifted and Talented program at school! Once again, does Aunt Jami ring a bell? ( I was tested, but did not qualify.) And the little girl who kissed Nick has moved! :) Rylan is pretty pumped about GT because his buddies (JD and Keaton) are going to be in there with him and Ms. Cearly told him they are going to start with the Presidents. How much do you want to bet that he will ask to take some of his books about Presidents? Again, a trait from his Aunt Donita, not his mother.

Rylans Fall Baseball Schedule

Here are the days of Rylan's baseball games that are left on his schedule.

September 23rd @ 5:30 & 7:00

September 29th @ 7:00

October 6th @ 5:30 & 7:00

October 14th @ 7:00

October 21st @ 5:30 & 7:00

Not quite sure why we don't get a 5:30 and then go home game??? That would have been nice on school nights. One good thing, I guess, is that all the games are in PG.

Nick's Black Eye

Nicholas has officially received his first small, but present, black eye. He and Rylan were at our neighbor's house playing on the monkey bars. Nicholas said he slipped off monkey bars and hit the edge of the swingset. And guess what. School pictures are on Tuesday. Oh well. Last year, Rylan had scratches on his face from a fight he and Nicholas had the night before pictures. Actually, Rylan also has a scratch on his nose that he said he got washing his face in the bathtub the other night. So, in short, our sons school pictures will always reflect some kind of bump or scratch so don't be alarmed when you see them.

Fall Baseball

Tonight was Rylan's 3rd fall baseball game this season. He played several different positions, including pitcher and catcher. He says he really likes catcher but he is breathing very hard when he gets finished. These games are SO long and include a lot of walks and a few kids getting hit by pitches. Rylan is having a lot of fun, but I have a feeling it is going to be very cold before we get through with the season.

First Kiss??

Well yesterday was the day. We were sitting at Rylan's baseball game and Nicholas told me. The words I knew we would be hearing from him sooner rather than later. A little girl kissed him. For those of you who know Nick well, this comes as no surprise. He believes he is a ladies man and I guess so does this little girl. However, I did make him tell his teacher today after school. Shawn told me I should not have made him tattle, but I am the momma, and that little girl needs to know she can't be kissing on my baby! :) Of course, the wonderful Miss Baker is going to handle it in the morning, but I am afraid this will not be the end for our Nick.

Naturals with the Boys

Last night, thanks to Aunt Jami, we were able to go to the final Naturals game of the year. Rylan was able to take his two best friends, John David and Keaton. We went and ate pizza with Ninny and Papa before the game and then met Jami to get our tickets. We had a great time and we all enjoyed the fireworks at the end of the game. The boys were able to get autographs and see Lisson hit two homeruns! The picture of Strike is just for Jami!

Here we go

Well, I am going to give this blogging thing a try. We will see how it goes since our lives are so busy right now. Shawn is busy with work, meetings at church and school board meetings. I have agreed to co sponsor the Prairie Grove Jr. High cheerleaders with one of my friends (yes, I have lost my mind) along with starting full time at Prairie Grove this year. After a summer of baseball that did not end until July 18, Rylan is playing fall baseball. And Nicholas has started Kindergarten this year. Yikes!!