First football game- Go Gorillas !

We had a good first game today. It wasn't the outcome we had hoped for, but it was great getting into real gametime scenarios and identifying our weaknesses & strengths. Thanks to Aunt Julie & Courtney for coming to cheer me on, especially on the day after Courtney's big 18 birthday bash. Thanks for coming out to support the Gorillas!!!

Ready to take the field.

Manning's two littlest biggest fans!

A rare shot of Mom and the kids, thanks Aunt Julie!

Giving Aunt Julie a high 5!

Manning's 1st day of second grade

We were very excited to start our new school year. Excited to be back amongst friends everyday and excited for a new teacher and new adventures. Don't we all miss that special age when we were excited (like night before Christmas excited) to go to school?! What a great feeling for a kiddo to have.

Little KU got lucky enough to partake in the farewell 1st day of school send off. Reesing was a sleepy head and was still getting her beauty sleep. 

Are you really going to leave me for the whole day?! What am I going to do without my big brother?

KU had to sneak in on the action, bringing a sigh of "aaaawwww," from the audience behind us. I think people enjoyed seeing the sibling love!

Headed into my new classroom.

And finding my frog hook/cubby.

Found my table/chair and little KU wanted her own chair right next to me. 

It wasn't easy convincing KU that she had to leave Manning's side. She put up a good fight, but was removed from the classroom before things got crazy, like second grade level crazy. Good luck Manning and have a great a school year! We love you!

Go gorillas!

We've hung up our baseball bat for the season & have  pulled out the football pads, helmet & cleats.I'm playing in the Lawrence Youth Football league for the Lawrence Gorillas. As of now, I'm playing the important role of Center. My buddy, Jack, & I are quite the dynamic quarterback/center duo.  We've got 6 more practices until our first tournament. We're looking forward to a great season. Go gorillas!!!!

And his #1 littlest fan...baby KU.

Don't know who "Stampy Cat" is?

Just ask this Stampy Cat fanatic, but make sure you have plenty of time because there is a lot to learn and she is a Stampy Cat expert. She can talk all day long about Stampy Cat and all his friends and his "Lovely World."  This picture is an example of a Stampy Cat hangover. Reesing's favorite shirt is her Stampy Cat shirt pictured here. 

Basketball camp buddies

Miles & I both attended the Cole Aldrich basketball camp this week. We got to meet lots of Current & former Jayhawk players, get some autographs, learn some new skills and have some fun. On top of the baseball tournament it's been a very busy week. However, the weekend is upon us and we're all ready for some downtime. It's been a great with with a lot to be thankful for. 

Miles & I

Warming up

I also thought it was really important that I get my Grandma Linda a special signed basketball with the KU players. She is always supplying us grandkids with the best KU gear, including KU autographed balls and it was important to me to return the favor. I completed the ball with my signature. Thanks for all you do for us Grandma Linda!

BlueJays take 2nd place

It's been a long, but fun-filled baseball season for Manning & his fellow BlueJays. At the beginning of the season not very many of the kids knew each other, some couldn't make contact with the ball, some could barely throw, but by the end of the season a collective team effort took this team to a 2nd place finish.    Out of 9 teams only the top two finished with medals and we were one of the fortunate teams. We finished off the season with a win on Wednesday night against the Mudcats and then led us into yet another game on the same night against the Angels, who were undefeated all season. We took them to extra innings, but they won the game by 1 run. The boys played their hearts out, the coaches did what they could and it was a great championship game. 

Cheerleader KU taking a sticker break.

BlueJay cookies after game #1!

I lost KU only to find her hanging with a big circle of older kids, just blending with the rest of them.

Game #2

And Cheerleader KU found a mud pit, got completely wet and then rolled around in the dirt on the ball field, making for a ghostly complexion. She literally looked like a ghost, but her smile was all worth it. She is kinda like pig pen from the Charlie Brown gang. 

Getting the hardware.

Checking out said hardware. 

The BlueJays

Silly BlueJays

Water on coach to celebrate a fabulous season!

Who had fun????

This team completely took over and turned Freddy's upside down!

Reesing hanging with the big boys and Manning's friend, Utah.