There used to be five, now it's only two: Alexavon and Shantell. These two brothers are part of a sibling group of five who have been broken into different homes. While their brothers and sister have been placed in a home together, the older boys are still waiting for a family.

Alexavon, who goes by Lex, is 12, Shantell is 11. Give them a football or basketball and they are ready to go; sports are one of their common bonds. Alexavon is the smooth athlete, good at any game. He prefers basketball and football and dreams of playing in the big leagues. Shantell idolizes his older brother and said, "Lex is great at any sport. He is the true athlete. You should see him play."

Anybody who meets the brothers will notice immediately that Lex is the quiet one who lets Shantell do all the talking. Shantell is quick witted, willing to engage anyone with a good story and is easy to laugh. He admits he is a practical joker who can be mischievous at times.

After being in separate homes, the brothers are now living together again. Being apart is something that Shantell said is not a good situation, "Because I don't want to be away from my brother. I'm afraid later in life I might run into him and I won't know who he is. It's very important to be together because we want to grow up together and someday were gonna have a house that's by each other," he said.

Alexavon is in the 8th-grade and getting good grades. Shantell, who's in the 7th-grade, is finding his groove in school. "I made the honor roll three times now," he said.

When asked to describe each other, their mutual love and respect is revealed. "My brother, he is an intelligent boy. He's a good listener and he's quiet. And he likes basketball and he likes football and he takes care of my brothers and sisters really well. He treats us like a big brother. One day he's gonna grow up to be a professional basketball or football player," said Shantell.

And what about Shantell? "He's funny. He's good at football and he is a talker. He talks a lot," said Lex.

While Lex is hoping to be a football player for the Arizona Cardinals, Shantell is planning on going to school so he can pursue a dream of becoming a doctor, or a profession in health care, so he can help people. Shantell chided his older brother for not having an alternative plan for his life. "Lex, you've got to have a back up plan cause if you get injured in football you have to have your college degree. That way you can forget football and go on to something else," he said.

The boys are looking for a home that will accept them for who they are: two boys who love each other and who are into sports. A strong father figure will be best but Shantell says they aren't picky. "We're just looking for a home," he said, "Someone who will show us respect, be mature and keep us together." They would also like to keep in contact with the brothers and sister they've been separated from. They are very much in need of a home that will let Lex be a kid. He says he is tired of having to always watch out for his younger siblings. This is an important time in their evolving lives and a dedicated home will be essential in as they mature for the future.

For more information on Alexavon & Shantell, or to learn more about other children available for adoption, please contact Christina Booth at 620-930-4663.