Joshua Turns 15

So, Tuesday just gone big Joshua had his 15th birthday. I am a bit later than normal doing the blog update because as time has gone on it is pretty impossible to get any pictures of him. For his birthday this year all he wanted was fishing equipment and money, exciting to him but not much fun for anyone else. He got two new rods, reels, a rod bag, a reel of line, a new fishing track suit and a load of other bits and bobs.

To celebrate his birthday, we went out for a nice family meal at the Honey Pot over Bas Vegas which was actually a really good choice by Josh. We had a lovely meal (albeit a bit rushed as we had to squeeze it between Holly's after school club and Brandon's football training). Dinner was pretty filling and only me and Josh managed pudding, although I think Brandon decided no desert as he knew he had to run around for an hour at footy training.

The night before his birthday and all his presents wrapped.

Joshua's birthday cake was an England shirt.

Family meal celebrating Joshua's birthday at the Honey Pot.

Joshua ordered a rather nice pulled pork burger.

Followed by a nice ice-cream desert (and now he is done with photo's for the day!).

Athletics Regional Finalist with Tony Cottee

Tonight, Joshua had his school sports presentation evening with guest speaker Tony Cottee at the school. Joshua was awarded a certificate for representation in the Senior Athletics and reaching the Regional Finals earlier this year. After the presentation Joshua and Holly managed to get their picture taken with Tony Cottee (Joshua absolutely towering over him!).

Joshua with Tony Cottee at the Beauchamp's Sports Presentation Evening.

Tony Cottee was honoured to get his picture taken with local legend, Holly.

Joshua received an award for Athletics National Regional Finals.

Holly the Goal Keeper

With the recent roaring success of the England Lionesses, it is really good to see Abacus getting behind girl's football and promoting this within the school. Holly has been training with the school football team for 3 or 4 weeks now and really enjoying it. For whatever reason she seems to favour playing in goal and was picked for their first friendly match tonight. 

So, I have been taking Holly to football with me and Brandon and doing some extra 1 on 1 coaching to try and help her get ready for her first match. She has improved massively in just a few short sessions but wasn't kicking the ball very well in trainers. So on Sunday we went out and bought Holly her first pair of football boots and it has improved her kicking no end.

Anyway, I couldn't have been prouder of Holly today. Her team lost 3-0 with the 3 goals all conceded in about the first 1-2 mins. Basically, the coach was a clueless dinner lady who but all the girls in their positions without explaining to them that they can move!!!! So, when the ref blew the whistle, poor Holly had 6 girls steaming at her whilst her teammates stood there pretty much glued to the positions they were told to stand in.

After conceding the 3 early goals Joshua went and stood behind the goal to help coach the team and the girls finally started running around, but to be honest it was pretty much a 1 girl team with Holly saving the team from what could have been a massive defeat. After letting in the first 3, Holly got into the game and must have saved at least 10-12 shots whilst the outfield players barely had a single attack on the opposition goal! EVERYONE - including the other team commented on how good Holly was and how vocal she was communicating with her teammates.

Post-game we are now getting tapped up by the local girl's teams wanting her to join!

Holly ready to represent Abacus in her first football match.

Taking a goal kick, one of many as the ball always seemed to end back in Holly's hands.

Holly getting stuck in as her defense let her down again.

Great action shot of Holly taking a goal kick.

Holly with the School football team.

Wickford Carnival 2022

After not taking place for a couple of years due to Covid-19 it was great to see that the Wickford Carnival went ahead today, and what a glorious day it turned out to be with gorgeous sunshine and very mild temperatures for October. Holly was in attendance with her Brownies club and got to ride on their float through the High Street as the raised money for charity.

The Brownies float for the 2022 Wickford Carnival. Can you see Holly?

There she is.

Getting all embarrassed and shouting at me to put the camera away.

And off they go raising money for loads of good charities.

 

Holly Passes her Stage 5 Swimming

Well done to Holly. Yesterday she passed her Stage 5 swimming and also got a certificate for her 25m swim. She now changes class time on a Friday and moves up in to the dark blue hat.

Holly shows her Stage 5 and 25m swimming certificates.

And now she has a navy blue hat to wear in her new class.