3rd Place School Cross Country for Holly

Since returning back to school after Christmas Holly has been training with the Year 6 girls and boys for this years cross country. She hasn't really enjoyed it too much and didn't particularly want to do it, but she felt pressured in to doing it by one of her teachers and especially as she is a School Sports Ambassador. Anyway the local school competition was held last week and the Year 6 girls came in 3rd place with Holly being a key contributor to the team result. So well done for trying your hardest even though your heart wasn't in it.

3rd Place for the Abacus Year 6 girls in the school cross country.

Brandon's 6th Form Application - Successful

Some really great news this week that despite Beauchamp's 6th form being massively over subscribed in 2025, Brandon received his letter of acceptance. Obviously this is dependent on him achieving his grades but I am not anticipating issues here as his mock's have been positive and he is putting in a lot of revision. It is refreshing to have a child revising off his own accord without constant nagging as we had to with Josh last year. Brandon is a completely different kettle of fish and we just leave him to get on with it and are there if ever he needs help or guidance.

Brandon's 16th Birthday

A few days late with this post as Brandon's 16th birthday was Thursday just gone. Despite having to go to school he seemed to have a great day and in the evening we celebrated with a nice family meal at Wagamama (his choice). We thought at 16 he could legally have one beer with dinner when going out, but apparently this is not Wagamama's policy and they asked him for ID and said they do not serve alcohol until 18. So unfortunately he couldn't have a drink with dinner and I ended up having a beer with my power juice! Brandon had a couple when we got back home from the meal.

His main birthday present this year was a new laptop which he wanted as he plans on selling his desktop gaming PC (since he uses the PS5 more for gaming). He also got a new watch case, a Linkin Park blanket, Linkin Park man bag, Linkin Park pillow, some Sleep Token and Linkin Park CD's, some wall art and mirror for his bedroom, a Nirvana T-shirt, a LED phone charging light for his bedroom. So all in all he did very well for presents!

Next weekend we are celebrating further with a little treat to Tottenham for the F1 E-Karting which he is hoping to beat me and Holly at. I think Josh and Tina are coming to spectate, but not participate.

Re-suing Joshua's 16th birthday banner for Brandon.

Happy 16th to Brandon (the balloons do say 16, they are just a bit twisted!).

Brandon's main present was a new laptop.

Despite his face, he was very happy with it.

I told you the balloons said "16".

More present opening.

This is his new LP blanket. When folded Josh thought it was Lion King because of the colours. When unfolded he was still clueless and asked if it was Freddie Mercury!!!!

Brandon's new clock/light/phone charger for his bedroom.

Some Linkin Park wall art and a cushion for his bedroom.

New Nirvana T-shirt.

Family birthday celebration meal at Wagamama's, very nice (almost appropriate given it was Chinese New Year on his birthday).

Good to see he still has an inner child and asked for a Lightning McQueen birthday cake.

Never too old for cake and Disney Cars.