Joshua's Driving Theory Update

So is it the same rule with the theory driving test as it is with the practical - i.e. all good drivers pass second time? I hope that is the case as Joshua failed his theory last Monday. To say I am disappointed is an understatement. I asked him time and time again if he was doing enough practice and if he needed any help, however as usual I think he underestimated it and went in complacent thinking he had it in the bag. Amazingly it is the multiple choice bit that let him down scoring 35 out of 50 with a required pass mark of 43. In the more difficult hazard perception he passed with 48 out of 75, pass mark is 48. 

End of the Football Era

For over 10 years most of my weekends and some week nights have been completely blocked out in support of the kids football. Come rain, shine, snow, sun, I have supported them all the way as a coach, a manager and a parent. The coaching and management finished for me a few years ago now and I have to say I have enjoyed being just a parent on the side lines. Now it looks as though all this is coming to an end.

For various reasons Holly's team folded sometime ago and she hasn't shown too much interest in getting back in to another team. Brandon's interest in playing football has been waning as the year has progressed and I think in his mind he had already decided that this year would be his last. However the decision to finish earlier has been made for him as with the pressures of GSCE's and the managers new work commitments the team has also come to an abrupt end and folded with their last training session taking place at the Len Forge last night.

It is a bit of a shame as we have had some absolutely fantastic and memorable moments with Academy. From the Belgium summer tour last year, to the managers pool party/BBQ, not to mention the year of the double winning the Cup and the League. So despite there only being about 8 lads at training last night it was a bit emotional for all as we all had to come to the realisation that this was the end. The boys went out on a high though and had a really fun friendly match against an Academy team 2 years older than them, and they held their own.

But all good things come to an end, and for me - I have a bit more of my weekends back!!!!

A cold, frosty March evening at the Len Forge for Brandon's Academy Team's final training session and farewell.

A bit emotional as the Manager rounds them up at the end for a final team hug and some words of encouragement for whatever the future now holds for them.

Great memories and no regrets with Academy. Brandon improved no end and I can honestly say the Manager Coach is the best I have seen at this level and was a credit to the boys/team working tirelessly for nearly 7 years.

Candy Floss Maker

Well unlike Tina's bread maker, which as a standing joke in our house is called her dust collector, Holly frequently users her Candy Floss machine that she bought with some of her birthday money. She has even been experimenting with just using normal sugar and realised the results re probably better an the taste is just as good. Suits me as it saves keep ordering expensive flavoured sugars from Amazon!

Holly frequently users her candy floss machine to make her pudding.

This was her very successful experiment using normal sugar.

Holly is Going to Beauchamps in September '25

Some great news received this week that Holly got her first choice of secondary school and will be going to Beauchamps school starting September. And what a lucky girl she will be having her middle brother in 6th Form to look out for her as she settles in to the "big school". From a parenting perspective it is weird for me and Tina to think that we are in our last 6 months of Abacus Junior school which has been such an integral part of our life for over 11 years. I guess we have been fortunate that all 3 of our kids stuck with one Junior school and now looking like one senior school as well.