Busy Alex

Alex needs a quick update (other than his "Beat It" solo). He is still in Year 5 (4th grade US) at Brampton Village School, still is taking piano lessons and swimming lessons once a week. Lately, he's been very interested in running. In fact, one of his New Year's resolutions was to run 1 mile three times a week. Although it lasted only a week, he realized he could do it and not die. He has done two more 5K races on base in the last few months, improving his time to about 31-32 minutes (which is great for a beginner like he is). Because he was doing well with running, he tried out for the school relay team and got a spot. They competed in April in St. Neots at an event that invited hundreds of children from all over Cambridgeshire. It was spectacular to watch! Our girls' team A (we had two teams for girls and two teams for boys) got third place out of 135 teams. Alex didn't do that well, but he didn't quit running and did not come in last in his 3/4 mile run. 

Alex is also going to try some trumpet lessons. He is very involved in his school orchestra that meets before school on Fridays, but he feels that playing the keyboard is not as much fun in that setting as it would be if he played a cool orchestra instrument. Since he already knows how to read music well and has a good rhythm, I think he will enjoy learning to play a new instrument. We hope.

Last week, all kids in his grade had a bike ability course which basically taught them how to properly bike on the street. Because I know he had all those instructions, I feel more comfortable letting him bike to school on his own...although I am still quite worried every time. The school is less than a mile away, but still. 

I've been helping out with Alex's choir at school on Thursday mornings. I just play the melody line for practice:). I am amazed at how many children turn up each week and actually participate! Last week we were able to enjoy the choir's performance of their spring concert (they have one every quarter, so the summer one is coming up in July). They sang their favorite Disney medley which was fun to practice but even more fun to perform. Alex (and the whole choir) was on fire! Great to see kids doing something so positive and energetic. Mrs. Crozier, their choir and orchestra teacher, is fantastic! 

Finally, Alex is doing exceptionally well academically. He is on top of his class in reading and writing (well, he exceeds his set targets all the time) and I am just amazed at how much he knows. He enjoys school, although he always says he is sad because he doesn't really have good friends there, which I can understand. Next school year, I think, he is going to continue going to the British school...as he is hoping to be a House Captain for his House. We'll see. I just so wish that the school didn't keep going till 21st of JULY! 

I guess that's all folks! :)

Keep up the good work, Alex.

Good night.