Saying goodbye

B left for Japan this morning. Katie normally sends her a wee video to watch while she's waiting for her plane. She also writes her a story/letter for the long journeys. This time was no exception on either count, as B had been telling katie how she wasn't looking forward to the 11hr flight part of her journey. Katie did though have a little sulk at saying goodbye for 2 weeks- particularly as she only gets "her B" back for 10 days before she goes away another 6weeks.

Katie finished her maths SATs today. She proudly told me straight when she came out that although she'd left three to start she'd managed to go back and write an answer for every question. She didn't seem totally convinced it had all gone brilliantly but she did proudly tell me how she'd worked out the money questions.

Tomorrow, katie is having most of the morning off school to take her grade 3 clarinet. I asked her teacher if she'll be doing any SATs before she leaves for her exam and was pleased to hear not. Unlike SATs, her music exams matter and are something we believe in and have value in her future life. Unlike SATs, her music exams bring her pleasure as well as teaching her life-applicable skills like the need for hard work, mathematics in action, conveying a message effectively, perseverance.

She had a wonderful time before and after school running her exam work. If katie in full concentration mode goes in to the exam, she will be wonderful. She's really excited about it. She's also spent time, again the morning and evening, learning a new Ländler that she's really enjoying on the piano. And dancing. So much dancing.

She's had a good day today. In the midst of having a lot to deal with, she's had a good day and ended it snuggled watching a movie as a midweek treat. Her little eyes were drooping as I read some bedtime poetry to her.