Master Finley { 2019 }

Finley had a great year settling into life in Bungendore. Finley turned 7 this year and celebrated with a pokemon party with kids of different grades who love to play together. He participated in the Scouting program as a Joey all year, played soccer, went to run club and swim club, played basketball and went horse riding every Saturday. It's been an awesome year that has seen our little boy start looking more like a big one. 

He started in Year 1 a little ahead having spent a few months in Canada in Year 1 already and was well equipped for the year. His teacher was the lovely Mrs Read and he has done really well in her class. School was great fun. Finley participated in the jump rope for heart fundraiser and raised $365 for the cause and came third place in his school. He was elected as the Student Representative Council member for his class and got to go to meetings to talk about improving the school. He won the students choice prize for his Book Week diorama of the storm whale and we put together an awesome costume for the parade. And together we made a great and high hat for the Easter Hat Parade. Finley's reports always came back with great progress and excellence in reading. His love for reading has grown so much this year. He loves to read chapter books, with his favourites being Spirit Animals, Bad Guys and Wings of Fire. His friends this year were Zac, Will and Ryan C. who loved to play bakugan, pokemon and go on the oval.

All year Finley got to attend Joey's which was always great fun. He did great with fundraising, winning hearts selling raffle tickets and selling the most boxes of mangoes. They had a great year with playing hockey, learning about water, pulling apart machines, shaving dad for Fathers Day, glow in the dark golf, talent show, rock climbing and so much more. His leader was Bilby. One of the big highlights was volunteering at the big town bonfire which was huge! 

This summer with swim club and having a pool Finley is making great strides with his swimming. His dives are incredible and he is participating in the 25 m freestyle, breaststroke, backstroke and butterfly. He gives the long distance a go and has made it 50 m so far. Run club has been great getting Finley's speed up and he his furthest distance so far is 3500 m. Horse riding has been an absolute joy. Finley's teacher Adelaide, our old neighbour, says Finley has made awesome progress. He is doing small jumps and can trot and canter. Soccer was a great highlight too, Finley didn't miss a session and loved every minute. 

To celebrate one of Finley's great reports we had a night out together where we had Italian for dinner and went to see the local musical production of Oliver. We both had an awesome night and the productions was very inspiring with the lead Oliver doing an amazing job. Lots of Oliver songs played on repeat in the following days and I hope I have sparked a love of musicals that we can share. 

Finley definitely has passion. He knows what he likes and throws himself in. He loves being with friends and making up games. Definitely a born leader, we have seen him overcome nervousness to excel in public speaking, making new friends, advocating for himself and trying new things. At home he is so helpful, unpacking the dishwasher each morning and helping me care for Quill. He and Primrose make up great games together and have their own little codes to each other. We are excited for the young boy he is becoming and so proud of his efforts to do his best. 

It's been a great year and we look forward to Finley heading into Year 2, getting baptised and getting a new baby brother or sister in 2020. A big exciting year ahead.