Laura

Laura turned 13 this fall and is now a teenager.  She changed schools this year, and is now in Grade 8 at Charlie Killiam School. The local School Board has been mucking around with the schools here and changing everything around.  There is now only one Junior High (Charlie Killiam), and Sifton School, which used to be k-9, is now just an Elementary School.  While we don't agree with everything they are doing, the change has been very good for Laura.  Laura is with a different group of students, and is really enjoying herself.  She has lots of really nice friends.  As they are all turning 13 (teenagers), they all squeal, giggle, and act silly ALL THE TIME!.  (I told Spencer not to worry - Girls lose their brains for a few years when they turn 13 - but then again Boys lose their brains for a few years when they are 16 - which may be more dangerous). Laura is definitely the musical member of the family.  She is continuing with her piano, and is also in her third year of Trumpet with the school band.   

In addition to her piano music lessons, she is in the Charlie Killiam Concert Band, the Jazz Stage Band, and the Choir.  She is really enjoying her Band performances, and usually plays the "first trumpet" parts.  The Band teacher, Mr. Bailey, has invited her to submit an application for the Alberta Junior High Honour Band. (we'll see if she gets accepted). Laura also joined Air Cadets this fall.  I wasn't sure she would like it, but she really seems to be enjoying herself.   She has already been for a glider ride, and two winter camp-outs.  Now to appreciate this you have to understand that Laura is very particular about what she eats.  Lou and I thought - No Way - but not only did she build a lean too and sleep outside in the bush and snow - but she actually ate the food.  Her comment when we asked was " Oh the food was awful - but, It was GREAT!"  She seems to be with a bunch of nice recruits (first year kids), and has made another bunch of friends.  I'm hoping she continues to like it.