Carter is trying his hand at percussion this year. Mostly this decision was an out to quit piano. We had the same fights over and over during piano no matter how patient I tried to be. He is one stubborn boy. He got his way and quit piano--it wasn't worth the fighting and how it hurt our relationship. Percussion has been a good replacement as his piano background helped, and he has improved a lot this year. He took lessons all during 5th grade, while I homeschooled him, from his cousin, Drew. Only 5th graders are allowed to tryout for percussion because it is such a popular instrument and only so many spots and the teachers want you to start as early as possible. I emailed the teacher from the start of 5th grade and explained the situation asking for Carter to be allowed an exception and audition in 6th grade instead. Fortunately he agreed and Carter secured his spot for 6th grade. It requires 20 minutes of practicing 5 days a week (which is more than I was making him do on piano) in order to get a weekly 100 for a daily grade assignment. He has been diligent and worked hard to try to catch-up to the other students due to homeschooling for 5th grade. He is really enjoying it!
Also, Carter's team won the championship for his fall baseball team! It was his first time winning. (Matt coached them to victory.)
