Hi B, I hope you are ok. I have got two weeks off, yipee!! Kat has just got back from spain so I am going to catch up with her over the weekend. I have just been having a look at you photo's, now I don't know much about golf, but to me it looks like you are trying to play baseball not golf!! I hope you are having a fab time. Dad has been really happy looking on the internet for flight details for Joe and I. I am hoping to book something in the next few days because I am getting confused with all the different airlines! I will let you know when we book something. Take care. love Jen xxx

We WILL camp we just can't this weekend!!!! (Which is actually a great shame because it's great weather)

Your all a bunch of lightweights! i went camping yesterday and it was cold.
How's that the only one not in the country and the only one that went camping!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I think we could be heading for world war III ! My sources are adament that your Dad did not bid for the Chelsea shirt, but the jury is still out. Anyway good to hear you on the phone and to see the flashing light moving southwards. It was a busy weekend with Jen and Bartok. You will be pleased to hear that Jack was the perfect host and shared quite well, with just an occasional growl. Dad and I went shopping on Sunday and we managed to pick up a few items for Oz. This made me get into packing mode and at least we have established what cases we are taking -so action stations! The weather has certainly changed at present-although not really cold. We are devastated not to be camping, but it will give us an extra weekend to sort things out-I might even have to shop again!
Love to you both , take care, love Mum XXXX

I DID NOT BID FOR A CHELSEA SHIRT !!!!!!!!!uncle Chris will be hearing from my solicitor. I will sue him for all his money and give it away to the poor and needed ( ie Man Utd )

Hi Ben - great to see your photos of Cairns and the Car!! Glad you could get in at Gilligans again, remember you staying there before with N&N and having a great time. Hope the trip south is as much fun. Must tell you - Chris was at the Sportsmans Dinner with Dad and they jointly bid for a signed Chelsea shirt!! Can you belive it - wait until I see your Dad - What sort of a Man U fan is he!! I think Chris was partly to blame for his poorly state - but hey what's new? Nicky back from NY and a bit jet lagged,but with some great photos.Everyone else OK.
Shame about the family camp!!!! But maybe we'll wait until next year and you can come too!

hello everone left Cairns yesterday (sunday) which was a shame because we met some realy nice people and had a fantastic time.We got taken to a kite surfing competition and when we meet up with them nearer sydney they are going to teach us(well try to).
Spent last night at a motel in a plce called Ayr it was quite small but did the job. Had to get up at Five thought to watch the football can't work out what Zidane was doing!
On the way to Mackay today the heading inland not sure where to but will let you know.

Speak to you soon love Ben.

Hello Barb.
Glad your evening was a success Have left Cairns now had the most amazing time looking forward to taking Ian there, tell him to save all he can because he will love it so much,plenty of drinking and tvs the size of houses in the bar playing loads of rugby,and then theres the reef!

Love to you all Ben

I've just been looking up 'Gilligansbackpackers' in Cairns. I was thinking that you were roughing it but what an amazing place! I used basic Youth Hostels at your age - no comparison! Good for you! Enjoy every moment.
I wonder if you are watching the World Cup at the moment?
Lots of love to you both.

Hi guys,
Greetings from a grey Gloucestershire - lovely to hear your news as usual.
We held a Caribbean event at the school last night. It was a shame that we hadn't held it a week earlier in the boiling hot weather but we did just about avoid the rain which was something! I was in charge of the Chocolate Fountain and it did quite a good job of putting me off chocolate even 'tho it was Lindt!!The cocktail bar and band were superb and it was a shame there weren't more people there - we had a jolly good dance. Darren got a cask of Otter and kevin was very pleased in spite of rushing around helping Rob all the time. They'd been over at 7am to get up the gate posts and the kissing gate at the school so that the huge truck could get in for the stage. The headteacher got a 'phone call at 8am saying that they were cutting through the kissing gate so it's all got to be reinstated today. Chris and Chris came which was really good of them and Chris bought me a yummy Caribbean Sunset. There was a multitude of kebabs with salsa and Pittas and I think you would have enjoyed it!
Ian flew off to Zante at 4.30 this morning if all went to plan. He hasn't sorted his 'phone so I'm not expecting to hear from him at all this week. He drove over to Izzy's as the coach was picking up in Tetbury before going on to Stroud. We've got to pick my car up this morning.
Chris had a great time in Wales. The midnight feast seems to have been the highlight and he did leave behind shoes and items worn in the assault course as they'd warned. He got back at 4.30 but was still keen to go to Scouts at 7pm. It was a wide game with Nailsworth and Eastcombe scouts and they all gathered on the green in front of yours. I popped in and saw Jen and Joe and your Mum and Dad which was lovely. Unfortunately Chris is being invested next Friday which has messed up the family on tour so we might have to find another date for that! I'm not sure it's worth going down for one night and Kevin's still not sure about his duty at the sailing club. We'll do it one day though!!!
Sounds like you're having so much fun, carry on enjoying life and take care. Love from us all xxxx

Ben, where are you when I need you! When your Dad needs you to be exact. In all the years that your Dad and you have gone to Frocester to the Sportsman's supper I have never seen (or heard) the spectacle that happened last night! Poorly is an understatmen! I certainly think that you are the sobering influence on your Dad-but he tells me he had fun even though it wasn't much fun today! Anyway he has just managed to 'polish' off Jens chicken Fahitas (I think that is spelt wrong) so he must be better. I have been for a swim and it is the end of another busy week. A couple of late meetings and report time so lots to keep me out of mischief. Jenny has brought Bartoc back with her for the weekend and she and Joe have just taken him out for a walk with Jack. So far Jack seems content to share with him, but we will see if we get any sleep tonight. Tomorrow is the fete and the weather is a little cooler with rain about so I hope we escape it. I am so pleased that you are having fun. Enjoy your trip back. Two weeks and counting!!!!
Lots of love Mum

thanks for the e mail. give up fishing !!! the only thing you will ever catch is a cold. keep up the golf and who knows one day you might beat me. have a safe drive back to sydney on sunday love dad