hey guys, web site is fab, sorry i havn't posted a message sooner but my uni email closed and i lost loads of stuff. damn them. anyway, been very Hectic the last four weeks. been cleaning and decorating in brum - and finally moved out sob sob! been on several shopping sprees spending my first pay packet (a month early!) and this week has been mental as it was both my parents birthdays so had lots of relatives visiting and the usual sort of stuff.

anyway the proposal..... was last friday. chris took the day off work and took me out into derbyshire, we had a wander round eyam and castelton then had a picnic at the top of a hill in the middle of no where. Then he proposed on bended knee and gave me the ring (which he chose all by himslef and got the right size!) and then we had strawberries and champagne. he did it all properly - it was a complete suprise. my mum and dad and sister knew all about it tho.

anyway, now i know the adress i will be a regular reader of your excursions - and see you when you get back!

Day 3 of Rowing Training:

Gym at 6:30am before work

18 holes of golf

and a mile swim in the evening.

Spend all your money Stee but just keep £50 back for Christmas

But what did you eat?!
What a fab time! I guess you have to be a Neighbours fan to appreciate your excitement!
Did you get my email Em?
Rachel is in Tenerife - she went to the School Dinners party last night!
Dad is in Iceland and did a very hard 4 day walk and is exhausted!
I am tidying the house - Love you loads
MumXX

Hello Luvs
It is really great being kept in the picture like this. In a way I feel as though I am on the journey with you without all the hassle of flying! It was sad about England losing especially as I made the effort and wore my shirt!I went to pick Emmie up tp-day and she is staying with me for a week so that should be fun. At least with the weather as it is at gthe moment we will be able to do a lot of garden sitting - nearly as exciting as what you are doing! Keep the messages coming as I look forward to them so much. Love to you both Nan P xxxx

It's HOT HOT HOT in Nottingham. Poor Dino has had 8 teeth out so it's baby food for him. Mark and Charlton gang are back. He's looking forward (not) to Ergo tomorrow. We had great night out at scruffy's Saturday night, smallish hangover the next morning . What's going on in Oz. Let us know more when poss. It's time Ste did a journal what do you say Em?
Take care Mum and Dad xx

Hello!
As requested a Wimbledon update......you'll be pleased to know Murray beat Rodd*** yday in 3 sets so he's through to the 4th round, plays on Tuesday next! Just in case you didn't know Henman got trounced by Federer, oh well there's always Murray I guess! Wish I was in Oz cheering on Hewitt mmm!!!
Glad to hear your having a great time, sounds amazing! I won't mention the footy (or Gerro's miss, sob sob!)
Oooh and this morning Becks stepped down as England captain, Miss Hampson wont be happy!
Think that's all my news, work's going well although quiet at times coz of the nice weather we're having (yes, even up north!)
Have fun! Missing you.
Lots of love Katie xxx

Hi there you two. What a fab journal. I am really enjoying reading it each evening, including your comments re england. I didn't watch as I thought it might be bad luck but I needn't have worried they just can't score goals! Took me some time to catch up with you as you had sent your email to my nanny address which I don't use too often. You nearly had a cryptic message as I thought you had forgotten me ahh. So pleased to be in touch now. We have visitors tomorrow and go to dorset monday for a few days so won.t be able to read your postings for a few days.
Sorry it is cold in aus but I am sure you won't mind that for a short while. That's your lot for now we are not all having such exciting travels! Lots of love to you both. Take care and continue to enjoy every moment xxx

We were robbed! Just a quick note to say yes we watched the match and yes it is now nearly 4am! We were on a plane last night and had no sleep so were pretty tired! To top it all off England lost on penalties again in the quarter finals again ... deja vu! Never mind we're in Australia hehe!

Ems and Steve xxx

PS its cold here! Lou be prepared!!

Nice sarong Steve!

Great to hear your having fun. Elephant ride sounded cool

Keep us informed of more exciting adventures.

Love Cat

Wow more food stories!
It sounds like a great place to visit and the time seems to have flown!
Have a good flight to Melbourne. Why don't you call Russ and Terri or Clair while you are there.
Do you have the number?
Mum

Hi everyone!

We have just added a new update. Thank you for all of your messages. Sorry there aren't many pics but it takes ages to upload and thery charge for the internet by the minute here! We have just burned a CD to send some pics home so my mum and dad will have some! We may add some more in Oz as the internet is free in our hostel to start with!
I am afraid the food is going to get less interesting from now on as we will have to go to budget cooking for ourselves!

Miss you all lots already (well Ems does any way!)
xxx

Here are a few personal messages:

Carol (mum) - we got both your emails - thank you!

Nan - we got your email too thank you! Your brain is less pea sized than you think!

Kate - be warned if you come to Bali they will think you and Si are on honey moon! Give Sam my no as my phone works in Oz (doesnt in bali). Steve says to tell you that he has had to wear a sarong twice now!

Tom - hope you have a great time in Iceland!

Mum - of course I will support you through your gap year (or you could just use a loan like I have!). I have bought a Bubbu Gump t-shirt and pin, a batik cushion, a ring and a photo frame - could have bought a lot more but don't have space - will prob have to buy a holdall in Thailand!

Derek and Tina - its a date for the meal!

Katie - keep us updated on Wimbledon etc they are only interestred in the World Cup out here!

xxxx