Marie Hi Adam, It looks and sounds like you're having an amazing year away - and such a huge variety of experiences for your beautiful family! Tanzania sounds especially incredible and rewarding. Thank you for your email today - I totally understand the decision you have made - our children are only young for such a very short time in the big scheme of things and, after such a wonderful year with them, it would be impossible to go back to barely spending time together. I have no regrets about putting my kids over my career - family should always come first in my opinion! It may well be that you find a way to combine the two brilliantly (like you have this year)anyway! We're having a good year here in Smithdom- Don and I have a lovely year 8 class and Quinny is doing a good job as caretaker. It'd be great to have you back as a Smith Tutor - although it might be tough to find someone prepared to move out!! I think Rachel is looking after the year 7s for the semester - that might be a good option for next year?? Anyway, enough about school - enjoy every moment of your remaining time away - and we'll look forward to seeing you next year - hopefully still wearing that Smith T-shirt!! Best wishes to you all from Marie x x

Marie Hi Adam, It looks and sounds like you're having an amazing year away - and such a huge variety of experiences for your beautiful family! Tanzania sounds especially incredible and rewarding. Thank you for your email today - I totally understand the decision you have made - our children are only young for such a very short time in the big scheme of things and, after such a wonderful year with them, it would be impossible to go back to barely spending time together. I have no regrets about putting my kids over my career - family should always come first in my opinion! It may well be that you find a way to combine the two brilliantly (like you have this year)anyway! We're having a good year here in Smithdom- Don and I have a lovely year 8 class and Quinny is doing a good job as caretaker. It'd be great to have you back as a Smith Tutor - although it might be tough to find someone prepared to move out!! I think Rachel is looking after the year 7s for the semester - that might be a good option for next year?? Anyway, enough about school - enjoy every moment of your remaining time away - and we'll look forward to seeing you next year - hopefully still wearing that Smith T-shirt!! Best wishes to you all from Marie x x

Monika Heida Hey Adam. Wonderful to see the photos & read all about your year away. Many may dream of doing such a thing, but you & Karen are true leaders, stepping out & actively pursuing your dreams. Keep up the amazing job! Ciao Monika

Mary Fantastic to see more photos. Instead of making it feel like you are close, it brings me a little closer to you. Even better. Happy 4th birthday to beautiful little Zoe. How appropriate that orange (our favourite colour) is also the colour of harmony. Miss you all. Love Mary