Hi Lucy, Jess, Helen and Sarah, Glad you found a computer fast enough to upload pics. They are great, and show clearly what a great time you all having! We are getting ready for the New Year celebrations. We are having an American Buffet this year so we will be wandering from house to house with everyone else eating and drinking their way through each stop, ending up at the Channons where we will see the New Year in! The weather forecasters are predicting stormy weather and apparently it's going to be so bad that a lot of outside events are likely to be cancelled by the organisers! Guess that won't be a problem for you at the height of the Aussie summer! Anyway have a great time, happy new year to you all (and anyone else reading this message). Be safe and healthy. Lucy's Dad xx

Hi girls! Merry Christmas!! Sounds like you had a great day! I was on a beach too - in Scarborough!! - I'm guessing we had very different weather!!! I've just seen a photo of you with your van - it looks so cool! It's great to hear from you, take care and carry on having fun! xxxxxxxxxxxx :-)

Sorry I forgot to wish you happy christmas. Sounds like you guys are having fun. I went to visit Rachel Atkins (who's now not Atkins as she's married!) just before christmas which was lots of fun, and been catching up with friends from home. Off to Edinburgh on Saturday for New Year, and then I'll get back and go to Manchester to start next term. Excited about 2007? I am. I got a guitar for hristmas so have been learning the chords. Did you guys get any presents sent over? My mst random one was an orlando bloom cup... not sure I'll ever use that!

Oh yeah forgot to say... I also got Gordon's new book - he looks so fine!!!! Love you baby sister xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Hello Baby Sister and Girlies We hope you are all well... we are just getting ready to fly off to Scotland (not quite as exciting as Australia - well it is for Stuart!!) We hope you had a fantastic Christmas... Santa brought me a Radley handbag and a Radley Purse and a Radley Umbrella - I am SO Radley Cool!!!!!!! Stuart got a great BIG teddy bear with a great BIG belly... you can draw your own conclusions!!! Helen we are sending you HUGE kisses and BIG love... and best wishes for the New Year - I can't believe you get the new year a whole half a day before us!!!!!!!!!! Speak to you soon... love ya, A xxxxx

Happy Christmas Jess! Love you lots, whats crimbo like in Oz? xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Hi Lucy, Are you in Australia yet? Hope you are having a good Christmas. Don't forget to check for the spiders! Look forward to catching up with some of your new photos. Take care love us x x

Hello everyone!

Many thanks for your messages! Love them!
We are in Rotarua sampling the spas and mud bath!- Proper backpackers as you see!
Off to Oz on fri! - Can't believe the time's gone so quickly!
We'll try and keep you posted on our movement once we get there!
Much love to all!
Missing you lots!

Sheffield Explorers xxxx

Hi Jess, i've been keeping up to date on your travels, you're doing so much in short space of time, looks amazing x Manchester is grey and wet but not actually that cold which is surprising, i just want to hibernate for winter, i'm a summer girl! well, keep safe and have fun, thinking of you, Gem xxxxx

Hey Helen! Nd everybody else!
Sorry you havent had an message on this yet have only just realised you can leave messages on it!! I know im slow!
We put up our christmas tree at the weekend coz mum is doing an nct christmas meal here on fri so she wanted the tree up so it looked pretty! Ive got an interview on the 13th dec at oxford brookes so am trying to get a presentation together and loads of other things they ask you to do! Dad had a good time in Japan however he wasnt a great fan of the food live sea urchine!!!!
It sounds like your having a wicked time im sure u will get many more messages on here now i know how!
Loads of love Emily xxxxxxxxxxxx
The rest of the ixers send u big hugs and kisses too!!!!!

hi jessica thank you so much for your post cards bing catching up on your news take care love from grommar

Hi Lucy,
Just had a chance to catch up with all your news. Photo's look great. Have you been driving the camper van? It looks very big!
Didn't realise you would be seeing such cold weather . We are all very busy here and your mum took me shopping last week. She enjoyed getting me in trouble and finding too much for me to buy. Shops are getting busy you are out of the madness of Xmas shopping. Thanks for keeping in touch - I await the next chapter.
Love from Carol x