We have had an amazing time with Jackie and Her host family in Frankfurt. Was great to have met with them we are really pleased we went over.

Now we are sitting in Vancouver airport waiting to board our flight home with mixed emotions. We all want to stay on holiday but are still looking forward to getting home and seeing everybody.

In Vancouver we didnt end up just sitting around relaxing as previously planned, it seemed such a waste to not do the sightseeing while we were here. After taking a limo from the airport to our hotel as it was the cheapest option!! The kids thought they were very important, Nicole was pretending she was very famous. We went to Stanley park and played chip and putt which took as long as an 18 hole golf course! We did the old hop and off bus tours for the 2 days to enable us to get around easily. Today we went to the aquarium to see the new Buluga whale babies and did a power of shopping in Gastown. At least it doesnt matter if our bags get heavy now.

On the flight over here from Frankfurt I started to get very itchy all over, by the time we got here I was extremely uncomfortable. When I lifted my sleeves up we discoverd an extremely red, raised rash developing. By the time we got to our hotel I was red raw all over. After a failed drug dose from the chemist, I had to go to the doctor the next day to get some prednisone. I didnt realise you could ever be so itchy that you wanted to cry!!! Apparently I have hives!! An allergic reaction to something I have eaten, drunk or touched.

We cant work out what it could possibly have been but Im obviously extremely allergic as it certainly isnt going away quickly!! I look extremely attractive with my blotchy skin, covered in calamine lotion and scratching like a mad thing everywhere i go.

After our big worry about how the kids would get on being in such close quarters for such a long time, they have been fantastic! I actually think that they might get along better after this. I know im probably dreaming.

Chris hears that the Fonterra auction price went up considerably so hes quite excited now!!

Anyway we will see you all soon. take care and love to all