Catriona Bonjour Wendy, its amazing how school french can go along way. We're all coping well, communicating with the locals and we even felt like we were heading back home yesterday once we crossed the border from Spain back to France. I can see how living here would have children fluent in no time.We have been keeping up to date on the ChCh earthquake...I see Wellington also had one. That must have given everyone a scare.We are having so much fun and the boys are learning so much without even realising it. Of course we have our normal family moments, bound to happen when you're living in hotels, but it's all worthwhile. Good to hear all is well with you...have to admit to being a little homesick a couple of times....but not for too long. Missing routine and order :-)Lots of love from us all xxx

Wendy Cats -Bonjour mon amie - Ok, that's about the extent of my schoolgirl french (it was a while ago)! ...sad day for the South yesterday - as if the earthquake wasn't enough (they reckon the damage will run into the billions, water, sewage, power out for lots of CHCH all day, huge splits in roads and buckled train lines and bridges, and a curfew in place last night to deter looters - would you believe NZers would do that! and fears over unsafe buildings - some caught fire as power was switched back on) but also a tourist plane crash at Fox Glacier killing all on board. It was a beautiful spring day which helped all involved but today is grotty and gale force winds forecast for the whole country. That won't help the emergency services at either site. Enough gloomy news - loving the photos and the latest video. Have to confess to teary eyes looking at both yesterday, which is so silly- we don't see that much of each other when we live in the same region but finding I am missing you all... the boys look as though they are having the trip of a lifetime. All good here - work continues to be great and I am so happy with the staff and partners - into week 8 this week - did I tell you we are refitting a brand new medical centre in the old Newlands Pub building! Really exciting and plans are almost ready for quote and council steps. We will have almost double the floor area, better access, parking etc. Better let you go - take care, love to all, Wens

Josh Joe Hi guys and girls, You've probably heard about this already (apparently it's the headline all over the world) but this week has been horrible - there was an earthquake in Christchurch magnitude 7.4 and a state of emergency has been called. No - one has been killed but some of these photos are horrendous - see the link:http://tvnz.co.nz/national-news/quake-aftermath-live-updates-3760678 Hope you all enjoy perpignon!!!! Josh.