The mahout video is Wonderful--I want to try it. But I'd need something to hold onto up there. Well done Ben and Tom.

Love Lesley

Each album seems to be "the best yet", but the mahout school is going to be hard to beat!! The boys look so happy - even moulding dung!!! Brave chaps. I wonder if the elephants ever 'take off' for the jungle!! with apprentice mahouts on top! There didn't seem to be anybody/thing restraining them! O wow! Luv from an envious and admiring grandmother!

All hail to the 2 newly recruited mahouts (aren't there child labour laws governing these things?!) - good to know the boys are keeping their career options wide open. I'm very impressed - those are big elephants, and Tom only had flip-flops on - personally I'd have insisted on steel capped boots. They may have fine motor skill for painting, but I reckon they could still tread on your toe in a moment of clumsiness.. yikes. It looked amazing. Thailand suddenly appeals - the people all look so friendly and the food sounds delicious (same there aren't any photos!!). Bit confused now about your next plans, but hope it will be fun, wherever you are. Love to you all.xx C

What amazing photos! I always thought Rocky was big, but seeing the boys on the elephants - fantastic!
Wonderful fishing trip - tho' not sure about Lance's kit!!!
Keep the photos coming!
Love from us all
Al, Pete, Hannah and a very excited Matthew - party tomorrow!

Hi, just caught up with your news - what an amazing time you're having. And reading it has brightened up an otherwise tedious evening wrapping pass the parcel and making tiaras out of aluminium foil (girls' party tomorrow - same as Asher's only pinker!). Lots of love to you all xxxx

Hello lovelies. I love this blog thing. Beats sending a postcard! You are almost tangible, but I do miss your hugs and voices.
Any possibility you could commission some animatronics of yourselves to be sent home to us whilst you're still exploring?
Tried the face mask look in Bath. Didn't go down too well, but I got down the high street more quickly than usual! (Kidding)...Keep the adventures coming. Loving it. Loving and missing you all xxx
Oh blast, that dreaded sum! 2 plus 4 is...oh got it!

Hi All, I read your comments about the Japanese wearing face masks. Apparently it is because it is considered impolite to blow your nose, so if they have a cold they wear a face mask to catch the drips. Has anyone else heard this?
I loved the pictures of the Terracotta Army.
Lots of love Sue xx

Hi
Good to see the Japan photos - and to read the blog. I think the face masks are a germ protection measure - either against catching a cold from public transport or against spreading one's own - Matt has experienced it too and was intrigued! Hope Thailand will provide R&R and a bit of downtime from the perpetual motion. Enjoy. xxxC

Fantastic new pictures!! Wow!! We have just enjoyed them with Lars, who is here for a few days! Love to Pim! We hope you will soon be with her. The place and the plans sound absolutely amazing. Love from us all three.

Love the latest photos. You all look so happy! Is it Japan next? You must be waking up and wondering where you are! Very exciting!
We are all back to school today - I think I would rather be where you are!
Enjoying your news and photos - looking forward to next installment!
LOL sez xxxxx

OMG! Life changing or what? Just spent the most amazing afternoon catching up with you guys. Awesome. Can't wait for the next installment. Feel like I'm right there with you. Happy birthday Ben. Loved your pressie - er - what was it exactly!? Got this strong urge to go and cover myself in mud...just want to be part of the fun! Love you all so much xxx

to ben happy b-day (again)having a great time in england, just had my birthday and i got a DSI (brilliant)and a bunch of other stuff.

from ben