G: I reckon the only stick in the mud would be the commute for DH. week in week out. My DH did it for 6 months (admittedly it was super crazy in that he had to fly melb-syd then train to wollongong), so was further away and couldnt get home in a moments notice. it would be a bit hard in that respect ITMS. especially if you are needing to establish yourselves in a new network of friends and support...

THAT said, i am a big big fan of 'adventures'. could you try before you buy (in the sense that could you guys do the move before you sell the house in the hills?). see how it feels on your skin IYKWIM.

what about smaller towns a bit closer to syd? even the 'gong? (which i think is a pretty fab place!).

anyway, those are just my totally preliminary thoughts, i will think more on it tonight a bit more xx

MD: oh, that is super craptacular timing re the car...(not to mention the root canal...eepp!). i have to be honest and say that i am super stoked that there will be no childcare fees for L next year. that is a saving of $900 a month for us...much needed funds...

AFM: we are all pretty OK here. i ate some dodgy chicken in townsville and weirdly it only seems to overcome me every 2 days or so. it is soooo annoying. Marta is good with her arm, but now i am super super paranoid when i hold her hand/pick her up. hopefully this paranoia will wane as it is a bit excessive
Leila is SUPER excited about the trip to the US. it *might* have to do with the bag of goodies that i am packing for the trip and the promises of a visit to disneyland hahahaha!