Well, it seems that us booking our flights to Melbourne has opened a few eyes to the fact that we really are going.  Least of which our own.  However, it seems to have affected Mike's Mum and Dad a great deal and for the first time since we mentioned emigration, they are being positive and open and wow what a difference it's made.  They came over on Saturday and although I didn't get a chance to chat, Mike did and his Dad was asking all sorts of questions and said they'd like to visit us next August.  Amazing.  I don't remember the exact words, but apparently my fil said something like "the time for being negative has passed and we need to look forward now".  Mike is so so so happy,  He's really looking forward to spending some time with them now and really talking it all through.  For us, every visit recently has been overshadowed by this strange atmosphere and the unspoken word - Australia!!! and hopefully that's all changed now.

We also got the keys for our rental property last week and so for the next 6 weeks, we are officially a 2 home family.  Have moved quite a few bits and pieces down there already and we plan to move in in around 4-5 weeks.  Was down there this morning actually putting some stuff in and it turns out one of the neighbours is a little girl called Caitlin who goes to nursery with Ellie.  Her Mum is Janette and she's a very bubbly and happy brummy.  I've met her a few times and she's lovely so at least we know one of our neighbours now, and the girls will have a wee pal straight away.