only a few weeks ago my neighbour and I were in touch with them about a position with our two families.

There were several telephone calls made by myself and my neighbour to the girls, not to mention endless emails. My neighbour and I were under the impression that the girls were going to come to our families - duties, and pocket money etc. were all agreed - the only thing that wasnt finalised were the dates that the girls would fly out. Initially they had told us they could come immediately as they were only back in their home country for a holiday - awaiting a placement. I delayed them coming on the date that they first suggested to me as my current aupair was still working for me.

Then - basically in what was to be the final phone call to finalise matters - Helena told me that Lenka had now decided that she did not want to become an aupair anymore - she wanted to stay with her family - so Helena had therefore decided that she was now not going to come to my family - she wanted a placement in London instead - which was fair enough considering we live in a rural location and she wouldnt have her friend with her.

So just a word of warning - dont get too carried away with these girls like we did - because they may well back out at the final minute -

especially considering that Lenka apparently didnt want to be an aupair anymore !