Ah thank you so much for responding! It's so nice to know I'm not the only one facing this excruciating wait and that other people are having a similar experience. I actually wish I'd joined this forum thing earlier!
In answer to your question about my boys taking the dreaded IELTS, no, thank the Lord they were not asked for that. Don't even get me started on my thoughts about IELTS! I may never come down off my high horse re that one!!
I will definitely checkout the link you pasted for me, thank you.
Good luck with everything and here's hoping we won't be waiting to much longer!