This weekend felt like a quiet trial run—
just us, figuring out what family could look like
in all its messy, simple, good ways.
Friday after school we headed to Pembroke.
The kids ran, splashed, and dug in the sand.
We ate chips on the beach with sandy fingers,
threw Frisbees,
and tried out new spades.
The sea was full of jellyfish,
so Tilly’s second swim was cut short—
a shame, but she made the best of it.
That night at Joel’s,
Luca eventually settled to sleep,
and Tilly, Joel and I ended the day
together on the sofa watching our show—
no big fuss, just us,
tired and happy.
Saturday morning started gently.
The kids played outside like angels,
Tilly setting Luca little sweet challenges,
while Joel and I just took it in—
those rare moments when everything feels calm.
We went sea glass hunting at Castle Cornet,
then stopped at Iris & Dora for painting—
a bit of colour, a bit of fun,
before wandering town for bits and pieces:
a few things from Claire’s for Tilly,
new shoes for Luca.
Lunch at The Chop House gave us a break,
a chance to catch our breath.
Afterwards, Saumarez Manor:
feeding ducks and the terrapin,
riding the little train,
getting caught up in silly games—
waving at unicorns,
dodging imaginary snakes.
When the weather turned,
we took shelter in a charity shop
and left with treasures:
teddies, outfits, cars.
Later, back at Joel’s,
ice creams, Peppa Pig lollies,
and time to play Tilly’s new charity shop game.
The kids played cars,
just being kids—
and that was more than enough.
At one point, I popped to the shop,
and when I came back
I noticed Tilly’s shoes sitting on the rack
like they’d always belonged there—
blending in, part of the picture,
seamless.
And in that small, quiet moment,
I felt it.
Family.
Later, when tiredness hit
and Luca’s emotions bubbled over,
Tilly and I headed home
for some quiet.
All in all,
a good weekend.
No big plans, no big lessons—
just blended family time,
and it worked.
