This summer has thrown me one of those rare, magical scheduling miracles. Matilda is away with her dad for two weeks during the holidays — and in an unexpected plot twist, Luca is away with his mum for one of those weeks at the same time.
Which means Joel and I have something we’ve almost never had since blending our two little worlds:
a completely child-free week.
And honestly, there was only ever one answer to the question, “What should we do with this time?”
A holiday. Obviously.
Originally, when we thought Luca’s week was the first week of Tilly’s holiday, we planned a Turkey trip. I’d been quietly daydreaming about showing Joel all the bits I loved from when I went with Sarah and the kids — the markets, the lazy days, the whole vibe. But then the dates shifted (co-parenting calendars should honestly count as a sport), and Turkey just didn’t line up with flights for the new week.
But we still had our overlap. So, in true-us fashion, we didn’t sulk — we pivoted.
Tenerife. Hard Rock Hotel. Ultra all-inclusive. Loud, lively, and the perfect excuse to properly unwind together.
We’ve even invited Shani and Mark to join us if Mark can wrangle the time off. And because Joel and I are incapable of half-measures, we’ve booked everything already — right down to the Guernsey–Gatwick flights. Meaning the fun bit begins now: counting down, daydreaming, and planning which Bali beds we intend to claim like territorial seagulls.
This will be the most uninterrupted time Joel and I have ever had without kids, work, or everyday routine crowding in. And honestly? I can’t wait. I love that man so much. He sees me in ways I didn’t even know I needed to be seen. Having a whole week to just be together feels like the biggest luxury.
Maybe even a little honeymoon practice… 😉