Joshua – A Disappointing GCSE Result, But Not the End of the Road

Yesterday was a big day for Joshua, with the long-awaited results of his third attempt at passing GCSE English. To say we were all nervous about the outcome would be a massive understatement.

Unfortunately, the result wasn't what any of us had hoped for. Josh achieved another Grade 3, falling just eight marks short of the Grade 4 pass he needed. He took it particularly hard, which was understandable given how much harder he'd worked this time around and how much more important he knew the result was. Having already failed twice, he genuinely felt that this time he'd done enough to get over the line, so the disappointment was understandably huge.

We've tried to stay positive and remind him that, while this result is important, it certainly doesn't define his future. There are countless successful people who have achieved far fewer academic qualifications than Josh already has. Yes, getting that Grade 4 would have made the next step into his Level 2 Electrical Installation course much easier, but failing this particular exam doesn't mean his ambitions or career plans are over.

We've reminded him that he's only 18 years old and has his entire working life ahead of him. He has plenty of time to learn, train, gain experience and build a career in whatever direction he ultimately chooses. One exam result doesn't change any of that.

We've also spoken to the college about what happens next, and thankfully there are still some options available. The current plan is for Joshua to work towards getting his CSCS card, which would allow him to look for electrical labourer roles on building sites and start gaining some valuable real-world experience in the industry.

Actually, when you look at what Josh already has behind him, I think he's in a pretty strong position to find that first opportunity. He's 18, drives and has his own car, which gives him a big advantage when it comes to getting to different sites and being flexible about where he can work. On top of that, he already has a BTEC Level 1 in Electrical Installation and a BTEC Level 2 in Engineering, so he's not starting from scratch. He has some relevant technical education behind him, a genuine interest in electrical work and, with the CSCS card, the opportunity to get himself onto a real building site and start learning how the industry actually works.

The hope is that getting that first job will give him something that college simply can't provide—real-world experience. He'll be able to work alongside people already in the trade, see how electrical work is carried out in practice, build up his confidence and hopefully start making some useful contacts within the industry. It could ultimately prove to be a very valuable stepping stone towards becoming a qualified electrician.

At the same time, he'll look at completing his Functional Skills Level 2 in English, which is equivalent to a GCSE Grade 4. If he can achieve that, it should allow him to progress onto his Electrical Installation course as an adult part-time student next year.

The important thing now is that the ball is very much in Josh's court. The college has helped him as much as they can, and the next steps are going to require him to take responsibility and make things happen for himself. That might sound daunting, but it could also be exactly the opportunity he needs to start taking control of his own future.

This might be one door that has closed for Josh, but it doesn't mean there aren't plenty of others waiting to be opened.

Setbacks are an inevitable part of life. Everyone experiences them at some point, and what ultimately matters is how you respond to them. Josh has his whole life ahead of him, and while yesterday was undoubtedly a bitter pill to swallow, hopefully he'll look back on this one day as just another hurdle he had to overcome on the way to where he wanted to be.

Keep going, Josh. This isn't the end of the road—it's just a different route. ❤️

Brandon – First Year of A-Levels Complete!

Some great news last week as Brandon officially completed the first year of his A-levels, with a Pass in the exam and a Distinction in the coursework for his Information Technology Systems qualification.

I believe this is only the first part of the overall qualification, with the remaining elements being completed during Year 2 alongside the more challenging exams in Economics and Sociology. So there is still plenty of work ahead of him, but it's a great start and something he should be proud of.

That means he's now halfway through his A-levels!

Well done, Brandon! 🎉 One year down, one more to go. Keep it up! 💪

A Trip to Braintree

Another activity ticked off Holly's six-week summer holiday to-do list last week, this time with a little help from Brandon and Maia.

Now that Maia has passed her driving test, the pair took Holly over to Braintree to visit one of the large inflatable obstacle courses. Of course, they couldn't go all that way without using the trip as an excuse for a bit of retail therapy, so they also made a stop at Freeport Braintree for some food, coffee and a little shopping.

Unfortunately, Brandon being Brandon, he didn't take many photos and wasn't exactly forthcoming with the details either! From what I could gather, the inflatable course was apparently one of the largest around, although there isn't really much photographic evidence to back that up!

What I do know is that it was absolutely roasting hot, which made an hour of running, jumping and throwing yourself around on inflatable obstacles considerably harder work than it probably should have been.

In fact, Brandon didn't even manage to get any pictures of Holly! Instead, he somehow came home with a couple of photos of himself and Maia, taken by Holly. Priorities, clearly! 😂

So, unfortunately, this isn't going to be one of my biggest or most detailed blog updates as I've had very little information—or photographic evidence—to work with.

Still, it was really nice of Brandon and Maia to take Holly out for the day and help tick another activity off her summer holiday list. And with Maia now behind the wheel, I'm sure this won't be the last of Holly's adventures with the pair during the school holidays!

Don't be fooled in to thinking I went with them with the large Gorilla!

No Holly in sight.

But clearly the used Holly to get their couples picture for the "gram".

Priorities....

Paddle Boarding at Papermill Lock

Another of the activities on Holly's six-week holiday "to-do" list was paddle boarding, so when another heatwave was forecast for last Friday, with temperatures expected to reach 33–34°C, I booked the day off work. It seemed like the perfect opportunity to get out on the water, cool off and tick another item off Holly's list.

We did consider heading over to Shoeburyness for something a little different, but unfortunately high tide was around 3pm and Tina needed to be at work for 2pm. So, like creatures of habit, we got up early and headed back to our trusted paddle boarding spot in Boreham.

The plan was the usual one: jump into the River Chelmer and paddle our way up towards Papermill Lock, with the added motivation of knowing there was coffee and cake waiting for us at the tea room. Let's be honest, that particular combination is probably the real reason we keep coming back!

The river was absolutely beautiful. The water was crystal clear, the current was incredibly gentle and, in the extreme heat, it was wonderfully cool and refreshing. It really was the perfect conditions for a morning paddle.

That was until we got to the final 100–150 metres before Papermill Lock.

Suddenly, the beautiful, clear river transformed into something resembling an astro-turf football pitch! The surface was absolutely covered in thick green duckweed, and paddling through it was like trying to push your board through a bowl of syrup. Every stroke became hard work as the weed seemed determined to grab hold of the paddle and board.

Thankfully, it was only that final stretch and the rest of the river was lovely. If the entire route had been covered in duckweed like that, I'm not sure we'd have enjoyed the day quite so much!

Even the poor swan in the picture below looked like it had had enough. Rather than attempting to swim through the green sludge, it appeared to have decided that the best option was simply to park itself up and wait patiently for someone to open the lock and flush the whole lot downstream!

Despite the unexpected encounter with the world's worst natural swimming pool, it was another great day out—and another item successfully ticked off Holly's holiday list. And, of course, we couldn't leave without the obligatory coffee and cake at the tea room!

Did anyone see where the river went?

Who is up fr a game of football on this nice flat astro turf?

Never see it that thick before. Poor swan looks stuck.

Not sure I would want to dip my head in that.

The swan was going nowhere. God only knows how it is staying white.

A Mummy & Daughter Day in London

I'm a little behind with the blog updates since returning from Morocco, so it's time to catch up on what we've been getting up to during the remainder of the school summer holidays.

After we got back, Holly came up with a list of things she'd like to do during the six-week break. One of her requests was a Mummy and Daughter day in London, with a visit to one of the museums.

So, a couple of weeks ago, Tina and Holly headed into London and spent the afternoon at the Natural History Museum. From what I could gather, they had a really enjoyable time, although I'm not entirely convinced Holly picked the museum she actually had in mind!

I think what she was really looking for was something more focused on the history of different countries, nations and cultures, rather than dinosaurs, animals and natural history. So, it looks like we'll probably have to revisit this idea and find another museum that is a little more suited to what she had in mind.

It also sounds like their day in London was somewhat shorter than I was expecting. By the time they'd got themselves organised and caught the train into London, it was apparently well after 1pm, and they were already arranging to be picked up from the station at around 7pm. I had visions of them making a full day of it and arriving home much later!

So, all things considered, it was starting to look like a rather expensive trip into London for a McDonald's lunch and a few hours in a museum! 😂

Unfortunately, I can't really provide much of a commentary on the day as I was at work and couldn't join them. Holly wasn't feeling particularly great either, which probably explains why they didn't stay out quite as long as planned.

Still, they seemed to have enjoyed their Mummy and Daughter day, and I'm sure we'll have another attempt at the London museum challenge soon—this time with a museum that hopefully ticks a few more of Holly's boxes!

For now, I'll leave you with the handful of photos they sent me from their day out.

Holly’s New Obsession

Since returning from Morocco, Holly has become slightly obsessed with henna tattoos!

She enjoyed having her own henna designs done while we were away so much that she decided she wanted to have a go at creating them herself. She even spent some of her pocket money ordering her own henna ink and applicator needles so she could start experimenting with different designs.

It has now reached the point where, if you sit around for long enough with any exposed skin, there's a very good chance Holly will appear with her henna kit and start treating you as her latest canvas! 😂

To be fair to her, she doesn't just practise on everyone else—she does plenty of artwork on herself too, and some of the designs she's coming up with are actually pretty impressive.

So, do we have a budding young tattoo artist in the family?

I'm not sure the rest of us are going to have much choice in the matter! 😂

Holly's ever growing design catalogue.

Mum made the mistake of sitting around with skin exposed.

So she ended up with this on her foot.

One that Holly done on herself.

Working on some floral patterns on Tina.

Day 11 Agadir Morocco - Homeward Bound & Final Thoughts

 And just like that, our 2026 Moroccan adventure was over.

After the late night we'd had following our final excursion, the 6am alarm came around far too quickly! We still had the small matter of finishing our packing, which we'd barely touched before heading down to the Sports Bar for those final beers and a burger. Somehow, we managed to get everything back into the cases, drag ourselves out of bed and get our luggage down to reception in time for our transfer.

We just about had enough time to grab a quick breakfast and a coffee before it was time to climb aboard the coach and head back to Agadir Airport. After such a hectic final day, none of us were particularly keen on saying goodbye to the hotel, but it was time to head home.

The journey back was, thankfully, just as straightforward as the journey out. The flight was smooth, the airport experience was easy and everything went pretty much according to plan.

That was, at least, until we got within about five miles of home!

Suddenly, the traffic seemed to be completely gridlocked in every direction. What should have been the final few minutes of our journey turned into another 50-minute crawl. It was almost as if the traffic gods had decided that we hadn't had quite enough travelling for one day!

Eventually, though, we made it home, tired but very happy after what had been an absolutely fantastic holiday.

Final Thoughts

Looking back, Morocco was a brilliant choice for our 2026 summer holiday. The Riu Tikida Palace was an excellent base and we couldn't really fault the resort. The food, drinks, pools, beach, entertainment and general facilities all made it very easy to settle into holiday mode. Our little poolside gazebo even became our unofficial private section for the week!

But it was the excursions that really made this holiday memorable.

We managed to see so much more than just the inside of our hotel. From exploring Agadir, riding the cable car up Mount Oufella and wandering around the Souk El Had, to the absolutely exhausting but unforgettable day in Marrakech, we got a fantastic taste of Moroccan culture and history.

Paradise Valley was another highlight, particularly getting there early enough to enjoy it before the crowds arrived. And then, of course, there was Joshua's big day—the dune buggies, quad bikes, camel ride and sand surfing. Despite leaving it until the final day and creating a rather stressful last night, it was probably the perfect way to finish the holiday.

There were plenty of other little memories that will stick with us too. The daily morning sea swims, my obligatory double espresso, the endless games of bocce, Brandon's growing collection of Moroccan cat photographs, Holly's braids and henna tattoos, the ridiculously good food at The Krystal, the street art we brought home, and, of course, the various questionable Moroccan potions and creams we somehow managed to spend money on!

There were also a few lessons learned along the way—most notably that mist does not mean the sun isn't trying to burn you, 42°C in Marrakech is bloody hot, and perhaps booking a full-day excursion on the final day of a holiday isn't the best idea when your airport transfer is at 6am the following morning!

Overall, though, we packed an incredible amount into 10 days and created some fantastic memories as a family. Morocco gave us a great combination of relaxation, adventure, culture, food, sunshine and plenty of laughs.

Would I go back?

Absolutely.

Would I do Marrakech for two days?

Definitely not!

And would I leave the dune buggy excursion until the final day again?

Probably not...

But that's the beauty of family holidays. It's not always the perfectly planned moments you remember. Sometimes it's the mad dashes, the unexpected discoveries, the dodgy pharmacies, the ridiculously hot days, the questionable food choices and the moments that don't quite go to plan that become the stories you talk about afterwards.

So that's it—Morocco 2026 officially done and dusted.

Another holiday, another collection of fantastic memories, and another family adventure safely in the books.

Until the next one... 🌴☀️🇲🇦

Love my annual holidays with this bunch.

A picture from day 10 which I couldn't fit on the blog.

After an early start it is the depressing sight of the Ryanair plane to take us home.

Farewell Morocco, it has been fun.

Doesn't seem like yesterday we was boarding the flight out, now it is off home.

Day 10 Agadir Morocco - Dune Buggies, Camels & One Last Adventure!

 Day 10 and finally, it was Joshua's special moment!

There was one thing in particular he wanted to do on this holiday to Morocco—drive a dune buggy through the desert. We'd made him wait until the very last day before flying home, but today was finally the day!

We'd booked an afternoon excursion that promised a bit of everything: a camel ride, sand surfing, quad bikes, dune buggies and, to finish things off, a BBQ dinner with some local entertainment.

In hindsight, booking this for our final full day probably wasn't the greatest idea. It was an afternoon excursion, the location was further out than I'd expected, and it was based in Tamri National Park. By the time we eventually finished and started the journey back, we got caught up in some horrendous traffic. What should have been around a 1¼-hour journey back to the hotel turned into a 2½-hour slog, meaning we didn't get back until gone midnight.

The problem was, we hadn't even started packing yet and needed to be up at around 6am to catch our transfer back to the airport!

So, yes, doing this excursion earlier in the holiday and then having a relaxing final day would definitely have been the more sensible option. But despite the late night, lack of sleep and mad rush to get packed, we had absolutely no regrets. It was such an amazing experience and turned out to be the perfect way to end the holiday.

When we arrived, we were kitted out in traditional robes and headscarves ready for an hour-long camel ride along the beach. Holly rode with Tina, while Josh, Brandon and I each had our own camel.

Thankfully, the seats on these camels were about 100 times more comfortable than the ones we experienced in Tunisia, which made a huge difference. Rather than feeling like we'd been sat on top of a very uncomfortable piece of furniture, this was actually a really relaxing and enjoyable experience, with some fantastic scenery along the coastline.

Once we'd finished with the camels, it was time to ditch the robes and headgear, put on our hair nets and helmets, and get ready for the next part of the adventure—quad bikes and dune buggies!

Holly rode with Josh in the dune buggy, while Tina, Brandon and I each had our own quad bikes. Riding across the sandy desert terrain was brilliant fun and definitely one of the highlights of the day.

Josh was getting increasingly frustrated in the dune buggy, though, as he was stuck at the back of the group and couldn't really open it up as much as he'd hoped. So, after we'd finished the sand surfing, I swapped places with him and gave him the opportunity to have a proper go on one of the quads.

Next up was sand surfing, and this was probably the part of the excursion I was least looking forward to. As it turned out, I needn't have worried because it was absolutely brilliant fun!

The hill we were using didn't look particularly huge from the bottom, but once you're standing at the top with a board under your feet and looking down, it suddenly seems considerably bigger!

All of us spectacularly binned it on our first couple of attempts, but we very quickly started getting the hang of it. Joshua decided he'd had enough after a few runs up and down the hill—which I can't really blame him for, because climbing back to the top was bloody hard work.

Meanwhile, me, Brandon and Holly were starting to get pretty good, managing to complete full runs down the slope and even finish with something resembling a graceful dismount!

Despite my advancing years, the tour guide was still trying to convince me to attempt the running/jumping start onto a vertical board and ride it down the sand. I was getting very close to nailing it, but unfortunately today wasn't the day. Maybe next time!

For the journey back, we swapped the quads and buggy around, and this worked heavily in my favour.

The quads headed off first, leaving me and Holly at the back of the group in the dune buggy. A little while later, the guide stopped us and asked if we wanted to go faster.

Now, I'm not entirely sure what he expected us to say.

"Of course!"

He simply replied, "Okay, follow me," and then proceeded to take us completely off the main route.

What followed was one of the most exhilarating parts of the entire excursion. We headed off on a big diversion along the beach, eventually rejoining the others further down the coastline. For once, there was absolutely nothing in front of us—just wide-open sandy terrain and the beach stretching into the distance.

So naturally, we went full throttle!

It was absolutely brilliant and exactly what we'd all been hoping for when we booked the dune buggy experience. I'm pretty sure Joshua would have happily spent the rest of the afternoon doing that if we'd let him!

But the evening wasn't over yet.

We managed to get some fantastic photographs as the sun was setting before heading to an outdoor BBQ, where we were treated to some traditional local music and entertainment. And, thankfully, the food was absolutely fantastic.

There was plenty of it, it was delicious and, unlike our rather disappointing meal in Marrakech, there was absolutely no shortage of food. We all left with very full bellies and were suitably fuelled for the long journey back to the hotel.

Other than the nightmare journey home, this really was the perfect ending to an amazing holiday. We had packed so much into the last day—camels, quad bikes, dune buggies, sand surfing, a beautiful sunset, great food and plenty of laughs. It was exactly the sort of day that creates the memories you end up talking about for years afterwards.

Now we just had one tiny problem...

We had 8 hours to get back to the hotel, pack absolutely everything, shower, get some sleep and be ready for our airport transfer at 6am.

But first...

One final beer or two and a burger in the Sports Bar! 🍺🍔

Priorities.

Tina getting all dressed up for the camel ride.

Ah, that's an improvement (hehe).

Fashion man Brandon.

Holly re-using her headscarf from Tunisia rather than borrowing one of theirs.

Me sporting the bright green.

Perhaps I should have gone with my blue Tunisia one.

Big Josh, was it coincidence they made him a red head?

The 3 kids ready, just need some camels now.

We 5 Kings.

Tina and Holly were first up with Holly riding shotgun.

Up they go no problem.

Brandon making it look easy.

Holly and Tina waiting for all of us to get on our camels.

The look of the camel before Josh is about to mount it.

Josh was happy though as the seats were pretty comfy.

The camel had no trouble getting him up.

Lovely pic of Josh on his camel.

And off we go, Josh in front, then me, then H and T, followed up by Brandon at the back.

Josh leading the way for us.

As you can see I took so many pictures on the camels.

We went past this sea lake which had some interesting birds in it.

Unfortunately with Josh in front most of the pictures are his behind.

All 5 of us in convoy.

Josh was just thinking "Get me off this bloody camel and in to a dune buggy".

Me and my new holiday Metcons.

Another pic of T and H.

Brandon again.

Feels more like an Arabian adventure than African.

Josh, Holly and Tina passing the sea lake.

Such a lovely camel ride along the coast.

Some beautiful pictures as the sun starts to set.

Us 5 again.

Who has the hump, Josh or the camel?

This face covering will have to come off soon as I was getting hot.

Holly had already removed her face covering.

Brandon again.

OK time to expose my face.

Heading back for the quads and dune buggy.

Down comes Brandon.

The moment Josh had waited all holiday for, start your engines.

Brave Holly was his passenger.

Meanwhile me, Brandon and Tina were getting our hair nets ready for the quads.

Frustratingly waiting until all the quads left before Josh could go.

And we were off.

Me leading Tina and Brandon out. Eat my dust!

I make this look good.

Warning woman driver.

Warning - doesn't have a driving licence and failed his theory!

First stop.

That was such a good blast.

We were all having such a good time.

Then it was up the sand dunes to learn how to sand surf.

Always good to try something you have never done before and surprisingly to me this was really fun.

It didn't take long and I was looking like a pro.

It was definitely had work keep climbing up and down the sound dunes carry a surf board.

Holly about to launch herself, she loved it and did so well.

Look at that form and balance.

There is always one who has to go better than everyone else!

Race on, Holly being beaten by a 54 year old!

Surfing Morocco.

I think Holly went up and down more than anyone.

And she was getting good at making graceful dismounts at the bottom.

Back on the road and I swapped my quad for Joshua's dune buggy as we headed to a remote spot to view the sunset.

Absolutely love this picture.

This is what holidays are about, making amazing memories.

The sun starting to set as our excursion is coming to an end.

Off to get some sunset pictures.

Tina holding the sun in her palm.

What a great picture of our H.

And just like that we see our last sunset in Morocco.

Hungry bellies filled by loads of lovely Moroccan BBQ meat.

Our last evening meal of our 2026 holiday and what a fantastic way to end.