Sorry I'm late on a reply, I haven't had a chance to go online...

I'm kind of in the same boat. I don't have a lot of family either. What I'm thinking of doing is taking the kids on a hike (or you could also visit a lake or the ocean depending where you live.. or a library with extensive gardens... or? depending on the weather...), and cooking something special of course.

If you feel comfortable you can "matter-of-factly" extend an invitiation. I used to say things like... "Well, I'm not sure if you're doing anything on Saturday, but we just happened to be ____ and you're welcome to stop by if you like." If he said he wanted to stop by I'd try to play down the whole thing (and to the kids just point out that dad and I were working towards being friends), and when he said he couldn't I'd just happily reply, "Ok... well, I hope you you have a great week/weekend... you have a wonderful time and take care." Just real "friendshipy" and expectationless. Happy either way.

I hope your weekend goes well with whatever you end up doing. If your kids do go with their dad on Sunday, make sure you do something fun for yourself. Maybe a church service, visiting a book store, or going to the park with a little wine and a nice book, or hanging out with a friend or friends....

There is no arriving, ever. It is all a continual becoming.