At Home With The Cookes

For many, the thought of getting from the sprawling city of Los Angeles to the dazzling neon lights of Las Vegas immediately brings to mind a quick, budget flight.  While flying might seem like the most efficient option, trust us, a road trip between these two iconic American destinations offers an unparalleled experience, especially for those venturing from the UK.  Ditch the cramped cabins and embrace the open road – here's why driving is the clear winner, along with essential tips for our British friends.

Get ready for an exciting family outing as Fireman Sam Live! The Great Camping Adventure brings its thrilling new show to Parr Hall in Warrington on Saturday, May 24, 2025, with a 2pm performance.  This action-packed live show promises laughter, excitement, and valuable lessons in safety.

During our recent trip to Las Vegas we were invited to step away from the Strip and delve into a different kind of culinary experience: Wild Fig BBQ in Summerlin.  We eagerly accepted the invitation to sample their renowned BBQ combo platters.  Little did we know, this unassuming spot would deliver a smoky, flavorful punch that far exceeded our expectations.

The Sea Sprite Hotel is a charming beachfront property located in the heart of Hermosa Beach, a vibrant beach town between Manhattan Beach and Redondo Beach in Los Angeles' South Bay, California.  We were recently invited to stay in their Premier Partial Ocean View Balcony Suite for three nights, and we were thoroughly impressed with our experience.

We recently embarked on an action-packed 3-night trip to LA, blending iconic landmarks, thrilling theme park adventures, and classic California vibes.  If you're looking for inspiration for a whirlwind West Coast getaway, here's exactly how we squeezed every drop of fun out of our LA experience!

Our final day of this incredible US road trip had arrived!  After a chaotic Day 12, which unexpectedly changed our plans and landed us in Peach Springs due to a snowstorm, Day 13 was dedicated to finally ticking this natural wonder off our bucket list.  The night before, determined not to leave Las Vegas without showing the boys, we'd booked our tickets for the Grand Canyon West Rim, including entrance and the famous Skywalk. 

Today's Lancashire Cup game  wasn't just another fixture; it marked Charlie's 150th career appearance at Latchford Giants, a milestone made even more special by sharing it with his best friend and teammate, Joe.

Day twelve of our epic US road trip, we said goodbye to the dazzling lights and excitement of Las Vegas, checking out of the Rio Hotel with hearts full of memories.  Today was extra special – our wedding anniversary!  Our plan was to make our way to Arizona and spend our final night in a lodge nestled within the Grand Canyon National Park at the South Rim.  Little did we know, Mother Nature had a different kind of adventure in store for us!

Our final full day in Las Vegas was another whirlwind of fun and adventure! After a leisurely morning at the hotel, recharging our batteries for the day ahead, we had one crucial item to tick off Charlie's ever-growing list of American fast-food experiences: Raising Cane's.

The daffodils are blooming, the days are getting longer and the Easter holidays are almost here. Easter half term and the Easter weekend are the perfect opportunity to spend quality time with your family and create lasting memories.  Cheshire is bursting with fantastic days out and activities to keep kids of all ages entertained.  Our ultimate guide is here to help you plan an egg-cellent break!