Family

We're the Cookes, a family of four who believe life's greatest adventures are found together.  We love to travel and explore new places, but you'll usually find us on the sidelines of a rugby or football pitch.  Our two very active boys, Charlie and Louie, are our world, their energy is endless, and so is their love for all things sports.

Join us as we share our family adventures, from our travels near and far to the chaotic, wonderful world of raising two sports mad boys. Thanks for stopping by!

Experience the Magic This Christmas: Home Alone in Concert

Are you ready to kick off the festive season with a dose of cinematic and symphonic magic?  Get ready, because Home Alone in Concert is coming to Connexin Live in Hull on Monday, 8th December.  This is your chance to relive the beloved Christmas classic like never before, with the iconic film screened in high-definition as a full live orchestra performs.

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Your Ultimate Guide to UK's Hottest Upcoming Family Shows 2025

Looking for the perfect family day out?  The UK's live entertainment scene is bursting with incredible shows, from roaring dinosaurs to high-octane stunts and magical musical extravaganzas.  We've compiled a comprehensive list of the most exciting upcoming family shows in the UK, with a special focus on September and beyond!

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Summer Holiday Countdown: Navigating the Juggling Act as a Full-Time Working Mum

The long-awaited summer holidays are rapidly approaching, bringing with them the promise of sunshine and fun but for the full-time working mum, it often comes with a unique set of challenges.  How do you balance deadlines with days out, and client calls with childcare chaos?  Fear not, you're not alone, and with a little strategic planning, you can make this summer a triumph for both your career and your family.  So, as the academic year winds down, it's time to start planning how to make the most of this precious break.

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A Special Night at the Panto: Our Review of Cinderella at the Parr Hall in Warringto

This January, the Parr Hall in Warrington hosts a dazzling production of Cinderella.  This evening was the the press event so me and Louie went along to see his first pantomime along with my friend and god-daughters.  It was a truly enchanting experience for all ages, from the glittering costumes to the hilarious antics of the Ugly Sisters, this pantomime has all the ingredients for a perfect fun family evening.  

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A Magical Christmas Surprise from Nanna

Christmas is a time for magic, family, and creating unforgettable memories.  Each year we spend Christmas morning, just the 4 of us and the living room transforms into a festive explosion of wrapping paper.  As the boys tear into their gifts, the air is filled with happy squeals, shouts of surprise and precious moments. Once the initial flurry of present opening subsides and a mountain of discarded wrapping paper lies scattered around us, we tidy up and prepare for the next wave of Christmas cheer.  Our families then begin to arrive, bringing with them more gifts to share.

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Design Your Dream Headguard with Impact Rugby UK

Charlie recently asked for a new headguard, something more than just the generic kit and that's when we discovered Impact Rugby, the UK's only bespoke headguard manufacturer.  Today, we're taking you through the exciting world of designing your very own personalised headguard.  Forget boring, plain headgear, with Impact Rugby UK, you can unleash your inner artist and create a headguard that reflects your unique personality (or your team's spirit!).

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Fueling Young Athletes: The Power of Nutri-teen Shakes

In the world of youth sports, the importance of proper nutrition cannot be overstated.  As young athletes engage in rigorous training and competition, their bodies require a balanced intake of nutrients to perform at their best, recover quickly, and support healthy growth and development.  This is where YSN Nutri-teen shakes come into play, offering a convenient and effective way to meet the dietary needs of our budding sports stars.

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Raising Responsible Little Men: The Power of Chores

Is it old-fashioned to believe that children should help around the house?  Some might argue, but the truth is, teaching children responsibility through household tasks is a foundation for raising independent, well-rounded individuals, as it helps them develop essential life skills and a strong work ethic. 

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The Joys and Challenges of Parenting a Sports-Obsessed Child

In this blog, we’ll dive into the whirlwind journey of nurturing a young athlete.  It’s a path lined with muddy boots, countless hours of practice, and the unmistakable scent of determination.  We’ll explore the pride that swells in our hearts with every tackle, try or goal and the resilience we must foster when the game doesn’t go our way.

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Our Review of Youth Sport Nutrition Nutri-Teen Shakes

YSN Nutri-teen shakes have been making waves in the world of youth sports nutrition offering a convenient and tasty way for young athletes to meet their nutritional needs.  Our 13 year old son Charlie has a very active lifestyle, takes part in a variety of sports and is part of a number of teams including Rugby League, Rugby Union and Rowing so we came across Youth Sport Nutrition and after reading about their products we felt that they would be a great addition to Charlies diet and routine.

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Kids eat free or for £1 offers during the summer holidays 2023

Summer holidays are here which for most of us means finding plenty to do to keep the kids entertained.  Eating out is a great way to spend time as a family but with rising costs this can sometimes be challenge.  We've tried to make it easier by putting together this guide with the best kids eat free or discounted meals to help give you some inspiration this summer. Make sure that you check T's & C's before your visit.

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Juggling Working From Home With a baby/toddler

I'm often asked about working from home with a toddler and the truth is it is bloody hard work.  I sit and think about it every time someone asks me about juggling both, whether it's just for an insight or looking for tips themselves.  Yes its hard and there are some downsides but there's also a lot of positives.

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