Vegas By Helicopter

My dad has always wanted to see the Grand Canyon and we were looking for some fun whilst visiting Las Vegas.  I looked into taking a Grand Canyon helicopter tour and started browsing the tour companies and making calls. There were a lot of sites offering Grand Canyon helicopter tours, but most were third parties selling these tours for the same couple of actual helicopter tour companies. After many calls we went with Sundance Helicopters.

We chose the Grand Canyon helicopter tour package that actually lands in the Grand Canyon instead of the ones that just fly over it. Part of the package includes transportation from your hotel to the helicopter tour company. We were picked up at our Las Vegas strip hotel in a very nice stretched limo.

                          

As we flew out of the airport we headed over the city of Las Vegas and into the desert. Our pilot would point interesting things out as we made our way through the desert. Our first sight was flying over the blue waters of Las Vegas Bay which was beautiful. Our next “stop” was the Hoover Dam which was quite impressive

             

Our Grand Canyon helicopter tour package included a lunch in the canyon. Our helicopter and one other landed at a private plateau of the Grand Canyon about 3,500 feet below the canyon rim with views overlooking the Colorado River.

 

After landing we all exited the helicopters and there were  picnic tables where the pilots set up our picnic lunches and some drinks for our tour group. We just had a quick bite of our lunches so we could spend some extra time walking around and exploring the Grand Canyon.

 

The area was very quiet and peaceful while the views were very beautiful and dreamlike. We explored a little bit toward the canyon walls but spent most of our time walking around the rocks and overlooks of the river and the canyon walls that were carved out over time.

After a while we were taking off again to our final part of the flight, which was over the spectacular Las Vegas strip. The place is something out of this world. The hotels are phenomenal. I highly recommended Sun dance helicopter tours. They were super friendly and guided us through as we in flight.

 

Sandy toes, Sun kissed nose

When I arrived in Fort Myers this summer, I was really excited about going to the beach. Like REALLY excited. I was going to go every day! The kids were going to love it! I was going to get a tan! Before we set off I made sure we were well prepared for our sandy day. We had beach chairs and an umbrella packed, beach towels, a cooler packed with ice cold drinks and snacks. Shed loads of sun cream and hats. Mrs prepared or what.

We set out on our first trip with my my 8, 6 and 3 year old. We slapped on the suncream and made our way out to the sand. The beach at Fort Myers is gorgeous, I could barely set my bags down before all three kids were waist deep in the water. They love the beach and swimming in the ocean.  Although if i’m honest I have never really been a lover of the beach, but all that has changed, I actually sat right down on the shoreline with Rex and let him splash around while the waves and sand rolled over us.

We spent our morning splashing in the waves near the shore, building royal forts and castles in the sand. The kids had competitions to see who could collect the most shells along the beach. I thoroughly enjoyed running in and out of the sea with my 3 little babes. I could play at the beach all day and watch theses three crazies explore.  After we were finished frolicking in the waves we surprisingly managed a picnic lunch at the beach with no sand being eaten or kicked in people's eyes. God knows how we managed it but hallelujah to that. Dare I say it, I actually found it quite peaceful and relaxing, Watching the kids tuck in whilst watching the waves roll up the shore.

The kids had been admiring the sail boats and jet skis whizzing by in the distance. I have always loved to ride them since I was a kid. My parents used to take me on them and we would race along the sea together. I asked the kids if they would like to give it a go? It will be a first for the kids and what an experience and great memory it will be for them. No need to guess at their answer.

So we hired 3 jet skis, Sam my dad and I with 1 little fish each to ride along the ocean along the shore at fort Myers beach. I could hear the kids laughter as we zoomed upon the waves. Sand in our toes and sea salt in our hair with not a care in the world. What a thrill.

After all that fun the kids were pooped and so was I. Running round after 3 tiny humans in the baking heat can take out of you. Im one tired mama.We gathered our belongings dusted the kids down with baby powder and packed our van up. What a fabulous day.The beach is where memories are made, and I hope my kids remember frolicking in the sand and water, exploring nature, and feeling the wind in their hair.

Some of my tips for great ways to make beach experiences with little ones fantastic.
Pack sun cream. So so important, especially for the little ones delicate skin. It's usually baking hot at the beach with no shelter, where your exposed to the blistering sun and beach breeze which is sneakily deceiving. So slap on the factor 50 enjoy the beach and be sure to re apply throughout the day. I would also advice buying or hiring an umbrella.This a great investment, as you and your kids can spend way longer at the beach while basking in the shade. Last but not least avoiding Sand in the snacks. I’m still trying to find a good way to solve this one. Bring talcum powder with you, throw it on your child, and like magic, the sand comes off. I found this useful not only when leaving the beach, but right before eating snacks and/or lunch, as there is nothing worse than eating sand. Nothing.

So there you have it a day at the beach with the Fishers with a few little handy tips thrown in for good measure.