Mom/Grammie and I took the kids to La Cañada's Descanso Gardens for the most beautiful morning. I had forgotten just how stunning it is there. The overcast skies and cool weather made it feel like the beginning of fall and we were in Heaven.

Founded in 1953 by E. Manchester Boddy, Decasnso is home to 160 acres of gardens and woodlands, in addition to the gorgeous 12,000 square foot mansion, The Boddy House - available for wedding and private events.

Adorable cafe, across from their gift shop.

Their new water-wise, sustainable center circle.

The kids had so much fun walking around and exploring.

Duck and ducklings!!!

The kids were pumped for the Enchanted Railroad.

**Check the website for run times, as it doesn't run every day.

Descanso has great seasonal activities, so be sure to check out their online calendar. The spectacular "The Rise of the Jack O'Lanterns" Halloween installation, runs Oct 1st-Nov 1st. Click The Rise FAQ for times and details.

Discanso Gardens is located at:

1418 Descanso Drive, La Cañada, Flintridge, CA 91011

Click HERE for hours and more.

Over the weekend, we went "glamping" at the beautiful El Capitan Canyon. This is my level of camping. Especially with a two-year-old.

Here's how they describe it on their website - "Enjoy services and amenities typically found in a traditional resort, yet it’s minimalism without deprivation… comfort without over-indulgence. The glories of nature without the overbearing manufactured hand of man. Experience the natural beauty of the environment in a camp-like surrounding with all the creature comforts we have come to enjoy and expect."

You can chose between various types of cedar cabins or a luxury safari tent. We stayed in a "Creekside King," which was one room with a kitchenette and bathroom. Those rooms come with small fridges but my friends instructed me to bring a large cooler with ice packs which worked brilliantly. I kept it on our porch for the three-day weekend and my food was still cold at the end of the trip.

Spend the day outside hiking in nature, play sports on their grassy field, swim in their heated pool, bring the kids to their playground or bike to the beach.

Then return back to camp to make food on the grill!

And just because you are camping, doesn't mean you can't enjoy a good cheese platter! Just buy your favorite cheeses and crackers ahead of time, pack perishables in your cooler, bring parchment paper and/or wood platters and you are set!