Wandering Toddler

Have been meaning to write about our visit to this gorgeous place for a while. It's definitely on of those places which you must visit if you are visiting San Francisco. The red wood trees here have so much history, it's so close to the city yet so secluded. It's about 45 mins drive from the San Francisco city and one of the ways to get there let's you drive over the Golden Gate Bridge( One of the many things you can do). The drive up there is beautiful. You will cross so many scenic points along the way. Parking can get full quickly over long weekends or so.. They have overflow parking as well as bus system that runs from Mill valley to Muir Woods. You can opt for that or drive yourself. Once you get to Muir woods, buy your tickets and ask for Junior Ranger program. It's for kids of the age 4 and above. But it's great to keep them entertained, learn about the park and it's free! There also are range lead program which provide a lot of information on

We love Yosemite National Park. A bit of a drive from the Bay Area but it so serene, beautiful, and perfect for a Summer family camping trip. Time:  Summers is a great time to visit Yosemite. And if you can end of May and early June or late August and early Sept, that would be the best. Camps: Yosemite is famous for the camp grounds and the tents style accommodations that they offer. They have a few options you can choose from, ranging from the most luxurious to the most basic ones! There are two camping sites "Housekeeping" or "Half Dome Village(Formerly known as "Curry Village"). Housekeeping : Housekeeping has basic tents, with queen/bunk beds. They do not have any heating systems. And no bed sheets or blankets. But they have a nice picnic table for each tent, and a fire pit. Some of the tents are right by the Merced river!! Half Dome Village : These are more sophisticated camping accommodations which have heating systems, provide bed s

Napali Coast When you think of Hawaii, you think of beaches, sand and beautiful weather! That's exactly what we had in mind when we thought of going to Hawaii. One of the islands in central Pacific, with tropical weather makes it a perfect vacation destination. We went to the island called "Kauai" this time around. When we plan family vacation here's something's we consider: Time : What's the best time? Truthfully, Hawaii is good all year long. ;) Summers can be really hot but then winter's can be rainy. Having the luxury of planning it without school restrictions, we planned it in September.  Going in September has it's advantages : 1. Cheaper airfares 2. Cheaper hotels/resorts 3. Less crowded 4. Weather is nicer! We went to Kauai, Hawaii mid Sept and found that airfare were cheaper after Labor Day weekend.  Hotel: This particular choice has largely changed since becoming a parent. We no more prefer hotels, rather resor