A Walk in the Park // Fall Bucket List

When I saw one of the Fall Bucket List suggestions was a nature walk my first thought was, "Psssh, there are no seasons here. A pretty fall-like nature walk can't possibly happen for us."

Then for chits and giggles I pulled up the calendar for the South Coast Botanical Garden, you know, just to see what it was all about. The place looked gorgeous, regardless of seasons or not.

When I saw that the third Tuesday of each month was free at the gardens AND Grandma Kathy would be in town I figured we'd give it a shot. I was also secretly picturing all these gorgeous photos that I'd take with Marcus frolicking around the gardens… (Ha. Ha. Ha.)

Upon arrival I was immediately awestruck by how big the gardens were, the gorgeousness of it all - even if there weren't tree leaves changing colors - the butterflies that flitted all over, and the fact that there was a designated area for the littles.

Marcus was naturally drawn to the water pump. And didn't want to leave it, like at all.

By some miracle we were able to pull Marcus away to explore a bit. I was even able to convince the little man to stop and smell the flowers.

A couple sniffs and Marcus was over it.

I thought for sure the plant "tunnel" would draw him in.

Nope. Grandma and Marcus made one pass through and that was that.

We did touch on a few other great features of the gardens, but Marcus wasn't really into any of it.

It was becoming blazingly obvious that my visions of picture perfect pictures were quickly dying.

What Marcus WAS interested in? The dirt path. And the dirt. And the rocks.

Apparently we came to the botanical gardens for the dirt.

We made a quick pass though a picturesque path (while eating goldfish).

I snapped a few obligatory pictures of flowers as we were on our way out the door.

And, I figured we'd give this little nature experience a second shot another time. Perhaps the third Tuesday of this month we'll try again.

While the nature walk didn't turn out as I had envisioned (how I managed to get any decent photos is beyond me) - what ever does with toddlers? - it was great to check out a new space, stretch our legs (kick rocks and throw dirt), and plan a return trip.

What items have been crossed off your Fall Bucket List lately? Be sure to link up below with Stephanie, Elizabeth, and me, and give us the skinny on your fall fun!

      Desirée // Macke Monologues       Stephanie // Wife Mommy Me       Elizabeth // Chasin' Mason