The end of 2024

We are almost done with this year. It’s unbelievable. Many things have changed this year, and who knows what next year will bring.

Since we were in Southern California, we decided to take Luca and the kids to the Back to the Future filming locations.

We took him to the location where the DeLorean was destroyed and to Doc’s house. Each time we would get out, I’d play the scene so he could see it himself. Everything still pretty much looks the same, so it makes it easy for them to see it. Luca begged to go inside Doc’s house, but sadly, we couldn’t.

We also rented an Elantra for the trip (so we can put the miles on that vehicle instead). A non-hybrid was getting between 40 and 50 MPG. I was verrrryyy impressed.

The very next day, we went to Universal Studios. It’s unbelievable that it’s been nearly 9 years since we arrived. Arabella was two, and we didn’t have any other kids then.

All the kids have grown up knowing the Grinch as “Uncle Grinch,” so we stopped by and said hello (yes, they loved being decked out in Grinch gear).

We could go on some rides and stay around for a fireworks show that started around Midnight.

Elijah LOVED the Jurassic Park ride, but Ara thought the drop was a bit much.

Elijah didn’t so much love the Mummy ride (due to the dark), but Ara liked that one. So it’s been a good trade-off of different rides they each prefer.

Luca and Ezra were able to ride some in the Despicable Me land.

All the kids have enjoyed this experience, especially sharing it with my parents.

There was something about watching the fireworks go off over Hogwarts—a pretty cool experience.

Here’s to 2025!