Four Boys and a Girl: June 2025

May 16-20 we drove to California for a family vacation. Here we are on the road eating at a Raising Cane's.

We stayed overnight by the mall in Barstow, where I snapped this picture of JB taking a picture of Millie as the "Barstow Barbie."

Our doll got tired of walking around the outlet mall, so James gave her a piggy back ride. But we did get some good deals on shoes and such for the kids.

The hotel pool was cold, even the hot tub was cold, but it didn't dissuade the kids.

The next day in California, we checked out the pier and Huntington Beach. Windy and a little chilly but always lots to see there.

Often a child would request a picture by something they thought was cool.

Walking back to the car I took this picture.

We also played at a cool park nearby in Huntington Beach. I think it was called Central Park or something.

We stayed at a hotel in Anaheim in walking distance to Disneyland and this pool and hot tub were lots of fun.

We found this mermaid there.

And the chicken fights were extreme.

Going to church in Anaheim was a great experience. The ward was very welcoming and the boys got to help pass the sacrament.

The whole stake had just had a "Trek to the Temple" the day before, and hearing the talks about it was inspiring. I didn't say I wrote for the Church News but later, someone from the stake emailed me with a story idea about their trek and I gladly wrote about it here. I said I had been in that ward and she said she had no idea but my name jumped out at her from the list of reporters to try and email.

We also went to the Getty Museum where I saw a Van Gogh and a Manet painting in person.

The museum is high on a hill with a tram ride and great views.

James liked this grumpy sculpture.

Then we went down to walk around the Los Angeles Temple grounds and tour the visitors' center. They had a scavenger hunt and one of the senior missionaries was related to one of JB's mission companions.

Relaxing and reading on the trip.

We went to the beach on Monday.

The kids alternated between playing in the sand and taking turns with the boogie board.

Max called on his Pday and we talked to him at the beach. We miss him so much!

Also Millie buried Ben.

Early Tuesday morning, we arrived at Disneyland for rope drop! This was Millie's first time, and the first time that James could remember. Andrew went with JB in 2018 when he was 7, and before that we went in 2015 when James was 2. I used to get media passes but those stopped.We also went in 2013 when I was pregnant with James, and in 2012 when Andrew was 2, and in 2010 with just Max and Ben ages 5 and 3.

We went right to the Star Wars area to ride Rise of the Resistance.

Seeing Ben's face was one of my favorite parts of the day. (The other favorite parts of the day was Millie with princesses)

All the Star Wars things were so cool.

Millie met Rey while the boys went back onto Smugglers' Run while the morning line was short.

Then we went to Tiana's Bayou, which used to be Splash Mountain.

And then the Jungle Cruise, which always is a fun ride in my opinion.

Here's the tree house.

Then we did Indiana Jones. You'll notice Millie's red face from the beach the day before. She burns very easily, even with sunscreen and a hat.

James LOVED the corn dogs we had for lunch.

We went over to California Adventure and did the Spiderman web-slinging attraction for James.

Millie was getting tired on her feet from all the walking so I held her in the long line at Carsland for Radiator Springs Races. This was the only ride I could not finagle a Lightning Lanes pass for (the old FastPass system. I was working that Disneyland app and Lightning Lanes reservations all day like a pro).

We all had fun when we got on!

Then Millie and I did the Tow-Mater ride while the three boys went in the single rider line to do Racers again.

We kept thinking of Max as we met Lightning McQueen! He used to love the movie Cars.

Then we did Toy Story Midway Mania.

Ben and Andrew are aiming at Millie here and teasing her.

JB caught me trying to hustle us to our next Lightning Lanes appointment. I think it was for the IncrediCoaster. Millie even did and loved it. I closed my eyes the whole time, I don't know why I was so nervous.

Then Ben found the spot for a meet and greet with Elsa. I about melted. Years ago when I didn't think we'd ever have a girl, I think I was the saddest about not seeing a girl experience Disneyland. But I will say watching this girl and the boys experience it together was really really fun. They all wanted each other to have a good time.

First button.

Last time we went it was Soarin Over California, now it's Soarin Over the World, and we all enjoyed it.

James at first was nervous about the concept but realized he was fine.

We walked out and saw Minnie. Millie was estatic because they matched.

We stopped for some dinner, and while refreshing the app I grabbed a Lightning Lane for the old Tower of Terror, now the Guardians Mission Breakout. Ben was stoked, he had wanted that ride and all day it showed a 2-hour wait. I closed my eyes on this one, too, it scares me when they open the window.

Heading back over to Disneyland in the evening, we went to Autotopia.

Millie steered and I did the gas pedal.

Andrew was behind us and Ben behind him, while JB was in front of us.

Then we went to Space Mountain and Buzz and Star Tours in that area.

Then it was getting dark, and my dream of getting Millie into the princess caslte vanished because everything was closing for the fireworks. But we made it through the crowds over to It's a Small World, and Millie said this was her favorite ride.