Day 21 (7/19). (Lin) A much-welcomed chill day here in the greater Los Angeles area. After almost three weeks of rushing from one site to the next, it was great to sleep in, run some errands, lounge in the swimming pool, and eat fantastic food prepared by Kristina Kuzmic (including Nutella crepes for breakfast and crazy good skirt steak for dinner, plus Nutella creme brûlée for dessert — which we all had fun caramelizing). Kids especially enjoyed a day just to relax and be goofy.

I calculated that we have put 5,368 miles on our Odyssey since leaving home, which called for an oil and fluids change and check. Van looks great, the technician said. Fingers crossed. I’m sure we will put on almost that number of miles heading back.

It’s fascinating to essentially be in the northern suburbs of LA — some of the neighborhoods are only a decade old and go right up the sides of the hills. Everything is so neat, orderly, but super spread out. By Rhode Island standards, I had to drive a long way for my various errands (I’m talking 15 whole minutes, RI peeps!). Weather wise, it has been hot, dry, and sunny.

Huge dilemma: to Disney or not to Disney? Only time will tell.