As Thursday dawned we woke a lot less purposefully and took our time getting ready to go out.  We did a little laundry, and then headed to Long Beach to the Aquarium of the Pacific.

It had a lot of renovations and an expansion going on, but it still offered us a lot to do. 

The gentleman at the admissions window worked with John and I and his phone and computer to negotiate us the best possible rate and one that was significantly less than sticker price.  

The kids touched rays and jellyfish and star fish and other things whose names elude me. 

I would love to fill this blog page with lots of photos of our day there, but unfortunately, we took gobs and gobs of video and only a few photos!  I have no idea how I will make a photo book, either!

We ate our lunch outside the aquarium and in view of the Long Beach cruise terminal. 

We then headed about 10 miles away to Mother’s Beach, which is called that for it’s gently lapping water and fabulous playground.

With lifeguards on duty and no appreciable waves this beach on the inside coast of a tiny peninsula made for a great swim experience.  Yes, it was a wee bit chilly.  But the day was gloriously hot and sunny.

We headed back to the house, experiencing some of that unpleasant Southern California traffic, and enjoyed tacos at the house.  We headed to Downtown Disney for a little shopping.