Two Days in San Diego

On December 29, we left for Southern California for our cruise.  We drove from Fremont to San  Diego on December 29, a few days before the cruise, to do some sightseeing and visit relatives.  Low tide on December 30 at Cabrillo National Monument was at 1:30pm, so late morning was an optimal time to do some tidepooling before worst of the crowds.

Benjamin looking out into the ocean.  Laura is in the middle of the photo in a white top and pink shorts.

Joshua found a startfish/

We then ate lunch at the visitor center while enjoying the view of San Diego.

We spent the rest of the day with Phil and his kids. We even enjoyed the novelty swimming in their neighbordhood's outdoor pool and hot tub in the middle of winter.

December 31, we spent with the Aunt Eileen, Uncle Bruce and Kenny at the San Diego Zoo.

Benjamin and the orangutans.

 After enjoying dinner with them at Soup Plantation, we drove to LA and stayed in North Hollywood so that we can get to Universal Studios early the next day.  Laura was disappointed to miss the ball drop in Times Square (which we finally realized would take place at 9pm our local time), but we were treated to fireworks at 9:00pm while we were passing by some amusement parks in Orange County.