Now TODAY was what California weather should be.  Hot, sunny . . . and we were at the beach.  After sleeping in (8:30), we went to Santa Monica Pier.  No real surfers, but you could easily imagine them here. People were frolicking in the surf, so a bunch of our kids ran down to the water -- and promptly ran back out after discovering that the Pacific ocean is cold!  Next they discovered the wild mouse and the ferris wheel, and had more fun.   We had lunch at the end of the pier, sitting in the sun, listening to the street musicians, and watching the street artists.  Definitely a good day.

The South Dakota State band played on the pier at 2, and we all went to listen.  At over 300 members strong, they are the largest band in the parade, if you don't count the consolidated LA schools band. They had a great drumline, and a super brass ensemble who played too.  It really gave the kids a great view of how much fun a college band can be, as they danced in and showed off.  Great example of how to be really good and have fun, too. Their band supporters had raised enough money to buy all new instruments for the band for this trip.  JR, don't get any ideas. . . .

After the concert, it was back to the hotel to practice, then on to a dinner with the Swiss police band (no, they don't speak much english), and the South Dakota Band. JR informed them that if they were a "real" state, they would have North in their name, like "North" Carolina.  Guess what?  300+ people can drown us out pretty quickly. Ha.   That's ok -- we looked better!

New Years came early for us, as our deadline for being ready and downstairs is 4am.  Guess tomorrow's the day to celebrate. Happy New Year, North Carolina!