LAX layover between international destinations

[Mikamarii]

Hello Friends,

 

We have a return flight leaving Sydney, Australia to Canada with a 10hr layover in LAX. 

 

We will have our two kids (10 and 8) in tow and trying to figure out what to do.  As we will be gone for over 50 days we are gonna have a 1 or 2 extra suitcases. 

 

I've tried doing some research to figure out the process. From what I can find we will land in Terminal B, collect bags and clear customs, then recheck bags inside terminal B ; exit the airport; go to terminal 2 where we will clear security again. Our airlines are qantas then westjet. 

 

We are thinking if we have to reclear security again we might as well leave for a couple hours to kill time if we don't have our bags with us. We found a day use hotel which should work for us if we don't have to bring our suitcases with us.  Spending that much time in the airport with two kids sounds disastrous!

 

Has anyone every done this connection (or similar) and can shed some light on the process? From what i've found most of the people experiencing this thay have commented are connecting in lax to another destination in The USA; not another international connection so don't know of the process will be the same. 

 

Thanks!!