Michigan :: Day 3- Time with Jessica

 We decided to start our Sunday off by heading to Great Lakes Crossing to meet my cousin Jessica and her daughter for lunch. I knew there was a Rainforest Cafe there and thought the boys would absolutely love it (I was right).

We met up at 11am (right when they opened) and had the most wonderful lunch with Jess and B. B had friends that were moving and Jess had them with her, and the kiddos all had a great time checking out the different parts of the restaurant. Hugh was not too sure about it, but Gus loved it.

 

Gus picking out "Tabby" his new favorite animal

The food was awesome and it was just so wonderful to sit and chat with Jessica and hear about how she and her family is doing, and to hear about her sisters and how they're doing. Like I said in a previous post, when we were growing up, we saw our cousins all the time and it's nice to see them when I can. 

I don't know why I didn't get a picture of me and Jess (kicking myself now for it), but I love her dearly and just had such a great time seeing her. I miss her so much!!

If you've never been to a Rainforest Cafe and find yourself near one, you should totally go. It's such a fun experience and the kids will love the thunderstorm that happens every 30 minutes or so. We definitely plan on going back the next time we are in Michigan!!

A Year of Gratitude #122

 

A Year of Gratitude #122: Jessica

I just adore my cousin Jessica. I've written about her before, but she really is such a wonderful friend. 

I'm thankful that she was able to take time out of her day to chat with me... had I known she was still at work, I probably wouldn't have been such a chatter box... but I didn't know. I'm thankful for the words of wisdom she gave me this afternoon, as well as sharing some insights on running. 

There's nothing better than talking to someone and having them tell you about their thoughts and feelings and you have the EXACT SAME thoughts about the subject. Jessica told me about when she first started running/jogging and it was like she was in my head sharing her thoughts about the pain and agony while running. Shins burning and calves on fire... she said she ALWAYS gets that for the first five minutes of her running/jogging and then it goes away. So good to know.

I'm thankful that I've been able to inspire her to start walking/jogging/running again. She did it for eight months and had to stop... and has now been inspired to start again... all because of me. It made me feel so good. I'm not alone in this... not by a long stretch and it feels AMAZING to know that I have so many people who are cheering for me and believe in me.

The power of positive thoughts is incredible.

I usually HATE (and I seriously hate) talking on the phone. I have a few people in my life that I really make exceptions for when it comes to phone calls. I enjoyed my time on the phone with Jes today and look forward to seeing her in a few short weeks.

:-)