Life Is Like A Box Of Chocolates . . .

Last week was PT Conference, followed by Fall Break.  Everyone was ready for a break from school, teachers included.  (Blessing #977)   It came at a good time for us, because Jenica needed to make a return trip to Mayo Clinic for a follow-up appointment.  Being in HS now, Jenica really appreciated not having to take time out of school (#978) because it's so hard to get caught up when you miss a couple days in a row. 

Jenica's tests went really well, and she got a great report from her doctor.  (#979)  As you can imagine, we were a little bit apprehensive, because back in July we went to Mayo for a 2nd opinion, not expecting the news that we got.  This time, all was well.  According to Dr. Ackerman, Jenica's now on "Cruise control." 

While we waited for her appointments, a volunteer was in the waiting area teaching all the kids how to make a paper spinner craft thing (using colored strips of paper, straws, and a couple rubberbands), and the girls had time to make a couple while we waited.  Mayo does a great job at keeping kids busy and distracted from any tests they may be waiting for. (#980)

After Jenica's good report, we headed up towards Minneapolis so Jillian could be reunited with her friend Izzy, who moved with her family to a suburb in August.  Izzy & Jillian were SO excited to see each other and spent a couple hours playing in the pool at our hotel.  (#981)  

It was sad when they had to say "goodbye . . .  until next time."  The good news is that Jenica will have annual appointments at Mayo, so Jillian and Izzy will most likely be able to see each other once a year.  (#982)

We spent a few hours at Mall of America walking around, playing Miniature Golf at "Moose Mountain" inside the mall, along with a challenging "Mirror Maze" that Jenica and I were brave enough to explore while Chad & Jillian went to the popcorn shop to get a snack for the long ride home.  That mall is amazing! "Mall on Steroids" might be a better name for it.  We didn't buy much, but we did get a start on some Christmas shopping, which is tax-free in Minnesota.  (#983) 

Jenica and Jillian also spotted Justin Bieber and One Direction at a store, and they got them to pose for a quick picture.  Hee hee . . .

 

A quick story . . . When leaving the Mayo Parking Lot, Chad answered the parking attendant in a British accent!  Jenica and I had a lot of fun with that one!  (#984)  Chad must have been listening to too much One Direction in the car on the long drive up. 

Even though we had already left when it snowed in Nebraska, we didn't have any snow on our drive to MN (#985).  I love snow, but not when we're driving on unfamiliar roads.  We made it there and back safely (#986) and ate at some fun restaurants that we don't have around here. (#987)

Jenica had never heard of the movie "Forrest Gump", so we gave her a quick overview while eating lunch.  Here's one of my favorite clips . . .

It's really true.  Life really IS like a box of chocolates.  And I'm thankful for the life I've been given.  (#988)

I'm glad we don't have to return to Mayo for another year.  Even though it's only a day's drive, it's still a long way to travel for a doctor's appointment.  But when it comes to your children's health, you do whatever you have to.  And we are so blessed that God led us to our new doctor.  (#989)