Happy Father's Day

Just wanted to publicly thank Dave for being the best father and husband anyone could ask for.
We couldn't appreciate you more Dave!!

We love you!!!!

Marisa, Owen, Evan, Brandon, and Ariana

In addition, I would like to send a holler out to our dads, Jack and Bob.
We are very lucky to have such great fathers in our lives.
Not forgetting our wonderful grandfathers, Papa(now Papa the Great) and (Great) Grandpa Joe!!

Weekend Trip

Well, if you all have seen Evan's caring bridge site, you know that we have postponed his heart surgery until he is rid of this lingering cold.

So in lieu of surgery updates, here is a recap of our (not-so) last hurrah before surgery.

We planned a little weekend trip up to the cities.

First up....the Underwater Aquarium at the Mall of America....


Wow! Look at those big fish!

A shark! A sea turtle!

Come here, stingray!

Next, off to the Rainforest Cafe for dessert....


Everybody loves the frog!


Then it was time to head to the hotel. But on the way....



We had to take a small pit stop at a Walgreen's to ride out a tornado warning with a bunch of hail. Exciting!

Finally, we got to the hotel, ate some dinner, and then hit the waterpark!!!


Time to go down the waterslide!

Here comes the bucket of water. Watch out, Brandon!


By the time we were done, it was time to all cozy up in bed and watch a Veggie Tales movie until we fell asleep. In the morning, we ate a quick breakfast, and then headed back to the waterpark!!!!


What fun we had at the waterpark!


After that, it was time to check out of the hotel and head to the Como Zoo!!!


Thorpe family meets the orangutan family (notice the little baby in the middle)

Sleeping gorilla (hey, that kinda looks like Dad)

Time for snow cones and a seal show!

What a wonderful family trip! Of course, the minute we got home, the kids were asking when they could go again.

Thanks, Mom!