Great start to Summer 2014

We went to Erie for a couple of days so that Jim could enjoy his Father's Day gift of a "back cage" tour of the giraffes at the Erie Zoo.

Mitch is the older of the two giraffes and this is who you see here.  He is tall enough to lean over into the younger (shorter) giraffe's cage and butt in on time with Nigel (the younger one).  Pretty soon Nigel started pacing a bit then showing a little aggressive behaviors  like these:

The zoo keeper told us they were definitely not cuddling--their neck-to-neck contact was so gentle that you might think it was affection rather than aggression.  She also noted they were not trying very hard at this behavior so it was kind of funny to watch them like they were toddlers.  Nigel, the younger, is in the foreground here.

Those of you with animal art from the Erie Zoo might have some from either Nigel or Mitch.  Apparently they somehow let them hang on to a paint brush with their incredibly long tongues to paint. 

Amy getting a giraffe greeting. 

In addition to the giraffe tour, we went to an Erie Baysox game and introduced the groom Michael and father of the bride to the wedding venue.  Nick's Place between Erie and Edinboro looked lovely in its summer splendor the day we visited.  I think the male half of the scouting party agreed it would do for a wedding!

This trip followed a day filled with Ryan family fun celebrating nephew Matthew's graduation from high school.  Now we turn our attention to another family weekend of celebration for Brad and Chery's wedding!  Here at long last!  Linda and Scott should be able to enjoy with a special kind of relaxation now that they are both officially retired.  Congratulations!  Big year for the Hartman household.  Looking forward to seeing everyone soon.