Raspberry had his first close encounter 
with a large African animal today! Binder Park is the zoo in Battle Creek, Michigan, where the guests can feed the giraffes, but the zoo closes for the winter for we figure that the giraffes must go very hungry during that time, right? Well, the zoo reopened today so we packed up and headed out in order to make up for all that lost time! In fact, we've been looking forward to this day literally for months, and we even took our friends Erin and Andrew along as reinforcements. We lucked out and had a beautiful day - hazy sun, a light breeze, and just enough warmth. 
We think the tram to Africa got faster this year, too. Last year we think we remember it being seven minutes to Africa, but this year it was only five. The giraffes were happy to see us. Us particularly, mind you, becuase we always overfeed them. Of course we also had to visit the children's zoo - it's one of Jon's favorite parts because of the large rabbits - and almost lost Cortney while we were there (really, is she the one in the cage, or is it the pigs?), then we finished by visiting the mile long boardwalk hike though the wetlands. 
We seriously tired ourselves out, so that all four of us were pretty quiet on the ride home. Today's trip was especially productive because Jon got in some practice with the new video camera (we especially like the headless horseman part, Andrew) so that we'll be ready when Raspberry arrives. In fact, watch for practice clips on the site here as we get better with this complex new piece of equipment.