June 2 - The National Zoo and Fred

After some much needed sleep and a wonderful breakfast - Are we having pancakes

tomorrow morning, Michelle? - we headed off to the National Zoo, to, for God's sake, see the damn pandas. Following the necessary coaxing and honey-luring, Mei-Tsing (below, top) and Tiang-Tiang - Did I get it right, Jeanine? - decided to make an appearance. Once again, Jeanine was amazed at nature, as well she should be. Tom and Michelle were extremely patient as we saw not only pandas, but also lions, tigers and a Spectacled Bear - which looked like a plain ole Brown Bear to Justin. The cheetahs,

elephants, and rhino butts (below, bottom) were also cool.

When the zoo no longer held our attention, we went across Connecticut Ave. to the Zoo Bar, for some liquid refreshment and to meet Fred Lawrence. Unfortunately, Freddie couldn't hang out with us to watch Patrick Roy give Game Four to the New Jersey Satans because he had a date with a belly dancer. When asked what she looked like, Fred graciously did his best impression of her (below, top). We hope it was a good date, Freddie. After we watched said Avalanche debacle and made a new friend in

Alfonso (not pictured) at the Glory Days Grill, it was time to get back to Gaithersburg to hit the hay.

Tomorrow, we're visiting Jeanine's Uncle Bill (and family) near Baltimore, then we'll wave good bye to all (below - pictured, from left, Fred, Justin, Michelle, and Tom) as well as the Baltimore/Washington, D.C. area and make our way down to Virginia Beach. Look out roller coasters, here we come.