Pandamonium

Natasha and Keith have been following the birth and growth of the National Zoo's first ever panda cub like it was one of their own. After ordering their "special" time entry tickets weeks in advance to go to see the little critter (http://nationalzoo.si.edu/Animals/GiantPandas/), Natasha and Keith woke up early Saturday morning for their "great adventure" to the National Zoo. Turns out, the "special" time entry tickets are not so special after all. The baby panda, Tai Shan is in the outdoor exhibit and open to the general public, so the special time entry tickets are not required. Tai Shan, who is almost eight-months old put on a great show for Natasha and Keith. Natasha just wanted to go hug the furry little guy as he lumbered around his yard, falling over trees and wrestling with his mother, Mei Xiang. Fear and excitement turned to worry and panic however as Tai Shan climbed a scrappy but tall tree in his exhibit. Hanging on for dear life, on several occasions it appeared as if we were going to witness a tragic fall. However, under the watchful (if not scornful) eye of his mother, Tai eventually backed down out of the tree. At last, the baby panda's feet were back softly onto safer ground.