leaving a place

It just dawned on me the other day that, in the course of our one year and nine months here in Washington, DC, we saw one daughter grow from a one-year-old baby who shuffled around on her knees into a full-fledged little girl. Our second daughter didn't even exist when we moved here, but now here she is, going on half-a-year old. I can't help but get a little emotional when I think about leaving a place where so much has happened. Huge, monumental stuff, like making an entire person! Even though we are super excited to begin again in a new home and a new (or old, for some of us) place, there is so much we are going to miss dearly when we leave "The District" (yeah, I never got used to calling it that, and always felt like a poser when I did.) Time to pay homage to some of the things we will miss the most...

OUR LITTLE FRIENDS (AND THEIR MOMMIES & DADDIES!)

 Dominic, our apartment neighbor, was Ellie's first good friend here in DC.

 Lily and Elliott met at the library, and have been friends ever since!

Ellie's other best bud, who we met at the playground, is yet another beautiful Lily!

THE DINOSAUR WALL

A neighborhood house has a ton of dinosaurs on display in the front yard. We visit all the time to sit on the wall and play with them.  Raaaar!

THE (AWESOME) NEIGHBORHOOD PLAYGROUND

Elliott and I (and now Zoey) love the Forest Hills playground that's just a few blocks away. Don't know how we would've survived without it!

THE NATIONAL ZOO

I can't even count the number of times we went to the Zoo. So fun!

ROCK CREEK PARK

I regret that we didn't visit more often, but this National Park, with access right down the street from us, is simply gorgeous!

ALL THE OTHER DC SIGHTS

There are so many amazing things to do and see here, and almost all of them are free. (This town is good to your wallet!)

PICNICS ON THE MALL

Can't think of a cooler place to have a picnic. We sure took advantage whenever the weather cooperated!

AND A PLETHORA OF CAROUSELS!

Elliott formed quite an obsession with "carousefs" while living here. Good thing they are all over the place in this town!

It's almost time to bid you adieu, Washington, DC. Thanks for treating us well during our stay. Now, enough of the sentimental stuff and back to the packing!