farewell DC, hello SC

It has officially been a month since we moved into our South Carolina home, and it's hard to believe we've been gone from the DC-area that long. The past four weeks have been a whirlwind of unpacking, arranging and rearranging, preparing for baby and adjusting to the heat and humidity of the Palmetto State. I couldn't go any longer without documenting a few of the things I miss the most (and don't miss at all) about DC.

What I miss...

• our sweet friends- the picture above was taken one of our last nights in DC at Founding Farmers with the Capaldis and the Kwoks. Love them and so many others who blessed us tremendously during our three years there. 
• my office and working on the Hill. My Twitter feed is still full of political writers, but it's not the same as being in the heart of the action. And I miss the sweet ladies and gentlemen who worked in the Longworth Cafeteria, the post office and friends in other Members' offices and on committee staff. 
• our house and our neighborhood. It was our first married house, and while it was older and had its share of issues, it was cozy and familiar. And had a mail slot in the front door. We loved our neighborhood and all the charms of Kensington, from the Farmer's Market to the train station to Main Street lit with white lights. 
• the cultural opportunities in the DC-area. One of our favorite theaters just put on Miss Saigon, and we hated not being there to see it. 
• the proximity of where we lived to New York City. While it's wonderful being closer to the majority of our family members, I am further from my brother Will in Hoboken, NJ. We love NYC, and it was a treat to be able to pop up there for the weekend to see him and take in the Big Apple.

And what I don't miss?

• Sitting in traffic for at least two hours a day during the work week. I drank coffee, listened to the news on the radio, and admired the Rock Creek Park scenery during those commutes, but I am so thankful to be done with them. 
• Living in such a big city. We got to the point where we would occasionally run into friends in downtown Bethesda and I would on the Hill, but generally, I could go out and not see one person I knew. I love being in a place where I see a familiar face in almost every shop or restaurant I go into, and where even if someone doesn't know you, they make a point to chat and be friendly.
• Having to watch Clemson games on TV. It's so nice to be close enough to Death Valley to be there in person. Granted, our attendance this season may be limited because of Miss AC, but at least it won't be due to distance. 
• Our teeny tiny bathroom and closets. We still don't quite know what to do with all our newly-acquired space. A two sink vanity- woo hoo! A walk-in with space for multiple seasons of clothes...so exciting. Though our new space is no where close to being "done," it sure has been fun making it ours. We're happy to be home!

the Gowdy DC office- so miss daily conversations with this crew

the day we left to drive to SC- almost 34 weeks pregnant and incredibly emotional. Got over the tears quickly when it took almost 4 hours to get to Richmond, VA (normally a 2 hour drive!).