Going Back to Washington

You know those friendships that span years and miles, but only grow stronger? I treasure those.

Fourteen years ago I packed my suitcases and hauled myself to Washington, D.C., for the summer. I was a college kid who had never lived in a big city by herself, but I didn't let any fears stop me. I moved into an apartment on Connecticut Avenue, took a PR job at a think tank on Capitol Hill and had one of the best summers I could imagine. Part of that can be credited to my friend Stacey, a fellow PR intern who reached out to me to show me the sites of D.C. Soon, we were spending tons of time together, traveling out of the city on the weekends to beaches, historic sites and more. I remember crying on my last day of work, already missing D.C. and Stacey.

But missing something isn't bad. It makes you go back.

So six years later I went back with Jason to see Stacey get married. Two years ago, I took Natalie to D.C. to meet Stacey's first baby, little Myer. And when Stacey had a baby girl this spring, I soon found myself hunting around online for some tickets.

I spent five very fun days in Arlington, Va., at the end of May. Though tempted to bring Natalie again (since she made a friend across the street last time), I decided it would be good for me to go by myself. It was so refreshing to get away, spend time catching up with Stacey, snuggle that cute baby Dagny and play with Myer. We walked Old Town Alexandria and Georgetown, ate amazing home-cooked meals, played at the park and just played with the kids. It was wonderful.

The kids saying goodbye at the airport

Myer and Tchotchke the beast

Smiley Myer

Stacey, Dagny, Myer and me

Sweet baby Dagny

Homecoming

A few weeks after I was home, I received a box in the mail. Inside were D.C.-themed books/cards for the kids, delicious Trader Joe's goodies and this beautiful map necklace of D.C. Guess who it was from?

Thanks, Stacey, for being such a wonderful friend. I'm so thankful for you!