In an effort to make progress in my 50 states before I turn 50 (a goal that is working hand in hand with the 7 before 30), I planned a vacation with my sister to Vegas and, luckily, my company sent me over to Chicago on business!

Even though I didn’t have an opportunity to try a deep dish pizza or a Chicago dog, I was able to take some time to see the bean!

Vegas – my sister and I stayed at Harrahs (in the middle of everything, and everyone was right about things seeming closer than they are but they are REALLY far).

Had In-N-Out for the first time.

Experienced some of the night life, including one of the newer clubs “The Light”

Visited the Hoover Dam & Lake Mead

And of course the fabulous Las Vegas sign.

And some buffet food of course!

And the Bellagio fountain show was Christmas themed!

And experienced a lot of “look up” moments in the hotels.

Great time in new cities, looking forward to visiting more next year!