Travels Part 2: TYS-CLT-LAS-SFO-CLT-TYS

(That's Knoxville-Charlotte-Las Vegas-San Francisco-Charlotte-Knoxville for those of you who don't traffic in airport codes)
After our amazing time in Austin (we can't wait to move back) we turned our attention to our next adventures in Las Vegas and San Francisco. My youngest brother Baxter turned 21 on April 3, so my family all congregated in Vegas (on Easter weekend no less) to help him celebrate. Since I had to be in San Francisco for work the next week, we had a "weekend layover" in the brightly-lit desert. (Side note: this was my first trip to Vegas. I don't know how to write about it, other than to say I'm glad I've seen it but I'm not in a hurry to go back.)

I'll admit that I really wanted to get a photo of Lu with an Elvis impersonator, but this one of a slot machine at the airport will have to do. This was taken shortly before the airport casino pit boss booted us out for bringing a young 'un into the den of sin and iniquity.

I know we're not supposed to talk about what happened in Vegas, but the city was notable for Lu because her first tooth popped through while we were there! (Bottom left, I think). She also had her first virus and fever, and let's just say that we went through several changes of sheets and towels. However, Lu was a trooper and we were still able to walk around and be overwhelmed by the sights and sounds.

After our celebratory weekend, Mom and Lu and I flew on to San Francisco, where I had a training all week. We had some amazing meals, and took a little time when my training ended on Thursday to check out Golden Gate park and some beautiful San Fran views. We even rode the cable car!

We woke up early on Friday morning for the cross-country flight home, which I admit I'd been dreading as this 6-hour flight was just the two of us. However, Lu was totally charming, and only got a little fussy for about the last hour.

After that long flight, the leg from Charlotte to Knoxville was a piece of cake. She and I were exhausted - I think we slept almost all day on Saturday! It's been a bit difficult to get her schedule reset to
East Coast time, but we're almost there. We made it back just in time to see the dogwoods in full bloom!