A cave with a view is discovered by Kyle and Maya along the trail offering a nice respite from the considerable heat and sunshine.

Last night we arrived at the Watchman Campground in Zion National Park and this morning we set out for our first hike. Our destination, pictured here, is Angel’s Landing. The 5 mile, 5 hour round trip requires an ascent of 1500 feet. If you click on the photo you will notice Jeanine and the kids in the lower left corner as they approach the base of the towering monolith.

Before heading out to pick up the RV we spent a few minutes inside the Bellagio enjoying their bird sanctuary and water gardens.

As someone who does not drink or gamble, I find little to appreciate inside the casinos, but I must admit that I really enjoy the choreography of the dancing waters at the Bellagio.

After lunch, we hopped a tram and then continued by foot down the Vegas Strip, enjoying the sights along the way. Our destination was the Bellagio, where our arrival coincided perfectly with the beginning of one of their water fountain shows.

The waves, while not huge, were sufficient to body surf, and all members of the family demonstrated proficiency in the art.

In even less time, the kids are in the water, throwing caution and younger siblings to the wind.

Jeanine wastes little time finding her way poolside and flashes me a smile, suggesting that other pleasures are soon to follow.

The day begins by introducing the kids to the all-you-can-eat breakfast buffet. At $17 a head, I can tell you that this is a money-losing proposition for the Mandalay Bay when entertaining the Calabria family. Kyle and Nico alone ate enough to cover the total bill. Unlike many Las Vegas buffets, this one featured really fine food and tremendous variety.

By the time we settle into our hotel rooms the water park is ready to close so we settle for a photo of the action from our room and the kids look forward to the next morning with great anticipation. Every 90 seconds, a large waves emerges from the flat section at the back of the beach shaped pool. A portion of the lazy river is seen in the upper right area of the photograph. A stong current carries swimmers around the circuit is about two minutes.

The Mandalay Bay is close to the airport and their water park features a beach with waves and a lazy river, both intense magnets for the kids.

Our itinerary includes: Zion NP, Bryce NP, Escalante Petrified Forest SP, Grand Staircase Escalante NM (Zebra slot canyon and Devil’s Garden), Capitol Reef NP, Goblin Valley SP, Dead Horse Point SP, Canyonlands NP (Islands in the Sky), Arches NP, Mesa Verde NP, Monument Valley, Glen Canyon NRA (Lake Powell), Grand Canyon NP (north rim), and Coral Pink Sand Dunes SP.

Our vacation begins in Las Vegas with a night at the Mandalay Bay and then takes us on an 1800 mile trek through the national parks and several state parks of southern Utah, northern Arizona, western Colorado and Nevada. We will return to Las Vegas and stay at the Luxor before returning home.

Today begins our two week family RV adventure. We start by flying from Boston to Las Vegas where we will pick up our 25 foot rental RV (sleeping room for 5). Between connecting flights we relaxed in the United Airline Red Carpet Club where perfect window light and time to burn created the perfect opportunity for individual portraits of the kids.