Marla and I were amazingly happy to have a family trip back to Vail, Colorado. 12 of us returned to Vail a few weeks ago and it was simply amazing! We were sad that Logan couldn’t join us as she was finishing an important internship at a Washingtoin DC non-profit. The cherished photo above shows Stacy and the Girls on a Vail trip in 2017. It’s fun to look back at past Vail family trips… and even more exciting to create new memories.

Manor Vail is our favorite place to stay with the family as it is close to Vail village and the Ford Amphitheater. We reserved early for two of their very nice 3 bedroom units.

Grandson Vaughan and I were very excited to test our legs for a ride to the summit. He was able to rent a Pinarello Dogma which is his dream bike. Vail is at 8120 feet and the summit is about 10,600 feet of altitude.

I was not very happy with my performance as I only rode to the area where the access road ends and the narrow bike trail to the summit begins. No excuses other than I’ve been traveling more than ever and with little time on the road to train,…and of course, these are not 40 year old legs anymore! Vaughan was amazingly nice as he hung back with me as we chatted up the mountain. Vaughan is a total demon as he rode the summit route back-to-back twice and then ran for an hour and a half afterward. He is in serious triathlon training!

Ray cooked sliders for all 12 of us and I supplied the wine! Lisa helped organize.

It was great to see the big smile on Owen’s face! He’s a freshman at Southern Methodist University in Dallas.

Ray and Stan catch up on the family.

The Girls prepared a 5 night photo presentation of their amazing trip to Southeast Asia and Hong Kong. They did one country per night after dinner. They cast it to the TV.

V & O enjoy the presentation. I am sure they remembered their Asia trip with us in 2023.

Stacy gives a hug to Paxton. It was really nice to have Paxton’s partner Johnny join us as well!

Lisa is the master of the group photo!

Lisa made a reservation for lunch at one of her favorite places, Alpenrose.

I was one happy guy as I love German food!

Each family reserved dinner at one of their favorite spots for all of us. Lisa and Ray chose Bully Ranch at the Sonnenalp Hotel.

We all loved dining early as the weather was superb!

Stacy and I enjoy the evening.

The walk back to Manor Vail is always fun and brings back oodles of memories!

I bought tickets for everyone to see the New York Philharmonic perform at the Ford Amphitheater. A big thunderstorm got us all wet on the way from Manor Vail. I had to change my shirt.

The Girls bought popcorn.

We were surprised to run into Doug & Pat Yeo sitting right in front of us! We met them on an AHI tour of Egypt earlier in the year. He retired as the bass trombonist with the Boston Symphony orchestra. Their daughter is with the management of the San Francisco Symphony Orchestra.

The performance and the beautiful setting were superb!

I love these wonderful ladies!

Stacy’s entire family rented bikes to ride up the pass.

I joined Paxton and Ray for lunch at Avanti Vail. It is a modern food hall located across the street from Manor Vail. Everyone loved the pool and hot tub.

Marla and I reserved Vintage Brasserie in Vail Village for our turn.

The wine arrives.

Paxton and Vaughan both love French Onion Soup.

Lisa and Ray enjoy the evening!

Something was very funny!

We really enjoy the Vintage Brasserie in Vail as well!

Stay tuned for more fun times in Vail!

Photos: Dick Gentry. Not to be used without permission.