Trip to the US

Dear All,

We recently left for our trip home to the US. Our first stop was Santa Fe, New Mexico to visit Joe's family. While there, we had many fun times with Joe's parents, sisters, and brother who came in from California.

Unfortunately, on our first Sunday there, the unusually dry conditions led to a fire in the Jemez Mountains just south of Los Alamos National Lab. The fire grew into the largest wildfire ever experienced in New Mexico and was bigger than either the Cerro Grande fire of 2000 and the fire that led to the legend of Smokey Bear.

Fire in the Jemez

Fire and Rain

View from the House

While in New Mexico, the kids were able to play with their cousin Lilia. Grandpa also put up the camping trailor for the kids, which substituted for the camping we would have done had the forests not been closed. Finally, they got to meet their newest Onstott Cousin, Morgan.

 At last, our visit to New Mexico came to an end and we drove north to Utah to visit Julie's family. Since it was 2 years since our last visit, the first order of business was family photos.

Everyone but Jared

Tams Grandkids

  We were pleased to see that our house was still in fairly good condition since our last visit. We hope the next renters will take as good of care of it.

One of our favorite things to do in Northern Utah is to visit the Hill AFB Museum. They have added some kid-friendly exhibits, including flight simulators and cockpits that the kids can climb into and play with the buttons and nobs. Joe was a little sad that they were for the kids because he wanted a turn!

We have enjoyed our trip to the States so far and particularly our time with family. The kids have also liked having a break from studies, instruments, and the daily grind.

All the best,

Joe, Julie, Nicolas, Elyse, and Nathaniel