Bye Bye September

It has been what seems like forever since we have blogged. With that said be prepared for a major update, this may be a bit long, so much has been going on this is one of the many reasons why we have not been here to post anything.
School started and with that comes a few crazy weeks. We made it to Janelle and Malia's back to school night, both teachers are wonderful and the girls are enjoying their teachers very much. Janelle is really enjoying going to Cutten and seeing all the older kids she knows during the day.
Sherry had another birthday, it was a lovely day and spent at the beach in Trinidad, truly a beautiful memorable day. It was different this year, we usually go camping. However it gave some of Sherry's close friends the opportunity to host and celebrate her and cook up a wonderful meal, with good company, lots of laughter and the feeling of being loved. Sherry has difficulty allowing people to do things like this for her, so for us as a family it was truly enjoyable.
Austin and Elise went to mini boot camp for NJROTC on the week-end of the 10Th 11Th and 12Th, Austin graduated and survived mini boot camp. Elise had no voice left from yelling at all the freshman during boot camp. Elise also sang the national anthem at the ceremony and did a great job. The following week-end on Friday the 18Th Austin traveled with the Cross Country team to Santa Rosa for an overnight trip and running meet. Austin took 22nd out of 100 runners at this event. We also had Royce's dad and his wife come up for a visit and stay with us for 4 nights. We love to have family visit and enjoy the time immensely. Royce and I truly appreciate the time and financial burden that his dad and Ann put forth to travel back to the states from Belize, then drive for 6 hours to get here from Oakland just to see us and the kids for a few days.
Royce and Mike smoked salmon together, which was really nice that Royce was taught by the smoke master himself! The salmon turned out perfect and is delicious! We were able to go for a few minor walks. We went out to the wildlife refuge and walked that loop, it was nice but is much much prettier in the late Spring and early summer. We then drove down to Founders Grove and did a couple little trails there, the redwoods are so impressive and tranquil to walk through.
Austin went last week to Del Norte and ran again, this time taking 2nd out of 25 runners.
Royce has had a couple opportunities come about with his employment. this is a good thing, the new owner of the practice he has worked at for the last 3 and a half years is not the kind of guy Royce wants to continue practicing with. He was going to go to Fort Bragg and work for a doctor down there to give her some time off, that did not pan out as planned. Instead Royce took the time off, and called a doctor here close by (10 miles away) that had wanted Royce to call him. They met last Friday and Royce has been asked to join the practice there. We both are looking forward to this change and know that it is a blessing. It will be so nice to work with a man that is honest, has good ethics and integrity. The pay will of course be better as well, which is so needed and will be a huge blessing for the Brunette Family. It is deeply comforting to have an employer who values you and sees the value you bring to the practice. Without going into to much detail we will sum this up with..we are so grateful that this has transpired and testify that prayers are answered. Royce is so happy and feels very positive. He is also excited that he will no longer have to wear a shirt and tie every day, he will be wearing dockers and polo shirts with the practice name and emblem on them, I think he is more excited about this than any of us understand.
Elise and Austin went to Redding last Friday for an over night trip with the NJROTC unit again. They went to the Blue Angels and Golden Knights air show. Both Elise and Austin directed traffic for 4 hours each and got to see some really amazing stunts. We have seen the Blue Angles a couple other times but this was different for both of them. Both were happy to be home late Saturday evening and both were very tired, sun kissed and excited to share what they got to do and see.
Zachariah has been busy at school and with scouts. He is doing great. He has not been as busy with activities as the oldest two. He is enjoying his German class and still loves being an 8Th grader ruling the school.
Fall is in the air and birthdays are beginning to come. We would have posted pictures on this post however, they all got erased! We will post some when I get the film developed from the other camera..at least we have a back up, it's just a much slower way of getting the pictures on here!