Lane Family Reunion in Etna California

Blayne and I were fortunate enough to be able to attend the family reunion on my Mom's side of the family this last weekend. It was held in Etna California, the weather was beautiful but the company was better. Victoria headed day a day earlier with her Aunt Ashley, cousin Emily, and my Mom and Dad. G'pa Doug and G'ma Mary were kind enough to keep Gavin and Maddy for the weekend so Blayne and I could make a quick trip.

We got there Friday evening. Aunt Helen headed up some fun games of Bingo. After we sat around and shared some memories of growing up together as children on the property. A lot of laughs were had, it was great.






Saturday morning we woke up at 6:00 am with the beautiful sun shining through our tent. We were suppose to have breakfast at 7:00, of course everything is run "tentatively" when your camping.
After breakfast our immediate family put on a carnival for everyone. At one point my Grandpa's brother did a head count of 96. It was about 76 degrees. My Mom was in charge of the cake walk which she handed over to my sister which I help my sister do for a little while. There were so many fun things to do. Blayne enjoyed the marshmallow guns. He and all the boys enjoyed shooting the girls while we were doing all other activities.







This years reunion was focused on My Grandpa, so my aunt and cousin did a slide show of his life. Everyone laugh and everyone cried, it was very nice. After which everyone was given the opportunity to put in their own memory if they wished. Then we had a BBQ put on by my parents of which Blayne and my Dad were the cooks of.
After lunch we drove around the city while my Mom told stories about the houses she lived, the house that Grandma burned down, the pond that Aunt Helen drown in, etc. It was fun to listen to her tell the stories.




Sunday, Father's day morning, we got up and tore down camp early. Blayne, Tori, and I left around 8:30am and made it home around 3:00pm. We came home to happy children and a great lasagna dinner from my mother in-law. It was fantastic, other than the pure exhaustion of squeezing so much into so few days, but exhaustion or not, I wouldn't change it if I could!! So until next years reunion.........

Victoria's Baptism

So the time finally arrived, we baptised Victoria June 6, 2010. We have been planning it for months, family coming into town from every direction. Victoria was so excited. Aimee made her a cute skirt and a bow to match her shirt. G'ma Mary and G'ma Julie both gave the talks. Everyone was there to celebrate with her, with the exception of Aunt Sandi and Aunt Melissa. They couldn't make it but Uncle Jeff, Riley, Owen, Uncle Brenton and Kingston came bringing both of them in spirit.




As a favor to me I asked all of my siblings and in-laws and both sets of Grandparents and Great Grandpa Joe to all put their testimonies down on paper directed to Victoria. I made Victoria a book so that at any given time she can look back at it and see the testimonies of the people who love her most. I appreciate everyones cooperation, they are all beautiful testimonies and will be a great support and remembrance for Victoria to look upon for years to come.





It was a busy but a great day. I am very appreciative of all the help I had. Help planning, setting up, cleaning up. We are truly blessed to have two wonderfully supportive families.

I couldn't have asked for a better day. My beautiful young lady has grown so fast. I am thankful we have a worthy priesthood holder in our home, that Blayne was able to baptise her and also confirm her. I am also blessed to have such a great husband who blesses our family every day with the worthy life he leads. I couldn't ask for a better husband, children, and family. Thank you everyone for all of your love and support. I love you guys! Love Aerin!!

Victoria turns EIGHT!!!

Our big girl turned 8 yesterday. Not only did we have a party but we are planning her baptism too. She is quite excited as are we. Victoria has grown up so fast and is definitely ready to be baptized. I am impressed at the responsible, smart, beautiful young lady she has become. We had her take all of the missionary discussions in preparation for her baptism, I was impresses with her knowledge of the gospel and how prepared she is.





Victoria is a very loved girl. Not only did she have her Grandparents there and her immediate family. She had Aimee and Emily, Truman, Shannon, and Lexi, and also Tony and Chelsea. G'ma and G'pa Fletcher and Mom and Dad bought her scriptures, Shan and Tru bought her a matching hymnal and G'ma and G'pa Yates bought her a church bag to put it all in. For her scriptures my Mom made her a custom corduroy case and I embroidered her name on. It turned out great.She had a fun day and are looking forward to a wonderful baptismal day.