Laren & Verla's 50th Wedding Anniversary

Laren, Verla, and her sister Veda Mae

This is when they saw the page dedicated to their granddaughter,

Tiffany, who was killed in a car accident when she was only thirteen years old.

We celebrated Laren & Verla's Golden Wedding Anniversary on July 2nd. We had an open house at the park behind the school. They didn't know anything about it until a couple of weeks before. Verla was thrilled when she saw the announcement and it even made her cry. Laren was grumpy and said he didn't want anyone but family involved. We told him it was too late and he would just have to grin and bear it. When it came right down to it I think he actually enjoyed himself.

They had a wonderful turn out of friends and family, especially considering it was the beginning of a holiday weekend. All of their kids and grand kids were there except for Jacob, who is serving a mission in Colorado. All of Verla's brothers came, even Dwayne who had just been in the hospital a few days earlier. They were both thrilled and overwhelmed at the love and support that they received. It was nice to see them acknowledged for such a neat accomplishment.

Leisa and her cousin, Marcy decorated the shelter with the Independence Day theme. And Leisa made Laren and Verla a boutonniere and corsage. Leisa also created a digital photo album with pictures from their life. This made Verla cry which I always consider a sign of a successful gift. We had a dessert buffet of breads, cookies, cupcakes and brownies. We didn't know how many to plan for and ended up having a ton left over. But I guess that is better than running out. It is one of those things that you are excited to have come...and then really relieved to have it be done.

The only downfall of the day was that Tanner got a bad stomach flu and was miserable all day. He made an appearance at the party and then had to come home and throw up for the sixth time of the day. He was so upset that I had to come home and sit with him. So I felt bad that I didn't help clean up. But Layne and his brothers, Val and Daren helped his sister, Leisa, get it all cleaned up. Overall it was a great success and there were lots of compliments for what a nice party it was.