Exciting News!!!

Family,
Ryan and I have some exciting news to share with you! Last night when we were making Christmas cookies, Ryan asked me to marry him. (for all of you who are asking "what did you say?" I said YES!) We were frosting cookies and Ryan took frosting over to the counter to decorate "his cookies." I was kinda frustrated because I wanted to be done and clean it all up and he would not tell me what he was doing. He then told me to go sit in my living room and came walking in with the cookies on a cooling rack and on them it said, Will U Marry Me. He got down on one knee and of course, I said "Are you serious?" then I said Yes. Check out the pictures of the cookies, my ring, and us with the cookies :-) We just wanted you to be in on the next step of our exciting journey together. We are very excited and we will let you know more details as we know them.

Merry Christmas!!
Love,
Ryan and Leanne

Computer temporarily fixed!

My in-house technician finally fixed the copmuter to the point where I can get some pictures up. I am sorry that is has taken so long. I can't even remember the last time I ordered pictures for my photo album, I swear it was right after Easter! Here's some pictures from over the summer until now.

Logan learns a few things from cartoon shows.

This is him showing off one of his

'rad moves.'

Caleb after he demolished his birthday cake.

This was taken in NC while we were at a wedding.

After a long day of golf.
I had the best hole, I even beat dad!

Daddy's little workshop helper.

Family picture taken a few weeks ago.

Our New Blog

Hi All!!

I just wanted to let you know about our new blog:

http://eukenlifeasweknowit.blogspot.com/

Come and hear about our lives!!

Love,
Katie and Bret

Thanksgiving 2008

We have much to be Thankful for. Leanne, Aimee, Dennis and Fran's mom in addition to Nannie & Papa were here to help us celebrate Thanksgiving 2008. We walked in our annual Thanksgiving Day 5K to start the day off, then came home to breakfast and started preparing the fixings for Thanksgiving dinner. We had all the grandparents playing Wii, we watched Some football and had a fabulous Turkey dinner. Thanks to the many hands that helped make this meal delicious and this day a special one.

Happy Thanksgiving

We wanted to wish all of our family a very happy Thanksgiving. We love you all very much!

All in a day's work

As you can see I am sporting a cast on my left arm. I fractured my left elbow and wrist at work last Friday. I will be wearing this cast until December 1st when I go back to the doctor to determine the next step. My mom is coming for Thanksgiving and her catering background will certainly help. I know that many hands will help prepare this Thanksgiving dinner.

He's home!!!!

Well, Jon arrived back home to North Carolina on November 2nd. It was certainly exciting to watch him and other members of the Advanced Party get off the bus. The guys marched over from the bus to the waiting area where they were welcomed with loud applause, whistles, cheers and just plain old hootin' and hollerin'! Definitely one of the most enjoyable and patriotic moments in life...watching loved ones return home to families.

I am currently down in NC, enjoying the marvels of modern technology. Northrop Grumman is allowing me to work remotely, and so far this morning it's been working out well. Ten days of a working vacation sounds exciting, especially when the temperature is still in the low 70s! The sun is shining and I'm working outside...can't beat that!

A visit to Dallas

Chris & I went to Dallas to visit with Tim & Danielle. We visited the Gaylord Texan Hotel ( Kinda like Opryland Hotel for those of you that visited us in Nashville) Chris & Tim got to golf while Danielle and I shopped for 6 hours (yes 6) at a place called Canton. There was clothes, crafts, food, antiques and more...over 400 vendors. We met some friends for dinner on Saturday and then went back to Tim & Danielle's house to watch the big Texas vs Texas Tech game on TV. WE got and extra hour of sleep before heading to church with Tim and Danielle for a amazing worship service. It was so great to spend time with Tim & Danielle and just relax. We can't wait until Christmastime when we will see them again.

Drivers License

Great News, Dad was able to pass his test today and get his Minnesota drivers license. This was his second try...not bad. So they are now official Minnesota residents as their car is registered in Minnesota, they both have Minnesota Id's - dad has a drivers license and mom has a Minnesota ID card and they are both registered to vote. YEAH

View from the Top!

We took our first hike to Mt. Pisgah last weekend. It is 5,721 feet hight. A Revered Newton is credited with naming Mt. Pisgah. Because of the extensive view in all directions over a rich land, Reverend Newton felt there was similarity between this mountain and the one on which Moses stood. It is beautiful at the top. The knees hurt a little walking down....but it's a small price to pay for the view at the top.

We are planning more walks and hikes with Betty and Wilson as the leaves begin to change in the next coming weeks! It's great to be in the mountains!

Whitewater Rafting

This is photo from our whitewater rafting execursion we took when Nick & Marissa came to visit.

This is the same river, the Nantahala River, we took the boys on when they were younger and they both fell out of the boat that trip on this very same rapid! Ah, what a few years and a few muscles will do for you. Nick did not fall out this trip!!!

Josh Graduates Policy Academy

It's official! He is now a graduate of the Norfolk Policy Academy and is now employed as a Police Officer. In addition to receiving his offical papers, he also received a trophy for being the most physically fit in his class. He is quite the little runner!

And please people.....do not get caught speeding in Norfolk! He will not cut you any slack!

All kidding aside, he looks very grown up in his uniform and we are very proud of him.

Nick and Marissa Visit Asheville!!!

Hi All! Nick came for a visit this past weekend and brought his lovely new girlfriend, Marissa! She is a student at Old Dominion University, studying to be a physical therapist. Her Dad is a commander in the Air Force, currently stationed in Nebraska. We had a wonderful time! We took them downtown for hot wings and to see the "eclectic" group of people who join together on Friday nights in Pritchard Park to bang on drums and go a little crazy, dancing and enjoying life! Saturday we went white water rafting and Wilson also joined in the fun! Miss Betty darted over to Cherokee and won some money gambling while we fought the rapids!!!! It was a great weekend.

We head to Virginia this weekend as Josh graduates from the Police Academy! The ceremony is Wednesday night, September 3rd in Norfolk.

Love from the White's in the Mountains...

Lunch at Maynards on Lake Minnetonka

Hi All, Just a little update...We took Mom & Dad to Maynard's restaurant on Lake Minnetonka. It was a beautiful summer day here in Minnesota and a wonderful lunch outside with the beautiful Lake to watch while we ate. We have been going to church each week and Mom & Dad have been going with us. They even drive themselves there and are learning the roads in Eden Prairie.

4th of July in Minnesota

We had a wonderful 4th of July Celebration. Nannie & Papa were over for dinner on Friday, we all went to church together on Saturday and then on Sunday they came over for dinner again. Tim and Danielle, Leanne and Aimee were all here so it was fun. We had a great dinner, laughed, talked and also played some UNO...it was the longest game ever. Hope everyone is doing well. Love to all, FRAN

Family Visit

Here are a few pictures of my family (Mom, Jack, my sister Linda) and one of our long time family friends Angela. All were here this past weekend. My sister will be leaving for 11 months in September. She is a merchant marine. My mom and Jack will be spending the next year in Florida. Gas prices are keeping them from traveling around. But since they have been to all but two states...I think they are okay with that.

Take me out to the Ball Game

Papa and I went to the Minnesota Twins Baseball game today. Papa has a Twins shirt with the #33 on it.He said it is OK from him to wear it when the Yankees are not in town. We thought it was most appropriate that he have that number since it was his house number for many years and Justin Morneau plays 1st base which is right in front of our seats. We rode the bus down to the game, watched a great game ( Twins won) and then came back to Eden Prairie on the bus. It was a fun day. FRAN

Father's Day

Dad got to enjoy Father's Day this year with us. This has not happened since we were all together for the White Family Reunion. Maybe we should begin to think of dates and places for the next reunion. They came over and watched golf , we had a cookout for dinner and then the highlight of the night was watching them Bowl on the Wii. Yes mom was able to bowl and really enjoyed it. Dad bowled a 181 and a 199. Mom bowled a 150. Much easier on the body to swing a controller than to swing a bowling ball.

I also took a old Buffalo Bills sweatshirt that dad had worn in his previous life and made it into a pillow. He was so excited to see the sweatshirt once again. Hope that all the dad's in the family had a great Father's day. FRAN

Black Mountain Arts & Crafts Festival

Yesterday we spent the afternoon in the little town of Black Mountain, about 12 miles from downtown Asheville with our dear friends Wilson and Betty. We browsed the many tents and enjoyed an awesome lunch at "My Father's Pizza" in downtown Black Mountain. I also bought some raffles tickets in hopes of winning a handmade quilt...wish me luck! We are so happy to be in the mountains...ya'll come see us now, ya hear!

Josh New Apartment

Here are photos of Josh and one of his new roomates standing on the deck of their 3-story townhouse which sits on the Lafayette River. The view is awesome! Josh is attending the Norfolk Police Academy. He is scheduled to complete the academy in September.





Loretta

Nick's Graduation Photos

Here are photos from Nick's graduation. He graduated Cuma Sum Lada. He is a full time real estate agent for Rose & Womble Realty. He is selling a new community and working part-time at another community. Looks like he is following in his dad's footsteps...ahhhhhhh

Loretta

Moving Mom & Dad (Nannie & Papa, Grandma & Grandpa)

The Moving Truck has gone, the boxes are unpacked, the car has arrived and it is beginning to look like home. We worked hard all weekend to get everything out of a box so that Mom & Dad could begin to live at their new home. I took mom grocery shopping on Sunday and then we took all of the stuff to their apartment and helped them get situated. About 3PM we kissed and hugged them good bye and we went home for some rest...Dad called at 5PM to say that the TV was not working (it was on and working when we left) I talked him through some stuff and as it turned out he was switching the TV channels on the TV instead of using the remote. Once I got him to put the TV on Channel 3 and use the remote to change channels he was OK...and they have not called yet today so I am assuming that they are just trying to relax and catch up on sleep. The picture is of them taking a break from unpacking on Saturday and having some lunch while sitting on their deck. Please remember to call and also send them mail. Love to all, FRAN

Mom & Dad,(Nannie & Papa's,Grandma & Grandpa's) new house

As we all know mom & Dad(Nannie & Papa, Grandma & Grandpa) are re-locating to a Minnesota and a new place to live. It has been very exciting to be able to help them find a new place to call home. They are very anxious about the move but once the dust settles(did I say dust in Nannie's house) it will be good for them. They will be able to get the help they need and will have some family close by to help when needed. Please keep them in your prayers as I am sure it will be hard to leave the only place you have lived your whole life and the home you raised your family in and lived in for 43 years...Pray for a smooth transition, for good health, for safe travel, good move and willingness to meet new people and get involved once they move . Don't forget that it will be important for everyone to call and visit even though the location has changed. Love to all, FRAN

Easter Greetings.....

I hope that everyone had a good Easter! Tim and I hosted a little Easter lunch at our house. We defiantly missed being near family. We think about all of you a lot. Things are going well in TX, we are on the end of our Spring Break. Just one more day off. I know it's tough being a teacher. Miss ya'll.