Reality Check: I'm a Midwestern Gal now.

After 12 official months of long-distance, Ryan and I decided that just maybe we would want to live in the same city before we get married. Imagine that!!

As a result, I am living in Ryans' apartment in Minnetonka, he is living in his friends' house in .... the country somewhere, and after 5 days, we are thinking this is a pretty great set-up. Well ok, so when we buy a house that situation will be a LOT better, but at least in the mean time we can look for houses together, I can hone in on my cooking skills and go for amazing runs every morning. Running here is an adventure every day, its so exciting and so fun to explore and realize that this is my new home!

I do have to admit that I have lots of down time since I am not working yet, but I suppose that gives me time to work on my Minnesota accent ;)

4th of July Celebration

I haven't been home for the 4th in a really long time---- I think at least 4 years! So I was looking forward to a relaxing day at home, with the babies, the pool, a good 'ol BBQ, and some fireworks. Well, I got what I asked for:





Nicolas got this really cool inflatable pirate ship for his Birthday--we couldn't get him out of it!



Nic eating his corn on the cob.


My little brother.



Haggin Oaks Neighborhood Block Party-- Classic


Matthew hated me for all these pics. But secretly he loves it.

My Current Occupation

I can't wait for the day when I use my wedding as a PAR story in an interview. I mean, with all this work on budgets, negotiations, and conflict resolution, one would think that I would have plenty to talk about when I am asked: "Tell me about a time this summer that you ... "

I created a wedding website. See the details regarding the Ryan Merrill and Kiley Hunt wedding at: http://www.ewedding.com/sites/ryanandkiley/

Enjoy!

Matthew's Farewell

My little brother is growing up! He gave his mission farewell talk last Sunday, and it was so good. He even brought me to tears--which is tricky to do!! He reports to the MTC July 8, and will be serving in SLC for 2 years. I am so proud of him to make this decision to serve a mission and to be preparing to give 2 years of his life in service. He will be a wonderful missionary. Here are some pictures from after the farewell, and at the going-away party.

I (insert white glove) Michael Jackson.

So yesterday I was driving to LA to pick up Ryan from the Airport, when I get a text from Miss Anna Montoya telling me "Michael Jackson just died". I turned on CNN, and sure enough, he died at the UCLA medical center. Don't worry, at that point, I hit traffic and I was 2 miles from UCLA med center. LA was crazy all day, and served as a representation for the chaos the world was feeling with the loss of a legend.

I know we're all sick of hearing about this, but I am just writing to say being in LA when it all went down, and I felt closer to the situation because of it.

I'm just glad that traffic wasn't as bad as I anticipated. But I'm pretty sure the accidents on the 405 were because of the stricken state of grief everyone was in. Or maybe it was because they lost their vision due to all the RIP Michael Jackson signs people were flashing outside their car windows.

An Update ...

Since many of you have been requesting more blog posts, and more updates, I decided I would acquiesce the request :)

The last month has been totally crazy--- right after I got engaged, I spent some time in Utah, and then went to VEGAS for my moms' first TRIATHALON! Yes, she is officially an IRONGIRL! I was so proud of her!! I totally ran her in the last 2 miles and felt like that was my contribution to the event :) From there I went home to Bakersfield for Mothers Day, and then spent the week at home beginning to plan the wedding. Then, I flew out to Miami and went on THE BEST CRUISE EVER! With a few fabulous girls from school (shout-out here to Katie, Heidi and Geneva!) The Bahamas will never be the same now that we have spent time on those islands ... After the cruise I flew to Minneapolis to see Ryan for the FIRST TIME since we got engaged!! We had such a great time!! We looked at homes (we are looking to buy), explored the countryside, went for walks to the lake, and so much more. That trip made me all the more excited to move there this summer!

After the trip to Minneapolis, I came home, and really got to work on wedding plans. My mom offered to make my dress, so we headed to LA and got the fabric and lace for that. We began our plans for the reception here in Bakersfield, and also started perusing the St. George options for flowers and dinner after the ceremony. Mom and I also took a trip to SF with my dad and found my shoes, perfume, mother of the bride dress, Ryans suit, and so much more! It was such a productive trip! And so fun to spend some time in the city!! After San Francisco, mom and I drove to Utah to get some things going for the wedding in St. George, and then we headed to Provo to pack up my apartment. While I was there I got to see a few of my favorite Provo people, which was so wonderful.

Now, I'm back in California. I spent most of last week spending time with my favorite people in Orange County-- I stayed with Debbie on Balboa Island which was amazing, as well as with Miss Anna Montoya!! I love love Orange County and will miss living and visiting there ... sigh. Now I just have 2 weeks until I'm back in Utah again taking Matthew to the MTC and picking up Ashley from the airport. And THEN I will be MOVING to Minnesota!! Eeek!! Its coming up so fast. A few bridal showers in between, a few more wedding planning to do lists to take care of, and I'll be with my Fiance living in the Mid West!

Phew. So there's my update. And below are a few pics.





The Lake.