ALOHA from the islands!!

Aloha! So I was informed the other day by my good friend Rach Smith that I have really been neglecting my blogging. And it's true, I have been. I am ashamed.

Life has just been SUPER busy. Not that I am making excuses or anything... that is just the reason for my tardiness.

But here you go! Here is the much anticipated Hawaii blog post.

A couple of months ago my father gave me the option of getting presents for Christmas, or going to Hawaii. While it took me all of about 2 seconds to choose the islands, I still wanted to get others input on the matter. And it was unanimous... HAWAII HERE I COME!!

So for 10 glorious days after the semester ended, Papa, Marina, Christian, Nick and I hit the islands. It was awesome! Some very much needed R&R!

We were on Maui, staying at a luxurious hotel, where I was privileged enough to receive my own room! That's right a King size bed in paradise all to myself! What more could a girl ask for? :)

What did I do to pass the time you ask? Well, I read... if you can believe it! I actually finished 2 books during my stay. Also, I was very lazy! :) And it has always been my dream to surf. And it came true on this trip! Although it was painful... but my skin getting rubbed raw from the awesome surfboard was well worth it!

We also did the Road to Hana, a traditional Luau, submarine dive, and I even buried some treasure for my friends to find the next time they visit. Oh, and of course we hit the beach! Woot!

So here are some AWESOME pics! I hope it makes you feel like you were all there with me...even though you weren't! ;)

There are a TON of pics, but it's to be expected from my time on the islands right? Aloha!

This is what it was like when we left Utah!

This is what it was like when we landed!

Me and nature!


Awesome sunset

Me and the boys (plus the cute surf instructor)

after our adventure!

The black sand beach is my favorite beach ever!

Look at my pretty flower

I actually took this pic! Gorgeous right?

The gang!

Me and Papa!

All of us at the Luau!

On the sub! Yes, we are blue.

But no, we are not sad!

On the Road to Hana!

Waterfalls... the water was FREEZING!



I'm a natural!

Action shots! :)

I only fell once! Ok... that's a lie,

but still super fun! :)

Where have I been?

I'm sure you're all wondering where on earth I have been right? I know it has been FOREVER since I've posted. It's not that I haven't had anything to report, because believe me... I HAVE! I've just been busy! So here is the lowdown....

My besties had their birthdays...
Halloween...
I finished the semester with straight A's (A- counts as an A right? :)...
Had mutliple Thanksgivings...
Had a blast with all my friends...
Looked at the pretty lights at Temple Square...
TIME OUT FOR WOMEN WITH THE FAMILY!!!
Oh... and I went to Hawaii....

And SOOOO much more!

Well, here is a little video diary of my comings and goings. I will post on my AMAZING Hawaii vacation next! :)

For those that get the e-mail, if it doesn't work just go to the source..


Rachelthered.blogspot.com

ALASKA!!

So I may have been slacking a little on posting this blog. I mean its almost been 2 months since we've gone, but here you go! Here is the Alaskan cruise blog.

The whole crew went! Me, Zach, Preston, Dad, Marina, Nick, and Christian. It was fun! We had lots of good food, including the CHOCOLATE BUFFET! We hit some comedy acts, and a juggler, and went on some awesome excursions! We went to Ketchikan, Skagway, Juneau, and Prince Rupert BC! It was fun!

Now, keep in mind, there were 2 other cameras also taking pictures, so I don't have all of them, but here are A LOT of pictures.

We had a blast, even though it was sooo cold! We went to the Lumberjack Olympics, a glacier helicopter ride followed by dog sledding, we went to see icebergs, and even went on the longest train ride ever! But still fun!

At Pike's Market in Seattle.

Marina and the boys.

I was really excited!

Me and Zach were afraid for our lives!!

Bored waiting for the comedian!

Again...

again...

Preston looking cool in his shades!

It was windy!

Zach is on a boat!

Look I got a pet towel! I was pretty excited!

Lumberjack Olympics!

Preston and Dad waiting to get on the helicopter

On the helicopter! I didn't get sick like last time! Yay!

Pretty glaciers!

Dogs for dog sledding.

Marina and Dad

I WAS FREEZING!!

Me and my iceberg friends

They were so blue!

They used to use this to clear snow off train tracks!

Zach and Preston are Alaskan explorers!

I almost got ran over by a train...

well not really... but I was scared!

OMG!!! CHOCOLATE!!!

I was feeding my new pet towel some chocolate!

Prince Rupert! Yep, I am a crazy driver!

Yep, we're in Canada!

Preston looks excited to be in Canada!

They were scared of the tsunami!

Hello Canada! Nice to meet you!

Krafty Kayla!

Hey everyone!

So as you know I have a friend named Michaela! She's pretty much awesome, if you can't already tell from all my previous posts!

Anyway, she is super crafty, and she is now sharing all her talents with you! Well, I am sharing them with you, but they are by her...well you know what I mean...
Go to http://kaylaskraftroom.blogspot.com/

There you will find all her creations for sale! You can customize them anyway you like!
Have fun and enjoy! I know I do!

Cheers!

Help Us Win

As some of you know, I love music! And I love to play and write music. Now I'll admit, I am not very good at it sometimes, (especially singing) but I still love to do it!

Recently I had the opportunity to play some songs at my family wards small BBQ. Here is part of one of the songs I've written.

It's called "Help Us Win". I have never sang with a microphone before so it is pretty hard to hear me because I wasn't close enough. Oops... my bad. But here you go. I hope you like it. The lyrics are below so you know what I'm saying. :) (fyi the video picks up at the second verse)

Help Us Win -

written by Rachel Jenkins

Verse 1

The fight it seems may never end

One's alive another one's dead

but when will it stop?

Your mom, your dad, your sister your son

who will have to be the next one to fight

for the chance to be free again

CHORUS

All the people around the world are calling to you

Who will help us change a life will it be you?

So stand tall

Don't give up

Don't give in

Just be the one

To help us win

Verse 2

Look at all the people who

who haven't survived, but who have tried

to no success.

And all the others who

who've made it through it may be because

because of you

Repeat Chorus

Bridge

To bury a friend is the hardest thing you'll ever do

So just give

Your time, your money, your heart let's help them live

Repeat Chorus