Life as Lil' Red: April 2011

I made it!! I am now here at Brigham Young University Hawaii!! But let's rewind a little, it has been a crazy couple of weeks I must admit!

So on the 10th of April, I flew into Orlando, spent the night with Amber and the kids, and then went to Universal Studios on Monday and got to visit the Wizarding World of Harry Potter!! It was seriously one of the best experiences in my life, which might be kind of sad, but I love Harry Potter so much. It's a little ridiculous. Anyways, we waited in line outside of the park about an hour early and then when it opened we ran all the way across the park until we got to "The Forbidden Journey," the main HP ride. And we didn't have to wait at all, when normally its at least a 45 min wait! The line to get on the ride is inside Hogwarts, and every detail is perfect. You start off in the greenhouses and then move into Dumbledore's office with all of his gadgets and he's standing (as a projection, but very realistic!) talking to you, and then you move into the hallways with all of the talking paintings that look so real it's insane. Then you move into the Gryffindor common room, then to the Defense Against the Dark Arts room where Ron, Harry, and Hermione are, and then back into the hallways until you're at the ride! And I'm just saying it how it is: I've been on many many roller coasters/rides in my life and nothing compares. Nothing. I don't know how they do it, but everything is 3D and so real, but you don't have to wear glasses or anything. It all feels so real. I guess it really was just magical :) So then we got to experience all of the different shops and butterbeer and wands etc. etc. Here are some pics!

Hogsmeade!

Ollivander's where Wyatt was chosen to chose his wand!

Mmmm Honeyduke's....

Butterbeer is so delicious!!

HOGWARTS

We spent the rest of the day in between the two Universal Parks, and then I flew out Tuesday morning and then came home, packed, and flew out for Hawaii early Wednesday morning! I was so exhausted needless to say. But it was totally worth every minute :)

And now for Hawaii.... We got in on Wednesday and then made our way into Laie that afternoon. The first place we went was my house I was signed with. Notice the "was" part.. we got there and it was gross. Not terrible, but not good. The deal breaker was when one of the girls said that she and two other roommates had gotten BED BUGS and that they had scars from them... No thank you! So it was all kind of a mess but ended up being such a blessing because now I'm at this beautiful house on Kamehameha Highway and right across from Hukilau Beach. It's only a year old, so it's it great condition and the landlord is a bit psycho so it's SUPER clean! Which is such a relief. *Ahhhhh serenity* It's about a mile from campus, so that led me to renting a bike, which I love. And so far my roommates are fantastic!

My mom was seriously SUPER MOM the whole time she was here (not that she isn't super mom every second of every day...). We went back and forth to Honolulu and everywhere else gathering all of my supplies and setting up fort. She had so many great ideas and because of her, I felt super prepared and very settled and at peace when it was time for her to go. But don't get me wrong, I didn't want her to go. But, it's time for the little wetty reddy heady to grow up I guess...

Anyways, we got to spend a lot of time on the beach as well because we came early so we really had relaxation time too! I love going back to Hale'iwa and Waimea, so I'm super glad we got the chance to. I started classes on Monday, the 18th and so far, I'm loving them! All of my teachers seem really cool; we're even farming (score!) in my History class.... should be super fun. The campus is beautiful of course, and I get to ride by the temple every day. And don't forget I get to take walks on the beach in the morning....

Well so far that's my life as a Hawaiian! I just knew everyone wanted pictures and everything so I figured I might as well post while I have time! Of course I'm a little lonely and homesick right now, but I do have to say that this just seems like a great fit for me. I already feel so much better than when I was in Idaho! I know that soon everything will start working out and settling down, but for now, I'm think I'm doing pretty good. Thanks again Mom for all of your help and support, I seriously couldn't have done this without you, no matter what you say ;) So here are some pics of Hawaii, Mahalo!