Fall Semester

 This semester I was in the grind. Between working at the preschool, training for a full marathon, and taking 15 credits I didn't have much time for fun. BYU Hawaii has been online for the past 5 semesters. They finally started to resume schools in person as long as everyone was vaccinated and wore masks. I absolutely hate wearing my mask and am one of those people that doesn't wear it over my nose. I physically can't do it. I am constantly being told to pull it up. Let me just say I really miss online classes and am glad I only need to deal with this for one semester. The school is out of control with the convid policy and I am over it. I am going to miss online school. I loved the freedom of doing class work when I wanted to. I feel like I had more freedom and more time to spend with friends. Gavin and I have opposite schedules so we usually see each other in the morning on our run or for dinner. Other than that we are on the move. 

So many wonderful things did happen this semester. Sam and Jansen got married on Laie Point. It was a very small wedding. They didn't want anyone there but then sure enough some people flew out for it and they had no choice. They had a gorgeous morning and Jansen looked so beautiful. I could not think of anyone better for Sam. Jansen is sweet, beautiful, and kind. I was glad I was able to be there to see them married by Bishop C! 

Between all the marathon training I am doing with Gavin we haven't had a lot of time or energy for hiking. We were able to squeeze in just a few of our favorites this semester. Another trip up to Wiliwili Nui with the girls, and Moana Falls with Jaiden and Izzy. We did another campout at the beach in Sam Dome and Sam's friend Rob came from Sams's mission and he was an odd fella. He was laughing like a clown all night long and was giving us the creeper vibes. We also had to say goodbye to Kadee. She is moving to Austria for grad school. I am very sad she is moving to the other side of the world. I am not sure how often I will get to see her. She has been such an amazing friend. We both have the views on covid so that's been one thing we have bonded over. I will miss her laugh and that she is always down for an adventure.  

Jansen and Sam also had their baby! He is the cutest little guy ever. I saw him just three days after he was born. His name is Kaiwi-ola and I love him so much. Jansen says he has his dad's eyes and big beautiful lips. He will be a good-looking kid

Gavin had a Pirate Murder Mystery dinner at his house for Halloween. The Pirahna boys are always throwing parties. We were all given a script and we had to act in character for who we were. We were supposed to go around the room asking questions and gathering information to see who the murderer was. Not even Gavin knew who the murderer was. Spoil alter Gavin was the murderer. Ha! We laughed that he threw this party and gave himself the most important part. 

We had a lovely Friendsgiving in Heather's front yard in Hauula. We played Thanksgiving Trivia and ate the most delicious food. I am going to miss these fun gatherings. There are so many fun people on the island right now. 

I also went to my first protest! The COVID policies have been getting out of hand. You have to show your vaccination card to go inside any restaurant and you have to wear a mask when you are at a grocery store. The social distancing and mandates are driving the world crazy. The state wants to force the vaccine on everyone. We went to a protest basically for people to have their right to what goes into their bodies and stop these mandates. Sam forgot his flags so he bought two of them on the way for $110 each at the ABC store... He brought his huge poles that we tied the flags onto and we put tea leaves on top. Waikiki was insane. The honking and screaming was loud. We joined right with the crowd! Some people were waving flags that said Joe Biden sucks. And arrest Iga (the govonor). We held signs that read corruption in paradise and the truth will never be silenced. We had a lot of fun. The people in the megaphones were cracking us up. There was so much chaos going on. 

Gavin also turned 25! He had his golden birthday. We went to the beach, ate pizza/cake, and watched some of his favorite shows! His birthday was on Thanksgiving this year so we basically celebrated all weekend! 

Here is a picture of the girls in my education classes. We all have the same classes together at the same time because we are all on the same track to graduate together. There wasn't one boy in any of my classes my last semester. How crazy is that? BYU Hawaii is more of an all-girl school. I am looking forward to graduating and moving on to another phase of life. But I will be grateful always that I was able to get my education at BYU Hawaii. I don't know how I would have been able to pay for school if it weren't for the scholarships I got while I was here. I am so grateful for everything! Seasider forever! 

We went and did a tour of Iolani Place one afternoon and I was surprised at how wonderful the tour was. I learned so much about Hawaiian history and the queen. We had to wear our masks and social distance which was super annoying. We also went out to lunch one afternoon when we were feeling like we needed a mid-semester pick-me-up. We decided on this Mexican place in Haleiwa we were shocked at how big the portions were. I ordered nachos and didn't even make a dent in them.. We were laughing so hard at how big the mound of cheese was. Like what the heck? 

Jansen's sister came and threw Jansen the most beautiful shower at Aunty Tupu's house. We played games ate food and had the best time celebrating Sam and Jansen. Jansen is so beautiful inside and out. Can't wait to see her become a mom!