Thanks Dayomos and llm316 that worked! I had tried a few different combinations of the two, but not with the original _DS_Menu.dat file from their website. I was using the one bundled with the updated kernel files.
I applied the firmware update on my NDS and the kernel files. It boots on my 3ds XL now, but now all I get is a new super mario bros splash screen with no options. Any suggestions?