Parents Visit - Sunshine Grill, Stingray Sandbar and Alfresco

We had such a wonderful and fun-filled visit with Brent's parents. I was amazed at all we fit into our five days together. So much, in fact, that I'll need to split it up into a couple blog posts! We picked up Mom and Dad K at 12:30pm on Friday. Our first stop? I'll give you a clue:


That's right - our favorite, Sunshine Grill! Mom and Dad loved the food and ambiance, so we actually went back again our last night together.


Brent and I had placed an Amazon order with things M&D could bring for us. I'm most excited about the new wedding ring for Brent! This is is third ring he's owned in Grand Cayman. The first one he lost a week after moving here, and the second he lost a week after we got back from Christmas. I hope this one sticks around for a while.


Chicken Quesadillas. So beautiful.


On Saturday, we headed to Stingray Sandbar in our boat.


I forgot to take my dramamine, so I was feeling a little seasick from the ride. While I calmed my stomach, Brent and his parents jumped in. I love this next picture for several reasons. Mom's looking worried, Dad is hollering out to her, and Walter's throw up is in the corner (I wasn't the only one who got seasick).


Eventually Mom got very brave and was feeding the stingrays and letting them swim all over her. I was so proud!


Dad really loved the stingrays and had no hesitation. First he chased them...


Then they fought back.


Look at the determination! (FYI for future visitors, this is not the recommended way to approach the stingrays. Dad has the hickies to prove it.)


The boat rocked like crazy when anchored, so getting out was the best thing for the nausea. Brent thought Walter might feel better out of the boat as well, but I didn't want him in the water with the stingrays (not to mention Walter hates swimming and has an irrational fear of the ocean). Sweet Brent carried him around for a bit, until I got overwhelmed by the stingrays and he had to carry me around for a bit.


At the end of their stay, both Mom and Dad said the stingrays were their favorite part. It certainly is a unique experience! That night, we cleaned up and went to Alfresco for dinner. We made reservations for 6:15 to make sure we caught the sunset.

Mom and Dad outside our apartment


At Alfresco - I probably said something really funny to get these smiles. Actually, I think they were laughing at the number of pictures I was taking...


The sunset was lovely and the lighting was perfect for some portrait pictures. I couldn't resist snapping a few (hundred) while we waited for our food.


Each couple got an entree and a pizza to split. The food was amazing, the company was even better :) Mom and Dad got a seafood pizza and some kind of spicy chicken dish.


Our pizza had half pepperoni and half tomato and spinach. We also split the lobster ravioli in pumpkin sauce.


We ended up taking a lot of the pizza home, which I didn't mind one bit. For dessert, we split Baileys Chocolate Cheesecake and Key Lime Pie. See you later, diet! This is what vacations are all about!

(Please don't be a killjoy and remind me that I live here and was not technically on vacation...)


That covers Day 1 and 2. Stay tuned for lots more from the rest of our visit!

Walter on the Boat

Soon after we arrived back on island, our fickle old boat decided to stop working. At this point, I'm not even sure what was wrong with it. But we got it fixed last week, and Walter got to take his maiden voyage Saturday evening. Brent and I didn't want to go for a long ride, we just wanted to make sure the boat was still working. So we decided to cruise around the canals and bring Walter along. I figured a nice slow ride would be a good way to get him acclimated. And I must say he looked adorable in his little doggy life jacket!


Overall I think Walter did really well on the boat. He seemed a little wary and did a lot of exploring. But he mostly stood up front and looked out at the horizon. First mate Walter!


Proud parents


He seemed ok aboard the boat, but he was also very excited to get out once we docked!


After church on Sunday, we took the boat out again with Jeremy, Sheena, Jenn and Nate. Walter was ready to go!


We went first to Stingray Sandbar. I just can't get enough of this blue water!


Brent's favorite thing to do on island. Look how happy he is!


Walter stayed in boat at the sandbar and was a very good dog. I was worried he might be overly curious with the stingray, but he wasn't at all interested. Maybe he didn't realize they were animals.

After hanging out with the stingrays, we headed to Rum Point. Walter had to swim to land, and he was NOT happy! He tried to swim back to the boat ladder but couldn't get up. It was really pathetic. Ultimately Brent ended up carrying him. I guess we just have to accept we don't have a water pup.


Once we waded to shore, we found out that dogs are only allowed on a tiny corner of the beach, way back by the street. We got drinks and lined up on a log in the dog-friendly area. I wish I had brought my camera - it was pretty comical!

Fun day. I hate to say it, but we once again had to get towed back to our dock. How embarrassing. Still not sure what the problem is - it's very unusual for an engine to cut out while you are running it. Ah, the life of a boat owner.

On a unrelated note, I got my hair cut! It feels so much better to have it shorter, but it's just as unruly as ever. I'm resigned to daily ponytails. This picture was taken just after straightening it, and before stepping outside. It didn't stay like this for long - but at last I could take a picture to show the new length!

New Boat and Wehners

Last week Jenn, Nate, Brent and I went in together to buy a boat! It is a cute little 18 foot Bayliner. Brent and I had been planning on getting a jetski, but we were excited to get in on this good deal because boats are even more fun! None of us know anything about boats, so we are in for an adventure. Once again, these are all point-and-shoot camera pictures. I'm still not brave enough to bring my SLR out to sea!

My fellow boat-owner:


We've been having an awesome time with our first visitors, the Wehner family. We were lucky to have them here for the maiden voyage because they actually have quite a bit of boat knowledge. Lucy loved riding on her daddy's lap - she was snoozing within minutes!


We drove to Stingray Sandbar and I was very impressed with our guests' bravery. Jess was a little unsure at first (who wouldn't be?), but then swam around with the stingrays and even let them eat from her hand. I was glad I had the excuse of holding the baby so I could stay out this time!

Brent holding a stingray


The boys


Brent took this picture at Rum Point. Here's our pride and joy!


Cute little family


Jess took this picture of little Lucy. Isn't she adorable? I love her little sunglasses!


Of course we had to get some rum at Rum Point! Look at Lucy reaching for the beer, haha!


We dropped Jenn and Nate off at Rum Point because they had some evening kayak tour. Captain Brent led us home:


I don't have any pictures of this, but once we got back to the canal, we ran out of gas. We were only a couple minutes from home - so close, but yet so far. Two boats stopped and asked if we needed a tow, but we had extra gas so we thought we'd be fine. Once we filled up, though, we still couldn't start. It was starting to get dark and we were doing a little drifting so things got kind of tense. We finally waved down another boat and they pulled us back to the harbor. A memorable first trip out for sure! The next morning Brent was able to get it started - I guess it just needs a little break after being run dry. It's a mistake we won't make twice, that's for sure!

After church on Sunday we went to Eden Rock to do some snorkeling. Lucy and I hung out at the beach to work on our tan...


Sunday evening we had our second Thanksgiving dinner. Pictures coming in the next post!