Monday, May 23, 2011

Parents Visit - Agua Brunch and Sunset Picnic

Like food pictures? Then this post is for you.

After church on Sunday, we took Brent's parents to Agua's brunch. This was our first Sunday brunch on island, but from our previous experiences at Agua, we knew they'd do it right. The spread was incredible!


We were the first ones there so we had the place to ourselves for a while. Mom and I really enjoyed the bottomless champagne :)


Made to order eggs


If I was impressed by the brunch spread, then I was delirious with joy when they set up the dessert table.


Strawberry and Mango Mousse


Tiramisu-like dessert


After brunch we were pretty stuffed, so we rested at home for a bit, then went snorkeling at Cemetery Beach. We decided to do a light dinner on Seven Mile Beach - cheese, crackers and smoothies.


The sunset it self was nothing too extraordinary, but the sky AFTER the sun set was amazing! It just kept getting better and better!


That's it for Day 3. Day 4 and 5 coming in my next post!

Friday, May 20, 2011

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!

Saturday, May 14, 2011

This and That

Brent's parents flew in Friday at noon, and we are LOVING having them here. I wanted to whip out this quick post with some pictures taken before they arrived. Just a little this and that from the last couple weeks.

Around the House

Of course what random set of images would be complete without some Walter shots.


Laundry hanging from the ceiling fan


I got this layered enchilada bake recipe from my wonderful friend Mary Gaertner before we moved and I LOVE IT. I make it all the time here in Grand Cayman. Black beans, corn, and ground turkey - delicious!


Walter got tangled in the sheets the other night. He was fighting to get out, and then all the sudden he stopped and just started scratching his ear. Such a funny dog.


Dinner with Friends

Last Wednesday we went to Tiki Beach with Jenn and Nate. We found an online deal - spend $50 and get a $100 gift card. It was such a fun night. We love these friends!


My Jamaican Jerk Penne Pasta with Chicken


Brent and Nate's plates


Brent and I split a Banana Caramel Bread Pudding for dessert, and Jenn and Nate got the apple crumble below.


Sorry for the short post, but we're headed to dinner at Alfresco soon. I'm sure the next post featuring the Kruithofs' visit will be much longer!

Tuesday, May 3, 2011

The Royal Wedding

We had a four day weekend for Easter, then a three day weekend for the Royal Wedding. I love living in a British territory.

I originally planned on getting up at 4:00am to watch the wedding live, but then Sheena offered to record it so we could watch it together at a more reasonable hour. Add in a few fun guests, tea, and scones and we had a real party! Sheena and Jenn made traditional English biscuits which were delicious with raspberry jam and clotted cream.


My maple oatmeal scones - sticky but good!


It was fun watching the wedding with Lisa who is from South Africa and knew a little more about the royal family. Jenn and Nate had guests in town who also joined the party. Beth and Jayson brought their two sons, who instantly bonded with Lisa's 8-month-old daughter Jodi.


Jodi seems a little bored with the festivities...


The boys retreated to the balcony for most of the pre-wedding show, but came in just in time to see the ceremony. You can't miss history in the making!


I had such a fun time watching the entire wedding that morning, and then re-watching bits and pieces throughout the weekend. Call me a silly girl, but I'm a sucker for real life fairy tales. I was totally enamored with the tradition behind the day's events. Kate was stunning, so pretty and classy. I'm glad I watched the ceremony with other girls so we could swoon together (and do a collective gasp at the Queens's yellow attire). It was a memorable day!