BCS Game at the Ritz

To Brent's dismay, I don't know a whole lot about college football (or football in general). But I do know that when you are invited to watch a Championship game at the Ritz-Carlton, you go. Jeremy's boss was out of town so we got to borrow his suite at the Ritz for the night. You could have told me that we were watching a paint drying competition and I would have showed up, wearing the appropriate team's colors.

Do you know what I love? Chandeliers shaped like ships.


Championship games are always a "big deal", but this one was particularly fun because Jeremy and Sheena are from Oregon and are huge Duck fans (well, Sheena is actually a Beavers fan but can rally for her husband's team). They went all out for the party, including this cake Jeremy made (served with GREEN mint chocolate chip ice cream).


Jeremy said he was so excited he couldn't sleep the night before. He was also upset that he unthinkingly bought orange cheese puffs (Auburn's color). You've got to admire that kind of team loyalty.

Not surprisingly, this post is less about football and more about cake pops. That's right, Bakerella Cake Pops followed me to Grand Cayman. Sheena got the cookbook for Christmas and decided to make football shaped cake pops for the game. I was more than excited to roll up my sleeves and help out.


Check out my Oregon colors - go Ducks!


Sheena made this field during a teaching break at school. Isn't she amazing?


Sadly, despite all the fanfare in Grand Cayman, the Ducks didn't win. It was a close battle up till the end though. All in all, I can't complain. Good food plus good friends equals a successful night in my book.

Walter in Cayman

I'm finally caught up to island pictures! Still two weeks behind, but I'm getting there :) We left Greenville early on the 3rd and drove to the Charlotte airport. Before leaving, we gave Walter half a "calming" pill and he slept most of the car ride. But once we got to the airport, he seemed very nervous. We gave him the other half of the pill, but the poor guy still seemed worried. Brent and I were worried too - this importing process had been such a nightmare, we were afraid we would get there and not have what we needed. Luckily, everything went through and we were on our way!

Walter at the gate in his new airline approved carrier


We arrived in Cayman, went through customs, and immediately started looking for Walter. His cage was just hanging out with the rest of luggage. Poor guy - I can only imagine what he thought about all this! Walter was checked by the Department of Agriculture and we hurried out. I couldn't relax till we finally had him outdoors on Cayman soil! After 6 months of paperwork, vet appointments, shots, and blood tests, WE MADE IT!

That evening we took Walter to the beach. He mostly avoided the water, but got braver as the night went on. He also sniffed a lot of sand and drank a lot of ocean water. He's quickly learned not to do those things again! These pictures were taken with my point and shoot.


Here's a video shot with my trusty Canon PowerShot. At the end Walter pees on his own leash. How embarrassing.

The next day Walter was pretty exhausted. Here's the view I saw from the couch:

Taking a closer look...


Yep, that's one tired pup.

The first week, Walter slept a lot and wasn't eating much. I think the stress of the trip was taking its toll. The airplane drugs, heat, and consumed sand/salt water probably weren't helping. Now he's feeling much better and is adjusting well. He LOVES his walks on the beach!


In the mornings and evenings, we let him off his leash and he will stay close. He's pretty good around people, but not as good around other dogs. He enjoys walking in the water, but still doesn't like going past where he can touch. We've carried him to the deep area and made him swim back, and he's actually a really good swimmer. Maybe some day he'll realize how fun it is. One odd thing we've learned about Walter, he loves peeing on sand castles!


After months apart, I'm so glad to have our little posse reunited. We love this dog!

Greenville New Years Eve

New Year's Eve was a two-for-one holiday this year. Since it was the only day David had off work, we decided to do our Kruithof Christmas in the morning and the New Year's Eve party that night. We did both celebrations at Lorren and Cole's beautiful new home. Such a festive day! My favorite part was seeing all five kids in the matching pajamas from Papa and Gaga.


Lyla helping herself to some...marshmallows?


"Christmas morning" shots of Brent with his sisters, Lorren and Joelle. Brent got some sinus bug and wasn't feeling too well. He had such chap lips they were cracking into sores - poor guy!


My most useful gift this year? Behold...the Roomba:


Thank you, Mom and Dad Kruithof! Brent and I are seriously amazed each time we use it. I always wait for him to get home before emptying it so we can marvel together at all it picked up. It's my saving grace with these white tile floors!

After opening presents we just lounged around till the kids' nap time. Playing, snacking and snuggling up by the fire. Just how Christmas morning should be :)


My favorite photo series captures Pressley enjoying some cotton candy. Going, going, gone!


Kru got into the cotton candy too,


but then realized the lid was just as good.


This year's Santa picture proudly displayed in the Varner home. Don't you love this??


We were able to set up a quick photo shoot with all the kids before bed. Unfortunately, I don't think anyone got a shot with all five smiling. They're still unbearably cute!


Apparently I didn't take any pictures of the New Year's Eve party. Let's face it, there's a lot less cuteness after the kids go to bed. The highlight of the night was watching the three older girls enjoy their first slumber party via the video baby monitor. Their giggling and whispering were so sweet. I have a feeling there will be a lot more sleepovers in store for these little ladies!

I will always, always remember this Christmas. Living in another country made being with family even more precious. I'm sure this experience will teach me many things, but I'm already realizing how much I took for granted in the States. We are so blessed to have TWO incredible families to come home to. We love you all so much, and miss you daily!

Greenville Pre-New Years Eve

We headed to Greenville on December 28th. Thank you, Mom B for driving us to the Dayton airport in the wee morning hours! When we got to Greenville, the entire family (minus David who was hard at work) was waiting for us. That was the best surprise! We headed directly to Chick-fil-a and David was able to meet us there. The family was complete once again!

After lunch, we all parted ways so the kids could take their afternoon naps. I was anxious to head back to Brent's parents' house because there was one face in Greenville I was particularly excited to see...

This guy!


Walter was waiting in his cage when we got home. He recognized us right away and was very happy to see us. The rest of the week he kept us in sight and slept in our room. He seemed to understand that we were his owners again. He must have been listening in Cincinnati as I repeated millions of times, "I promise we'll be back for you!" :)

That evening we went over to Lorren and Cole's new house. It was nice to do a little bonding with the Varner girls.


This scene started out really sweet with Brent and Savi snuggled up reading a book, then it got a bit more "affectionate"...


I looked away to snap this picture of Hailey (sometimes drinking is a three person job),


and when I looked back Savi had taken control of the snuggling situation. We decided Brent and Savi get along so splendidly because neither seem to have personal bubbles.


The Turners arrived later in the night, followed by a tornado of dolls, toys, puzzles, and dress-up. These kids know how to keep the adults entertained!


Love these "goodbye pictures" of Brent with the twins. So sweet - everyone loves Uncle Brenty!


On Thursday we went bowling, which was a lot of fun. It was the kids' first time, and they all did pretty well!


I love little kid bowling shoes!


I'm not a very good bowler (I relied pretty heavily on the bumpers), but you can't beat bowling alley snack food!


We love this family so, so much! Next up - Greenville New Year's Eve pictures!