Milan, Italy (EATily)

 The family in front of the Duomo.

 Oh Italy, how we ALL love you! We went to Milan in October 2014 and it's May 2015 when I'm finally writing about it. Oh well. What a happy trip. When I think about Italy, I only have happy memories. The boys were loving Italy, which made for really happy parents. First of all, THE BIRDS! They were obsessed with all the piegons. They would chase them around whenever we saw any, particularly in front of the Duomo, the gorgeous white washed cathedral in the heart of Milan. I kept thinking, "Look UP! And see that beautiful building!" But no, the birds were cooler. Second of all, THE FOOD! Eli ate his first cannoli, we dined on gelato daily, and had the most delicious food at Princi, our favorite corner Italian spot. We brought back bacon, cheese, proiscuitto, and Italian cookies and pretended like we were still in Italy for several days after we returned home. Third, it was a walking city and stroller-friendly. They boys were exhausted by the time we got home after a full day out. It was a fabulous, fast trip, we were only there for 3 days. We decided on Monday night that we wanted to go, so Tuesday we were on a flight. I love our life right now. Spontaneous. Crazy. Shameless. Fun. Memorable.

These guys right there are pretty much the best ever!!!!

Jakey at one of the Duomo's front doors. I can't exactly remember which part you are supposed to rub to show respect, but I think it was Christ's feet. Once you get right up to it, it's obvious because it's all shiny from the constant rubbing. I have just forgotten which part.

 Pure joy on this boy's face!

 

 This was the highlight of the trip, for myself and Matt. This building contains the Last Supper painting! We were able to go in and admire it. It's fantastic and takes up an entire wall. The fact that the roof was bombed off of this building during WWII and the mural is still there--is remarkable. I'll never forget it. Truly amazing.

 Eli's little curls while he flies like a bird.

 

twins:)

 This was our first morning in Italy. We arrived late the previous night and awoke to Italian skies!

 Breakfast. Croissants, delicious cheese and meats, and an amazing fruit tart. Hot chocolate. Nutella. Yes and yes.

 Playing in the leaves around the hotel. It's fun to experience 'fall' weather again. We have missed it!

 Above is one of my favorite pics ever. And below, the boys did a pretty good job at taking a pic:)

 Linds outside of the fortress.

 The fortress grounds.

 James knows just what to do. Always does, always will. Love this kiddo.

 Autumn is in the air and we just couldn't get enough! The boys ran and played in the leaves and picked up "spikey boms" and breathed in fresh, dust-free air.

 And fed ducks.

 Guess what? "Chestnuts roasting on an open fire......" it's a real thing. We bought some! They tasted a bit mealy but I bet they grow on you after awhile.

 The streets of Milan.

 Princi. Un. Believable. So delicious. Must. go. back. (check out those latticed fruit tarts! That's what I'm talkin' about!)

 Eli's first cannoli!

 Dessert mid-day. every day.

 We walked up the spiral staircase and came to the top of the Duomo. It had incredible views and fantastic architecture. And guess who we ran into at the top? The Mormon missionaries.

 Naturally, the boys just thought it was another playground.

 the missionaries took this pic:)

 this one's for you, grandma!

 Another part of the front doors.

 LONG LIVE GELATO!!

 Such a great photo!

Animals have always love him.

We were told that we had to try the panzarotti in Milan at this place in particular. It's a fried calzone. 'twas good. (and by the way, by this point my pants are hardly buttoning anymore. but it was worth it!)

 In Milan, we stayed in a little flat I found on Airbnb. This was the view from our window.

Thanks Matt for another great adventure with you! He had been to Milan before so he was able to show us around and take us back to Princi. He's the best person ever to travel with. Love you! xxx