Boyz Ski Trip

After the season ended and the partying had played everyone out,

the guys took off for a weekend of skiing at a ski resort in Austria:

Sölden, Austria

Paul and Jason

what a view

on the way up

enjoying a beverage break!

Milan, Itlay

We were supposed to head down to Rome for

our after-season vacay.

Rome was just too far to drive and we had no

interest in flying with the kids because of the

upcoming flight of many hours home to Canada.

SO, instead Jason and the family planned a trip

to take me to Milan on my birthday.

Yep, completely, utterly spoiled!

It is an amazing city and the day was spent with amazing people.

The Duomo

This is the Cathedral and the symbol of Milan,

with its golden statue "La Madonnina"

Becker family at the Duomo

The Duomo is situated right in the heart of Milan

The Duomo square was busy with tourists,
locals and pigeons.

she wanted to get up-close to the birds on the statue

Piazza della Scala where the world known Teatro alla Scala appears.

This is the centre of lyric opera.

central Milan - downtown area

very busy city, at every angle!

Mopeds....main transportation.

There are no road rules when riding one of these.

Castello Sforzesco

try pronouncing that!

Happy Birthday to me!

the castle is one of the most common and beautiful landscapes in Milan.

The castle is situated in the Parco Sempione,

opposite to the Arco della Pace dedicated to Napoleon.

Torre del Filarete (tower)

attempting a pic with mom

At the castle there was a michealangelo exhibition being held

for a short period of time.

We just happened to be there a day before it ended.

his famous art at the castle: painings, sculptures

Madonna and Child

Rondanini Pietà...a sculpture he is famous for

the famous crucifix he sculpted

Santa Maria delle Grazie

cathedral of Santa Maria

the white building on the left holds the famous painting

"Last Supper" pained by Leonardo

also this is where you will find the art of Bramante

amazing view of the inside of the cathedral

posing my life away!

A famous dish in Milan to eat is "Risotto alla Milanese"

It is a traditional rice dish.

In Italy they say "Il riso nasce nell'acqua e muore nel vino,"

meaning rice is born in water and dies in wine.

We enjoyed BOTH.

The entrance to the Emmanuel Galleria

inside the Emmanuel Galleria

elegant restaurants and shops

elegant....expensive shops!

Milan is known to be the fashion capital of the world.

Gucci cafe.

Yep, had to drop in and have a GUCCI latte.

Pigeon chasing in Milan.

Playoffs

Unfortunately for the Starbulls, playoffs ended after first round.

We were down the first two games and then came back with a win.

I honestly thought for sure we were going to make it.

So another season has ended.

Time to pack things up,

dread the 11 hour flights home and say unwanted goodbyes.

Year end benders come whether you win or lose.

The boyz getting at 'er....

smiles all around from the ladies!
long island drinks = long day of hangover

good times had by all!

Frohe Oster

There was no turkey dinner or family get together on Easter,

it was first round of playoffs so the team

was either at the rink practicing or playing.

But we did have an easter egg HUNT in the morning.

The kids were so excited to find so much chocolate.

Brax was so excited he chewed right threw the foil.

Happy Easter Everyone!

Time to decorate.

The kids absolutely love everything about crafts.

So I don't have to mention how excited they both get when

it's time to decorate the easter eggs.

Last year, Brax was not allowed to touch the eggs as he would

smash them against the table until they were mush.

This year was no different.

Although, he did participate in decorating, it only lasted a few minutes before the smashing began.

Bella was so proud of her decorated easter eggs

Last Easter we decorated the eggs with stickers. This easter we drew shapes. Everything from under and including the sun!