Christmas Artists

There was a Christmas card competition in school and they picked a winner from each class.
Both Lorcan and Áine won in their classes. They got their entries printed as Christmas cards and a €20 voucher for an arts and crafts shop in town.

Here are the winning entries

Lorcan's Birthday

Lorcan had his birthday a little early this year because he was mad to get Kathy Crafts to come to his birthday and she couldn't do the following weekend. Well Kathy came and did make and do and face painting with the kids for about 2 hours and everyone loved it. We had a good crowd at the party and everyone had good fun.



We also had the now traditional Pinata and even though the string broke early Kevin 'foolishly' volunteered to hold it, here is a taste of what happened...

Halloween

We all got dressed up and did the traditional 'Trick or Treat'. The lads ended up with a bag full of junk that Ciara couldn't even carry. It was Ciara's first real go at trick or treat and after a few houses it's amazing how quickly they figure it out.
Came home played all the usual games and then off to bed because Lorcan's birhtday is tomorrow.



Michelle Gets her head in the flour after losing the 'Flour and Grape' game.

The Doyle Indy 500

The lads were dieing to go play in the snow but in October it's unlikely so they setup themselves.

Summer Holiday Photo Selection

Here is just a test of the Deep Zoom photo selection from Microsoft. I just put up a few Summer Photos to remind us all what the summer was like.

Áine's 5th Birthday

This was the happy birthday at Áine's birthday. She had a great day and had nearly all her class round. Unbelieveable to think Áine is 5 already.

Lorcan and Áine both with Trophies

Lorcan won the 'best boy' trophy at school and brought it home very proud.



Áine had her turn with looking after Jen from school and just had to get a photo.

Ciara Gets into her Big Bed

Ciara has moved into her big bed. She hadn't been sleeping too well for a couple of nights wanting to come into us, so we decided we'd give her a go in her big girl bed. So we got it down from the attic gave it a little cleanup and she has slept like a 'well Baby I guess' since.

Back to School

Today is the first day back to school. Aine had her first day too and started in Mrs Selman's class. She was looking forward to it all week and there was no tears or clinging on she practically ran in. Lorcan doesn't finish until 3pm now and was also looking forward to going back to see all his friends again. Best of luck this year lads.


Also a couple pictures of the lads on the first day

Ciara and Mammy Playing

Ciara loves playing and I think she has a real infectious laugh.

Ciara's 2nd Birthday

We had Ciara's 2nd birthday today and she had a ball.

She really enjoyed the fuss about her and the weather was good we had a bouncy castle and all the usual grub.

We didn't have a huge crowd as most of the Doyle's are on holidays and as we're going to Cian's birthday tomorrow we told the Dublin wing of the clan to stay put and we'll see them tomorrow.

Here's a few shots and the "Happy Birthday" to get a flavour of the day.

Holiday in Center Parcs Update

I thought a quick video of the lads in action in one of the play grounds would be nice.

Holiday in Center Parcs

We are just back from our Holiday in Centre Parcs in Longleat.
The kids loved it and it really is set up for kids. The weather wasn't great but we still made the best of it.
The Longleat site is very hilly and the bikes made for good exercise especially with me dragging a trailer for Aine and Ciara and Shelly with a tagalong for Lorcan. Ciara was a little nervous in the pool but enjoyed the jaquzzi. The lads went on everything all the slides and wave pools etc.
Lorcan finally got a chance to go fishing with me and we caught 2 carp (wasn't too difficult as there was 1200 in the small lake) had a bit of an issue getting hooks out but Lorcan loved it. Aine had her hair braided and Lorcan did the rock climbing.
We also went to Longleat house and safari park which was great. We were driving around the safari park through the Monkey part and they just attacked all the cars nearly everyone lost their ariel and we had a good laugh until they descended on us. Ripped two strips off our car and terrified Aine. I think she thought they were going to make it in. Longleat house is great though best playground I've ever seen and there was mini trains and pet zoo (Lorcan held a Snake and a Tarantula) maze etc
Michelle and Declan and the lads seemed to enjoy it too.
Here's some photos to enjoy.





There was Ducks and Squirrels eveywhere.



Group shot.


They might look lovable but intelligent rats I say.



Waiting for a swim.


In one of the play grounds


Lady's waiting for the pack horse (me) to carry them home.

Ciara and Lorcan especially loved the beach.


Aine wanted a photo with her braid.

Aine Graduated from Busy Bees

Aine today graduated from Busy Bees. She had her end of year school play and like last year it was Snow White. She didb't get the title role this year but played a servant and she practiced her line all week deciding where to put the emphasis. "Look! He's Awake".
She did really well and was suggested as a canidate for Jesters (drama society) by her teacher.

Here's a quick look at the play if you want.

Ciara's New Haircut

Ciara tried on one of Aine's hair extensions and loved the effect!

Day Out

We woke up this morning and decided the weather was too good to waste so a quick decision and packed a picnic and bundled into the car for a trip to the beach. Duncannon beach was great Lorcan was on a mission to get sea creatures and collected 2 buckets full of mussels, dead crabs, and a little fella he christened Skuttle.
Aine loved siting in the water and playing in the sand. Ciara was a little wary of the water but must have walked 2 miles and looked into every rock pool and hole in the beach she could find.





(Honest Lorcan was there it's just he was always over by some rock pool or digging shells and I never got a photo of him! and I was afraid to bring the Camera in the Sea)

We then on the way back popped into Kennedy park and played in the play ground and went to the duck pond which we had to drag Lorcan away from as he was trying his damnest to catch the baby fish.



Finally exhausted on the way home we stopped in Inistoige in Circle of Friends and had the dinner. The lads love the homemade pizza there.

Great day!

Tara Playing for Dublin.

Bank holiday monday no big plans and Kevin rang and said Tara had her first outing in the blue in Carlow. So we all headed down. Tara played four games and won every one of them. She banged in 3 good goals in the semi final too. Lorcan and Alex had a ball they found a hide out in the bushes and climbed trees for the entertainment of the Carlow team!.

Aine lazed in the sun like her Ma and Aunt. Cian was glued to game he looked nervous for the final more nervous then Tara. Everyone enjoyed it and the weather was glorious.

Lorcan's First Match.

Lorcan had his first hurling match today. We were blessed with the weather and we all went down to cheer him on. Unfortunately there was 40 from Bennettsbridge and only 32 from Paulstown so a few of the lads had to swap sides including Lorcan but he didn't seem to mind. He had a few good pucks and enjoyed the chatting as much as anything. Here's a few photos to get the atmosphere of the big game. Go on Lorcan! (Lorcan is number 22 in the Red jersey)






One of Ciara after the match

Aine's Starts school

Aine had her first day in school today. We had to go in at 2pm to meet her teacher Mrs Selman. Aine was excited but a little nervous. We collected Lor and went into the hall, Ciara had a bit of a mickey fit just to let everyone know she was there but Aine had no problem heading straight into her class. There are 22 in her class which is much lower then we thought and Olivia Selman is great Lorcan loved her and I'm sure Aine will too.

Aine on Stage

Last night was a great success and Aine really enjoyed it. We were so proud of her and how well she did, I think she was proud of herself. Ciara was glued to it and wanted to join in. Lor was delighted to see Aine did it so well. We were happy to have Granny and Grandad and Nancy as well. The first of many visits to the Watergate with Aine I'm sure.

On the Way to the Big Show in the Watergate!

This was only taken last night just before we set off for Aine's ballet show in the watergate. Aine was a Spoon in Beuty and the Beast.

She's plastered in make-up and bursting with excitment.

The Lads Dancing!

Hello !

Thought I would follow the brothers lead and start a blog for the lads easy place to dump all the little pictures and videos of the lads as they grow.