Winterval Festival 2013

Yesterday my brother and his girlfriend came home from London, we headed Down to my parent's house to visit them there. We didn't tell the kids where we were going, we kept it a surprise the whole way, then when they figured out where we were going they were squealing with excitement! 

We all headed in to the beautiful 'Winterval Festival' that is currently on in Waterford. The kids had a great time, we took them for hot chocolate and they went on a big beautiful carousel which was so old fashioned and elegant. There were stalls and a Christmas village with a fabulous market.  They had a Viking village set up in the old Viking triangle to show where our ancestors came from, Dylan really loved this and he even got to pose with a sword and Viking helmet! 

We had our lovely pre Christmas dinner together before my brother and his girlfriend head down to her parents for Christmas. We are going to my parent's again for Christmas and the children are so excited!  I have finally finished all the Christmas preparations, I will be off tomorrow from 2pm... and then it is my Christmas! and we just can't wait to start celebrating!

Here are all our fun snaps from our little Christmas adventure!

Our Christmas Bucket list 2013

Our Christmas bucket list for 2013 is well underway, we have a lot to jam in over the next 9 days. It is going to be magical and special and we can hardly wait!

 

~ Our list 2013~

 

Deck the halls 2013

This year our tree moved a little, but we love to see it from the outside.  I've added some more bits to the room since I took these photos, as I took these on the first day! I've put lights and a garland on the windowsill.  Everything looks festive and beautiful,  we are all really looking forward to Christmas! We have so many great things planned over the next few days before Christmas is here!

 

Here is our Christmas décor for 2013 complete with a little collage of my favourite ornaments and displays!

 

~ Merry Christmas ~

  

 

 

 

 

Our Letters to Santa 2013

So we have the decorations up, our beautiful tree takes pride of place beside the window this year.    Our letters have been written and delivered and we've already had our videos delivered by the elves.... It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas... The children loved writing their letters this year!
 

 

Our letter to Santa really kicks things off in our house, Lauren was really able to participate this year and it was lovely to watch. I just love this time of year, and I'm really looking forward to making wonderful memories with my family!

 

We are so excited to launch our Doyle family Christmas 2014!

My new look

On Saturday we had Derek's directors dinner for work, Derek recently became a director in an accountancy firm, this was my first foray as a directors wife!

 

But first I had some mommy time and had my hair done, I got golden highlights and my fringe put back in. I have to say I absolutely LOVE my new hair cut, and I felt a million dollars afterwards!! The evening was lovely, the food and company was amazing.... I could get used to this...

 

Here is my new look (no make-up.. ahh!) and a professional photo bomb by Lauren!

 

Dylan's 9th Birthday Weekend

This weekend we celebrated Dylan's 9th birthday, this year he didn't want a party or a present, he wanted money!! Derek and I discussed it and decided on an amount we thought was appropriate, I had a mug made for him with a picture of him skate boarding with 'Dylan's Mug' on it to go with it with his card and money, just wanted him to have something nice to open too! We also got him a few other little knick knacks that he is currently into!

On the morning of his birthday I'd put a giant number 9 balloon in his room and lots of smaller balloons on the floor! He was really surprised when he woke up and saw it, then we had a lovely birthday breakfast and waited for Nanna and Grandad and we opened presents. Dylan was so happy and lucky with his gifts.

on Sunday we took him into town to go to Macdonalds and spend his birthday money, he bought a skateboarding game and he got some small tech deck items as he is collecting them at the moment. 

Then we all headed home for his birthday dinner and his ice cream cake made by Lauren and Mommy!

He had a really great weekend and he still has money to spend! We hope he enjoyed every minute of being spoiled rotten! He deserves it!

birthday morning

opening Lauren, Mommy and Daddy's gift 

Having ice cream cake after dinner

This evening he said this was 'his best birthday ever!'

Dylan turns 9

Today my son turned 9 years old, I can't quite believe it. It's strange to believe that he has been in our lives a decade if you include my pregnancy! When I look at him now he looks so grown up and big! He's gotten so clever and witty and fun. It is a joy to be around him, he is full of life and energy! 

 

On this day I chose my most favourite photos of Dylan, they don't have any particular order. They are just photos that make me smile and show Dylan's kind, caring and loving personality.

 

He brings such joy and happiness to our family, I couldn't imagine our lives without him in it. Dylan we love you, happy 9th birthday........

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We are so so blessed to have this little boy as our son.....