St. Pat's, 2012.

Jon and I agree, our St. Patrick's day this year was, hands-down, the best since we've been married. I always feel compelled to celebrate by going to a pub, preferably one with live Irish music. The trouble before we had kids was that such pubs were always crowded beyond reason, charged a cover, and it could be hard to get everyone in my group of assembled friends to agree to go through such a thing.

The trouble after we had kids was, we had kids. So that was that.

(Note the recycled shirt! Who wore it better??)
This year, our church's JTA program (stands for Journey to Adulthood; basically, youth group) had a fundraiser of a Saint Patrick's day dinner and celebration. There was: corned beef and cabbage, kale, beer, Irish music in the stereo, a sing-along with some traditional Irish songs, and some traditional prayers and readings. Just what my heart has always desired, and at 5:30 pm, completely kid-friendly. I felt truly lucky this year!


Here's my little shamrock, thrilled with his party favor.


The folks at my church know how to wear the green! (and some orange)

Some good friends of ours and the rector enjoy the holiday (and sharing a table with us, obviously!).

"Someone left this unattended! It was fair game!"
(just before breaking into a jig)


(Partially) Irish eyes are smiling!

I am sure Saint Patrick was personally gratified by our evening :-)

Below, my favorite rendering of him "driving the snakes out of Ireland."