Jamison's Confirmation

The largess of our sacrament haul during our Ireland stay continues.  Jamison was the latest to add one with his Confirmation on Friday.  Confirmations are a 6th class activity and are happening in all the schools in the area.  There were 52 kids from the boys and girl's schools where Grace and J.J. attend.  Felt a little bit like Christmas and that started with the jammed car park.  There was excitement in the kids and a bit of apprehension.  The kids wear white albs and they spend quite a bit of time in preparation for this in school, incorporating writing and art projects into the effort.  The younger classes also participate by  providing music.

J.J.'s sponsor was Declan, who is is a guitar-mate at church.  His confirmation name was Colmcille (pronounced:  col'umn-kill.  St. Colmcille or St. Columba or was a 6th century cleric from Ireland and one that resonated with J.J.. The ceremony was very well done and all the kids had a part.  J.J. brought up the gifts.  Rod and Grace were more than willing to take the day off of school to attend.

We were expecting a marathon event, but Fr. Cormac sped things along and we were very early for our lunch at Gleeson's.  Gleeson's is the local pub about 1/2 a sand wedge away from the church.  J.J. had a bowling event with the class late that afternoon and so we went back to rest up for that.

The boys in blue shirts.  All with one of Joe's ties on.

The girls chose pink

The kids get to choose their dinner.  It's either eat out or pick your menu.  J.J. invariably chooses the homemade route for events like this and it was no different for this one.  Since our Germany trip, J.J. has been a vegetarian (still don't know what prompted the change).  This probably made the decision easier.

Menu
Eggplant Parmesan
Spinach Salad
Watermelon
Pasta with sauce
Chicken breast (just in case the non-vegetarians had to have some meat)
Cake with ice cream

All were delightful.  Declan came over at 7.  The party ended up out in the back garden with the boys trading guitars and playing around the fire, until it got a bit chilly and the party moved back into the house.  There, the electric guitar and amp were broken out and the music continued.  The party broke up about midnight and all were exhausted.  A delightful night.

Martha's creation with Grace and Joe's labor included

Tonight, we head to Aine and Philip's for a party for their son Ros (J.J.'s classmate and friend).  Our instructions were to think about walking so we both "could enjoy a few jars."  I'm sure you all understand the meaning of that!!

Clear and cool, but you must head outside when it isn't raining.