Happy Epiphany

I can't believe the Christmas season is already coming to an end.  I feel cheated of a few days because of all the sickness we've had to deal with this year.  And I am NOT ready to take down all my pretty Christmas decorations.  But either way, the Epiphany is here.

So anyways....here are a few pictures of our Epiphany celebration from today.  We had a similar "12 Days of Christmas" dinner like we did last year and read a book, explaining what each symbol from the song means.  Then the girls made crowns and we sang as they put the three kings near each nativity.

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1. Partridge in a Pear Tree - pears

2. Turtle Doves - turtle candies

3. French Hens - chicken nuggets

4. Calling Birds - bird shaped sandwiches

5. Golden Rings - pineapple rings

6. Geese a-laying - hard boiled eggs

7. Swans a-swimming - blue punch with 7 pieces of ice (I know...total stretch!)

8. Maids a-milking - milk

9. Ladies Dancing - Pop Rocks (because they dance in your mouth :)

10. Lords a-leaping - 2 graham crackers (representing the 2 stone tablets that the 10 commandments were written on)

11. Pipers Pipping - Piroette cookie sticks (to resemble a flute)

12. Drummers Drumming - Pretzel rods (to resemble drumsticks)

You can look back at my blog post from last year to explain the Catholic teachings represented by each symbol:  12 Days of Christmas Dinner

We tried out a new epiphany cake this year.  We found the idea from the shower of roses blog and I think it turned out pretty cute (and delicious!).

Rose and Madeline wanted to decorate a cookie their own way :)

And...the cutest 5 kings I have ever seen!  (I may be a little biased)  

Homemade crowns and blanket capes...I hope they remember this tradition forever.

4 VERY happy girls...one NOT so happy baby.  He was over the whole "king" thing.

Hope everyone had a blessed Christmas and New Years!