Yesterday, we celebrated the Feast of the Epiphany, since it was the sixth (the Church can move it to today for convenience, but yesterday was good for us). The kids took the three king statues to the stable, but the Holy Family was gone. Off they went to find them on my dresser right next to a pile of presents – three for everybody (minus one for me that didn’t get here in time).

Last night, we went to a friend’s house for an Epiphany party with them and another family – 15 kids (plus one on the way) altogether. What fun! I love these casual, kid-friendly events where moms can actually sit and the kids just run in and out of the house and all around having a good time. We had beans and rice and tamales and taquitas and margaritas and Bill’s leaded eggnog and donuts and a King Cake with a prize for the person who finds the baby Jesus inside. In fact, the generous hosts had Barnes and Noble gift cards for ALL the kids with an excessively high value for the winner – which happened to be Fritz.

We haven’t touched a single decoration yet, and I’ll be pretty sad to see them go. When you don’t decorate until just before Christmas, it is easy to want to keep them up well into January. But I suppose I’ll begin the long process this week. I’ll have to pack everything away carefully knowing that movers will be the next people to touch the boxes, and I don’t want to risk breakage on the long road to Kansas.

Soon we’ll be heading out to the bookstore. This weekend has been an altogether pleasant conclusion to a Christmas full of parties, joy and fun. We’ll take a bit of a break and then on to Carnival!