Imelda's Au Pair in America Blog

A little history about Saint Valentine’s Day

Every February we celebrate Valentine’s Day by giving flowers, candy and cards to those we love. We do this in honor of Saint Valentine. You may be wondering, “Who is St. Valentine”? Time to brush up on your Valentine’s history!

Legend has it that Valentine was a priest who served during third century Rome. The Emperor at that time, Claudius II decided that single men made better soldiers than those that were married. With this thought in mind he outlawed marriage for young men in hopes of building a stronger army. Supposedly, Valentine, decided this decree was not fair and married young couples in secret. When Emperor Claudius II found out about Valentine’s actions he had his head cut off making him a martyr of love. Another legend has it that Valentine was an imprisoned man who fell in love with his jailor’s daughter. Before he was put to death he sent the first ‘valentine’ himself when he wrote her a letter and signed it ‘Your Valentine’, words still used on cards today.

Perhaps we’ll never know the true identity and story behind the man named St. Valentine, but this much is for sure…February has been the month to celebrate love for a long time, dating clear back to the Middle Ages. In fact, Valentines ranks second only to Christmas in number of greeting cards sent.

For some fun children’s activities including crafts, coloring pages, games, puzzles and poems go to:

http://www.dltk-holidays.com/valentines/index.htm

http://www.apples4theteacher.com/holidays/valentines-day/

November 24 Thanksgiving – Thanksgiving dates back to the first European settlers in North America. After hardship, illness and hard work the Pilgrims celebrated a successful harvest that they shared with their Native American friends. This national holiday is a day to feast and give thanks.

November 25- Black Friday is the Friday after Thanksgiving and is the beginning of the traditional Christmas shopping season. Black Friday is not an official holiday, but many employees have the day off, which increases the number of potential shoppers. Merchants and the media use the term Black Friday to refer to the beginning of the period in which retailers are in the black i.e., turning a profit for the year. Sales are everywhere–set your alarm and hit the stores before the sun comes up to get an authentic experience this unique day!

Au Pair in America Cultural Fair

Glen Echo Park/Spanish Ballroom

On Saturday, April 9th the Au Pair in America clusters of VA/MD and DC will be celebrating the 25th Anniversary of Au Pair in America and au pair programs! Please join us in this celebration as au pairs from all over the world will be presenting their countries through song, dance, photos, etc.

At the closing of the event we will have all of the children participate in a Childrens’ Parade on the Promenade (country costumes optional).Spanish Ballroom

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International Navy Ball

It’s time to purchase your tickets to attend the highly anticipated 45th International Ball at the US Naval Academy!

Date: April 16, 2011

Location: United States Naval Academy

Time: 8:00 pm

Cost: $10 per ticket, plus $1.50 service charge

Dress: Cocktail Dress, Formal (check out Ross, TJ Maxx and Marshalls for discount dresses and shoes)

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National Cherry Blossom Festival is almost here!

The National Cherry Blossom Festival is an annual two-week event that celebrates springtime in Washington, DC as well as the 1912 gift of the cherry blossom trees and the enduring friendship between the people of the United States and Japan.

The predicted peak blooming period of the cherry blossoms – MARCH 29 – APRIL 3!

cherry blossom
Here are some of the highlights:

Family Day – Saturday, March 26, 2011
National Building Museum
401 F Street, NW
Metro Judiciary Square, Red Line
10am-3:30 pm

Opening Ceremony – Saturday, March 26, 2011
National Building Museum
401 F Street, NW
Metro Judiciary Square, Red Line
4-5:30 pm

Smithsonian Kite Festival – Sunday, March 27, 2011
Washington Monument Grounds
10 am-4 pm

Fireworks Display – Saturday, April 2, 2011
Waterfront Park – 600 Water Street, SW
Fireworks at 8:30-9 pm

Cherry Blossom Parade – Saturday, April 9, 2011
Constitution Avenue from 7th to 17th Streets, NW
10 am- 12 noon
Helpful links:

Cherry Blossom Festival Website
National Park Service Bloom Watch
Metro Website (use the trip planner feature on this website to find the metro options, taking metro is much better than driving for the festival events)
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PREVIOUS CLUSTER ACTIVITIES INCLUDED……

Markoff’s Haunted Forest in October….
What a fun time we had at Markoff’s Haunted Forest! The weather was perfect! The hike through the woods was fun….and yes, scary! I do hope that everyone had a good time. Here are some photos that captured some of the night!

Incredibles....

Upcoming Activities for our cluster:
November 9th…..travel options with Suntrek
Attend this meeting and you could be lucky! Suntrek is offering some discounts on upcoming trips and will also be entering our group in some area raffles for a free trip!

December….a holiday party (a favorite) in my home….
You will need to purchase a gift to exchange with someone else in the cluster and bring something to eat from your home country! This is one of my favorite cluster meetings!

June Picnic was a success….

Children played on the playground, enjoyed face painting done by Imelda’s daughter and friend, participated in a raffle of Au Pair items, and lined up for balloon sculptures made for each child of an item of request (crown, heart, sword, bunny etc.) .

Then we all heard the thunder, but a park ranger came by and told us that we had about 15 minutes to pack up the fun as a big storm was on the way. We all hustled and packed up JUST in time! A big storm did follow, but we had had almost 2 hours of our wonderful picnic.