Posted by Tori Torres on Dec 31, 2011
Wishing you all the best in 2012!
After the kids go to bed, sit down and watch Dick Clark’s Rockin’ Eve and think about how to make 2012 better by choosing a simple “New Year Resolutions.” Another idea is to create a keepsake of the year that is ending by making a time capsule or a scrapbook of memories. Include what are cool slang words, popular activities, clothes, games, names of popular songs or games, and a picture of the hottest toy. If you are making a time capsule, put a date on it and decide when it will be opened – in a year, 5 or even 10. Don’t forget to include a photo of you! Happy New Year!
Posted by Tori Torres on Dec 26, 2011
This festive, non-religious African-American celebration was started in 1966. It lasts for seven days. On each day a candle is lit and the day focuses on one of seven principles.
Posted by Tori Torres on Dec 23, 2011
Every family and culture has their own Christmas traditions. Embrace those of your host family and share some of your own.
Posted by Tori Torres on Dec 22, 2011
Winter Solstice— the shortest day of the year. Celebrate with a friend!
Animals handle cold winter weather in a variety of ways. Some travel to a warmer climate. Others grow thicker fur coats so they can stay warm and active during the winter. Many animals hibernate during the coldest weather – they spend the warmer months eating and storing as much body fat as they can and then live off this extra weight as they sleep. Au pairs- DO NOT hibernate this winter-call a new au pair or someone you haven’t met yet and go get a hot chocolate.
Posted by Tori Torres on Dec 20, 2011
Happy Chanukah
Chanukah is a Jewish celebration and is also known as the Festival of Lights. Chanukah starts at sundown today and lasts for eight days. It is traditional to exchange gifts or gelt (Yiddish for money) in the form of real coins or chocolate wrapped in gold foil, to play a game of put-and-take with a four sided top called a dreidel, and to light candles each night.
Posted by Tori Torres on Dec 12, 2011
Orville and Wilbur flew their plane for 12 seconds in 1903. The flight occurred at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. You can visit Kitty Hawk when you go to the Outer Banks. If the trip is too far, why not make paper airplanes with the children and see if they can fly that long!?!?!
Posted by Tori Torres on Nov 15, 2011
You are invited!
Please join us on Saturday, November 19th beginning at 9:30am at Panera Bread Co. at Concord Mills for our annual host family workshop day. Meet the other Host Families and Au Pairs in our Cluster as we discuss ways to improve relationships through better communication. Children are welcome!
We look forward to meetin you and your family.
Posted by Tori Torres on Oct 6, 2011
The Carolina Renaissance Festival is a medieval amusement park, a 11-stage theater, a 22-acre village marketplace, an interactive circus, an arts and crafts fair, a jousting tournament and a feast — all rolled into one non-stop, day-long family adventure!
Weekends October 8-November 20
Saturdays and Sundays- 10am-5:30pm
For more information, visit: http://www.royalfaires.com/carolina/
Posted by Tori Torres on Oct 5, 2011
This is a day dedicated to good cheer and good works: “Do an act of kindness – help one person smile”. Use your imagination to think of little ways to bring a smile to someone’s face – kind words, good deeds, thoughtful gestures, there is no limit to the things you can do.
Posted by Tori Torres on Sep 10, 2011
Tenth Anniversary of September 11, 2011
There are many ways to remember September 11, 2001. The world has changed, but we have not forgotten. Please visit the following sites to learn more about the three locations which have a special tribute to the events ten years ago.
World Trade Center, New York, New York-http://www.tributewtc.org/index.php
The Pentagon, Washington, DC- http://www.whs.mil/memorial/
Flight 93 in Shanksville, Pennsylvania- http://www.nps.gov/flni/index.htm
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