Au Pairs braved the roller rink (many for the first time!) and gave great efforts to staying upright.  They took the lesson, learned the moves and when the music played for the open family skate time, they were ready!

Let the American culture sink in...skating to "Don't Stop Believing" by Journey...a long way from Thailand.

Taking a well deserved break to rest sore muscles - still smiling...

The au pairs (along with some of their families!) traveled north to the LaConnor, WA area to witness the first buds of spring in the tulip festival.  A lovely day was had by all!

Close to 50 APIA au pairs take on Victoria!

Empress Hotel at night.

Au Pair In America au pairs from all over WA state gathered to take an early ferry from Seattle to Victoria, B.C.  A truly wonderful weekend was had by all and Victoria was made that much more lively with this bunch of internationals dining, shopping, sightseeing and dancing in their town.  Great trip and great group!

Our APIA au pairs headed to the Eastside to learn about a man who immigrated to the U.S. from Austria to escape the Nazi’s in Europe.  He later went on to win an olympic gold medal in skiing, open his own successful candy factory in Seattle and later Issaquah, Broehm’s Candy, become a patron of the arts, and be the oldest man to climb Mt. Rainier.  Quite an inspirational story filled with travel and innovations!

Our au pairs from all other the globe share their customs and traditions during the holiday season.  Spanish-speaking, German-speaking, English-speaking, Mandarin-speaking, Thai-speaking au pairs shared songs of the season.  What talent!  What passion!  Gives us pause that the future of our world will be just fine in the hands of these brave, dedicated women of peace.

Au Pair In America au pairs show off their bowling skills at the Real Networks employee bowling lanes in downtown Seattle.  The countries of Costa Rica, the Netherlands, Thailand, Mexico, the Ukraine represented their nations quite well.  Thanks to our host mom in Burien for offering up the space!

Au Pairs gather in West Seattle to carve pumpkins.  Afterward, we share stories of toddler discipline, time outs, tantrums and other “joys” of the job

Over 40 Greater Seattle/Bellevue APIA au pairs chartered a bus to hike Mt. Rainier.  It was a gorgeous day with warm sun and warm smiles as we took to the trails of Sunset Pass meeting bear, chipmunks and many other nature lovers.

APIA au pairs gather to share dishes from Mexico, Thailand, Ukraine and Costa Rica.  We discuss child safety issues while we dine.

Au Pair in America ladies meet up on a rainy, but fun Fremont (center of the universe) solstice parade in June 2011.  Painted bikers and floats close the streets to welcome the summer solstice in this neighborhood just north of downtown Seattle.