Two counselors in Chicago, Sandee Plescia and Kathy Kressner, took 52 au pairs to Disney World for a fast pace, guaranteed to see all 4 parks in 3 days, trip. This is the 6th annual trip and the au pairs love it!
It was a magical time for all.
Monthly Archives: February 2010
Au Pair in America video
Click below to see a promotional video about Au Pair in America
http://aupairinamerica.com/video.asp?keepThis=true&TB_iframe=true&height=355&width=600
Chinese New Year 2/14
February 14 Chinese New Year
The oldest and most important festival in China is the Spring Festival, more commonly known in the West as Chinese New Year. 2010 is the Year of the Tiger
Some area events that you may want to attend are:
Chicago’s 2010 Chinese New Year Parade will take place Sunday February 14, 2010 at 12:30pm. Celebrating the Lunar New Year and ushering in the “Year of the Tiger” The Chinese New Year Parade will run on Wentworth from 24 th St. to Cermak Rd.
The 2010 Chicago Chinatown New Year Parade will include marching bands, floats, lion teams, a 100 foot long Mystical Dragon, Miss Chinatown and Miss Friendship Ambassador.
Chinese Fine Arts Society at Navy Pier . A festival of performances, including Chinese Lion Dancers, music, martial arts demonstrations, folk dance, calligraphy, arts and crafts and more, will honor the “Year of the Tiger.” Since Feb. 14 is also Valentine’s Day, there will be love-inspired routines for all ages. Audiences are welcome to participate in a variety of activities to celebrate a new beginning in a new year!
Chinese Brush Painting Workshop with Bruce Iverson:
Feb 14, 2010 at 10:00am where:2603 Sheridan Road, Evanston, IL at the Evanston Art Center
Fun things to do with your kids: Make a paper bag tiger puppet. It is easy and fun
All you need is a lunch bag, orange paint, black pipe cleaners, black, orange and white construction paper, glue and a little imagination.
For more information on the Chinese New Year and to get your Fortune click this link:
http://www.aupairinamerica.com/resources/calendars/2010_02.asp#14b
Valentine's Day
February 14 – Valentine’s Day is a time of love, friendship, giving, and caring. Americans use Valentine’s Day as an opportunity to tell friends and family how much they care. Children usually exchange cards at school. Everyone wants to know they are thought of and loved AND this is the day to show it. Some show it by giving a card other’s show it by giving candy or a small gift.
Be sure to check out the following link for things to do and make this Valentine’s Day — http://www.aupairinamerica.com/resources/calendars/#14
February 7- Super Bowl Sunday!
February 7- Super Bowl Sunday!
The Super Bowl is the annual American Football championship and a popular time for friends to gather in front of the TV. Each year millions of people watch the game, the half-time show – or just the commercials! People will be talking about the commercials for days. A HUGE part of this day is the FOOD especially snack food. This is a great time to really connect with your host family. Why not offer to make a snack from your country prepared by you and your host children. You might even want to make a football “Trivia” game to play with your host children while the adults are watching the game. If you have some ideas to make this day fun for the kids please share them with us. To learn more about football visit the “Life in the US” section of this website http://aupairinamerica.com/resources/life_in_the_us/football.asp
Groundhog Day
Groundhog Day is February 2nd.
Groundhog Day is held on Feb. 2, in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania every year, and you might be wondering how a groundhog landed the job of predicting the weather. If you’re unfamiliar with the tradition, it goes like this: If the groundhog, Punxsutawney Phil, sees his shadow, we’re stuck with six more weeks of winter. If he doesn’t see his shadow, we luck out with an early spring.
The tradition dates back to 1887, and though the origins are unclear, it is said to have originated from ancient Europe. It also has religious origins, as it shares similarities with Candelmas Day, which is also today. There is an old English saying, “If Candlemas be fair and bright,/ Come, Winter, have another flight.
Here are fun facts about Groundhog Day:
1. Punxsutawney Phil sees his shadow the overwhelming majority of years
2. The National Climatic Data Center reportedly stated that Phil’s prediction’s have been correct 39 percent of the time. This number is in conflict with Phil’s followers, who claim he’s been correct every year.
3. Following the release of the movie Groundhog Day in 1993, starring Bill Murray, as many as 30,000 made the trip to visit the tiny hill in Punxsutawney where the ceremony takes place.
4. Groundhogs typically live only six to eight years