Yearly Archives: 2013

"Project Runway" comes to Farmington Hills with au pairs from Au Pair in America

On Sunday December 8, 2013, 40 au pairs from Au Pair in America held their annual holiday luncheon at Ginopolis’ Restaurant in Farmington Hills.   Everyone had a wonderful afternoon and holiday spirit filled the party room.   A surprise visit from Santa, holiday music, a delicious meal, games to play and singing “The Twelve Days of Christmas” made this event even more festive.

The highlight of the afternoon was our very own version of “Project Runway.”    Each table was given drafting paper, one roll of red and one roll of black crepe streamers,  aluminum foil, tape and scissors.    The au pairs selected one model from each table and created an outfit of their own design.   They were allowed 20 minutes for the project and the results were amazingly clever and creative.

Few of the au pairs had heard of the TV show “Project Runway” but they caught on very quickly.  Each table (five in total) put together a dress that included clever accessories.   During the judging, one au pair described each model’s particular dress – how they created it and how they utilized the various materials provided.

Top prize went to Frida Krokstrom’s table “team” for most creative/stylish outfit but every table won in a special category:  best dress to wear New Years Eve, best accessories, best use of color and best use of materials.

Frida is from Sweden and her table of designers were au pairs from Brazil, Australia and Germany:

IMG_1231 (350x263)
All of our models were winners:  Annie, Kathleen, Dafne, Frida and Nele               IMG_1227 (350x263)
designs in progress….
IMG_1221 (244x325)
IMG_1219 (325x244)
IMG_1220 (244x325)
IMG_1225 (89x325)

Our Mackinac Island Trip – Sept 27-29, 2013

We had a wonderful trip to Mackinac Island this year.   27 au pairs from 11 countries were part of our awesome group.   The weather was amazing with clear blue skies and mild temperatures.   On Sunday, most of the group opted to see Michigan’s famous Tahquamenon Falls,  located in the Upper Penninsula.   The au pairs enjoyed driving across the Mackinac Bridge and also had a chance to see some early Fall colors.    One group of 6 au pairs rented a row boat and paddled out into one of the calm areas of the Lower Falls.    Here are the first batch of group photos:

In front of the Clarion Hotel before we walked to dinner on Friday night

IMG_1094 (500x375) (500x375)

At the Grand Hotel’s  famous porch ( 88O feet long) — after we ate a delicious lunch on Saturday

IMG_1107 (480x360)

While we were waiting for the carriages:IMG_1097 (500x375)

At Tahquamenon Falls (Upper Falls)

IMG_1124 (480x360)

After a fabulous lunch at the Grand Hotel, relaxing for a little bit in their lovely Cupola Room:

IMG_1109 (280x210)IMG_1110 (280x210)IMG_1112 (280x210)

IMG_1113 (280x210)

Riding bikes around Mackinac Island is a great way to enjoy the island:

IMG_1114 (280x210)IMG_1115 (280x210)IMG_1116 (280x210)IMG_1118 (280x210)

At Tahquamenon Falls, the beauty of nature surrounded us…

IMG_1132 (400x300)IMG_1121 (280x210)

Our 6 adventurous au pairs at the Lower Falls rented a row boat!

IMG_1134 (450x338)

Au Pairs Volunteer for Marshmallow Fly and Fry

Marshmallow Fly and Fry, an annual end-of-summer event at Heritage Park in Farmington Hills,  was a huge success this year, with a huge crowd of over 1,000 participating.   Besides the fun of running to pick up marshmallows “dropped from the sky”,  the children had an opportunity to meet au pairs from various countries such as South Africa, Germany, Bolivia, Australia and Namibia.     Roasting marshmallows in the large fire pit was the highlight for some while others enjoyed Au Pair in America’s arts and crafts table.   The children colored placements from 5 continents and were given their own passport book they could fill with flag stickers from many countries.

IMG_1046 (380x285)

IMG_1040 (380x285)IMG_1060 (246x380)

IMG_1053 (380x309)IMG_1056 (375x380)IMG_1034 (380x285) (2)

Au pairs finishing their year are awarded for their accomplishments while new au pairs are greatly looking forward to their "adventure" in America!

This time of year many au pairs are completing their year and are traveling or getting ready to travel in their travel month.  At their final cluster meeting, they are presented with an education completion certificate and are given an opportunity to share the highlights of their au pair year with the rest of the cluster.      It is often with very mixed emotions when the au pairs talk about leaving “their” kids, leaving their host families. leaving their friends and leaving America to return home.    The new au pairs love to hear what the departing au pairs have to say about their experience and very valuable advice is shared.   Here are some photos of au pairs who are leaving and also a group photo of new au pairs, au pairs who have been here for part of their year as well as those who are going home soon.
IMG_1014 (354x375)

IMG_1021 (375x281) (2)IMG_1017 (475x262)

"Mom's Night Out" – 6 au pairs volunteer for this unique event

Carter’s children’s store in Novi, Michigan held their first “Moms Night Out” event on Thursday evening, June 6, 2013.    Five current au pairs and one former au pair volunteered their time to help.   They represented 5 different countries (Australia, Bolivia, Brazil, Costa Rica and Germany)  The au pairs had the opportunity to speak to several prospective host moms and to share their au pair experience.   Not only did the au pairs enjoy talking to the moms but they also enjoyed meeting the former au pair who was in our cluster in 2005-2006.   A few couldn’t resist buying a Carter’s outfit for their host child!

IMG_0994 (375x281)IMG_0988 (425x319)IMG_0992 (375x341)IMG_0995 (319x425)IMG_0990 (375x281)

Our au pairs enjoying the Memorial Holiday at Greenfield Village

To celebrate Memorial Weekend, our au pairs went to Greenfield Village in Dearborn, Michigan where they enjoyed a taste of American history at Henry Ford’s famous tourist attraction.    This weekend is truly unique since it is dedicated to Civil War Remembrance with many special exhibits, demonstrations and events going on.      IMG_0978 (355x266)IMG_0969 (355x266)IMG_0965 (355x266)IMG_0968 (355x266)IMG_0962 (355x266)IMG_0967 (355x266)IMG_0964 (355x266)IMG_0972 (266x355)IMG_0983 (355x266)IMG_0970 (355x266)IMG_0985 (355x266)IMG_0974 (310x355)

IMG_0975 (355x281)IMG_0979 (460x309)

Memorial Day: May 27, 2013

Memorial Day is a patriotic holiday in the United States of America, celebrated on the last Monday in May.  It is a celebration of remembrance for the brave service of men and women who gave their lives for their country.   Memorial Day was formerly called Decoration Day.   Many designate this day to remember their loved ones who have passed on, as well as remembering our service men and women.   Parades and dedications of memorials usually are part of the day’s activities.

Au pairs volunteer for two more wonderful events in March

A Spring Egg Hunt was held March 24 at Heritage Park in Farmington Hills.   Hundreds attended and the children had a wonderful time collecting eggs, having their face painted, playing various games and meeting the Easter Bunny.    Six au pairs in our cluster volunteered, helping make this a very successful event, despite the cold weather.    http://patch.com/N-gqjF

IMG_0953 (266x355)IMG_0937 (355x266)IMG_0940 (355x266)IMG_0931 (355x266)IMG_0929 (355x266)IMG_0930 (355x266)

IMG_0957 (355x266)IMG_0948 (355x328)

On March 8 we also volunteered for the annual Princesses and Super Heroes Fantasy Fun Night held at the Costick Center.   What fun it was to face paint many children and for the little princesses, having their nails polished was a special treat.       http://patch.com/N-gkzQ

IMG_0916 (355x266)IMG_0923 (355x266)IMG_0914