Tag Archives: American

Carving Pumpkins

pumpkinWith our Annual Pumpkin Patch Cluster Meeting coming up this weekend, I thought it might be helpful to show how to carve a pumpkin for au pairs who will be attempting this for the first time. Here is a video explaining how to carve a pumpkin (as well as some non-carving alternatives.) If you get a pumpkin at our pumpkin patch cluster meeting, I don’t recommend carving it until the week before Halloween, so it will stay looking fresh for big day.

Find more fun on the APIA Halloween Fun Pinterest board.

Photo: Jeff Kramer

February 5 – Super Bowl Sunday!

footballThis year’s game features the New England Patriots vs. New York Giants. 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. 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

The 46th Super Bowl will take place on February 5, 2012. Kickoff is scheduled for 6:30 ET on NBC.

February 2 – Groundhog Day

Traditionally, the groundhog is supposed to wake up on February 2, and come up out of his burrow. If he sees his shadow, he will return to the burrow for six more weeks of winter. If he doesn’t see his shadow, he remains outside and starts his year, because he knows that spring has arrived early. In the U.S., the “official” groundhog is kept in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania and is called “Phil.” Though not based in science, it is a fun US tradition.

groundhog

Halloween Health and Safety Tips

From cdc.gov

halloween cdc.govFor many people, autumn events like Halloween and Harvest Day are fun times to dress up in costumes, go trick-or-treating, attend parties, and eat yummy treats. These events are also opportunities to provide nutritious snacks, get physical activity, and focus on safety.

Below are tips to help make the festivities fun and safe for trick-or-treaters and party guests.

Going trick-or-treating?

Alphabet letter S Swords, knives, and similar costume accessories should be short, soft, and flexible.
Alphabet letter A Avoid trick-or-treating alone. Walk in groups or with a trusted adult.
Alphabet letter F Fasten reflective tape to costumes and bags to help drivers see you.
Alphabet letter E Examine all treats for choking hazards and tampering before eating them. Limit the amount of treats you eat.
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Alphabet letter H Hold a flashlight while trick-or-treating to help you see and others see you. Always WALK and don’t run from house to house.
Alphabet letter A Always test make-up in a small area first. Remove it before bedtime to prevent possible skin and eye irritation.
Alphabet letter L Look both ways before crossing the street. Use established crosswalks wherever possible.
Alphabet letter L Lower your risk for serious eye injury by not wearing decorative contact lenses.
Alphabet letter O Only walk on sidewalks whenever possible, or on the far edge of the road facing traffic to stay safe.
Alphabet letter W Wear well-fitting masks, costumes, and shoes to avoid blocked vision, trips, and falls.
Alphabet letter E Eat only factory-wrapped treats. Avoid eating homemade treats made by strangers.
Alphabet letter E Enter homes only if you’re with a trusted adult.
Alphabet letter N Never walk near lit candles or luminaries. Be sure to wear flame-resistant costumes.

February 6 is Super Bowl Sunday!

 

500px-Super_Bowl_XLV_svgThis year’s game features the Pittsburgh Steelers vs. the Green Bay Packers. 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.

 To learn more about American football, visit HERE in the “Life in the US” section of the Au Pair in America website.

Naval Academy Football Game

 On Saturday, November 13 we joined an au pair cluster from Virginia for a Naval Academy Football game against Central Michigan.  For most of the au pairs, it was their first America football game.  I think many of them felt like I did… It was great in the beginning with the midshipmen marching on the field, the band performing and the jet flyover.  It was exciting at the end, because the game went down to the final seconds and almost went into overtime. The middle however, went on a bit long for my liking.  But, that’s football for you.

Here are a few pictures.  You can find even more in our cluster photobucket album.

                 

It was a close game and went down to the last few seconds, but Navy won by 1 point!