Monthly Archives: March 2018

National Cherry Blossom Festival 2018

The National Cherry Blossom Festival is an annual event which celebrates springtime in Washington, DC as well as the 1912 gift of the cherry blossom trees and the enduring friendship between the people of the United States and Japan. This year’s festival will be MARCH 17-APRIL 15!

The predicted peak blooming period of the cherry blossoms for this year is APRIL 8-12.

Here are some of the highlights:

Smithsonian Kite Festival – Saturday, March 31, 2018
Washington Monument Grounds
10 am-4:30 pm

Petalpalooza Fireworks Festival – Saturday, April 7, 2018
Waterfront Park – 600-900 Water Street, SW
1-9:30 pm
Fireworks at 8:30-9:30 pm

Cherry Blossom Parade – Saturday, April 14, 2018
Constitution Avenue from 7th to 17th Streets, NW
10 am- 12 pm

There are many more great events, visit the festival website for more information.

Helpful links:
Cherry Blossom Festival Website
National Park Service Bloom Watch
Metro Website (use the trip planner feature on this website to find the metro options, taking metro is much better than driving for the festival events)

Photo & Video: National Cherry Blossom Festival 

Easter eggs and spring break fun ideas!

Photo by Michael

Looking for some fun ideas for Easter celebrations and spring break activities? Check out the Au Pair in America Pinterest board for lots of great ideas!

Make crispy rice eggs

Bake and decorate chick cupcakes

Easter egg hunt in the dark?

Paper plate bunny basket

Make a foosball game out of a shoebox

Go on a scavenger hunt at the park

Make finger leg puppets

Play the Draw A Monster Game

Photo by Michael

Volunteering in the Community – Dunkirk Rescue Squad

 

Anna, 20, from Germany, is in her second year as an au pair in Dunkirk, MD. She regularly volunteers her time to support the local volunteer rescue squad. Anna spent many hours training to prepare her to ride in a rescue squad as a support person. Her community service is quite valuable, as the Southern Maryland region is almost exclusively volunteer staffed for fire and rescue. Anna also volunteers in other ways to support the department, such as community events, fundraisers and general support. Anna’s volunteer service has provided her the opportunity to gain new skills, help others and build friendships with American citizens from teens to seniors!

Daylight Saving Time Begins March 11

What is Daylight Saving Time?

During Daylight Saving Time, clocks are turned forward one hour, effectively moving an hour of daylight from the morning to the evening. Today, approximately 70 countries worldwide utilize Daylight Saving Time, in at least some portion of the country. The U.S. started observing it in 1918, so it celebrates it’s 100th birthday, this year.

In March, we move the clock forward one hour, losing an hour of sleep. In November, we move the clock back one hour, regaining that extra hour of sleep.

An easy way to remember it is: Spring forward, Fall back.

Before you go to bed on March 10, be sure to set the clocks forward one hour!

Photo: Mark Lee