It’s time again for the unique Rhode Island tradition of May breakfasts. On May 1, which is May Day – often on the first Saturday in May – these spring breakfasts are held in church halls, fire stations, community centers and grange halls – a tradition that dates back to 1867 when the first May breakfast was held.

Golden yolked eggs served sunnyside up, pancakes dripping with maple syrup, decadent crispy bacon… no one can deny the allure of breakfast food. Rhode Islanders love morning munchies so much that we have a special May tradition specifically dedicated to the first meal of the day. This month, party with fellow breakfast lovers while supporting a number of good causes at any one of these May Breakfast events.

A complete listing of May breakfasts in Rhode Island can be found at www.quahog.org.

Today the Dutch celebrated King’s Day (formerly known as Queen’s Day).  The Netherlands turned out in orange today and the famed national football team wasn’t even playing. Monarch Willem-Alexander turned 48 and the whole country celebrated King’s Day.

Each year the monarch goes to a different city to set off a full day of celebrations, this year under sunny skies, among thousands of well-wishers in orange-colored outfits.

The celebrations end with hundreds of evening parties across the nation of 16.8 million. The highlight of the daytime celebrations were an armada of pleasure boats going down the river as Willem-Alexander, Queen Maxima and their three daughters were taken around in a vessel turned out with orange flowers.

Celebrating the monarch’s anniversary has been a tradition for several generations in the Netherlands.

In Amsterdam boats crammed the famed canals to join the party to honor the king.

My little helper joined me at the East Bay Chamber Merchant Fair at Kickemuit Middle School in Warren, RI.  There was a hot air balloon, face painting, a balloon man and lots of booths from local vendors.  A great event and we met a ton of great new potential families!

Celebrating Easter 

Easter Sunday is this Sunday, April 5^th.  It is celebrated throughout the world by the followers of Christian community. It is believed that this was the day when Christ resurrected after crucifixion. This day is of great significance in the Christian community. 

Church services and festive celebrations blend together during the Easter weekend. On Easter Sunday in New York and other cities, large Easter parades are held.   The popular trend of Easter symbols such as the Easter bunny and egg tree were introduced to the American folklore by the German settlers who arrived in the Pennsylvania Dutch country during the 1700s. Gradually American people took to crafts such as egg and Easter tree decoration. Easter in the United States is also a time to enjoy special Easter foods such as baked ham, potatoes and vegetables. Several special recipes are made at each home. Easter parties are also organized where traditional Easter delicacies are served and people enjoy wonderful get together along with Easter games and music. 

Check out Easter crafts and Activities on the Au Pair in America Pinterest page https://www.pinterest.com/aupairinamerica/hop-into-easter

 

Today is International Waffle Day.   This holiday originated in Sweden. It is called Våffeldagen. The holiday coincides with the Feast of the Annunciation. This day was also considered the start of spring in Sweden and Europe. It became a custom for Swedish families to celebrate the two events by making waffles on this day. National Waffle Day Celebrates the patenting of the waffle iron by Cornelius Swarthout of Troy, New York on August 24, 1869. The origin of the waffle: The waffle dates back to the 1300s in Greece. Greeks cooked flat cakes between two metal pans. At the time, they topped it with cheeses and herbs. Pancake syrup wasn’t around back then. Waffles are commonly eaten as breakfast or a snack. They are also an occasional dinner meal for some people.

Here is one of my kids favorite breakfast recipes:

French Toast Waffles

With the help of a waffle iron, you can make a delicious, buttery version of French toast.

Ingredients

• 4-6 bread slices (whole wheat, seven-grain, or white), trimmed if preferred
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

Instructions

1. Combine all the ingredients, except the bread. Dip the slices into the mixture, coating well on both sides, but not drenching. Cook the French toast in a well-oiled, hot waffle iron until crisp. This recipe makes four to six waffles.

 The Charitable Irish Society of Boston organized the first observance of Saint Patrick’s Day in the United States in 1737.  The tradition of celebrating this day continued to grow with the influx of Irish immigrants to the United States.

 St Patrick’s Day, on March 17, remembers one of Ireland’s patron saints, St Patrick. It largely celebrates Irish-American culture in the United States but many non – Irish descendants enjoy the celebrations too . Celebrations include Irish themed parties, drinks and food. Many people get into the spirit by dressing in green clothing and eating green colored food. Irish clubs and pubs often hold parties. 

 St Patrick’s Day is not a federal holiday in the United States. Schools, businesses and organizations are open as usual. Public transport systems run on their regular schedules. The parades may be on or around March 17, so it is a good idea to check local sources for the exact location, date and time.  Many parades are held throughout the country to celebrate the holiday. New York City  has become the largest Saint Patrick’s Day parade in the world, outside Ireland. Thousands  participate in the parade, including bands, firefighters, military and police groups, county associations, emigrant societies, and social and cultural clubs and was watched by close to 2 million spectators lining the streets. The parade marches up 5th Avenue in Manhattan and is always led by the U.S. 69th Infantry Regiment. New York politicians – or those running for office – are always found prominently marching in the parade.  

 

The most common St Patrick’s Day symbol is the shamrock. The shamrock is the leaf of the clover plant and a symbol of the Holy Trinity

 If you would like to take part in this American cultural experience check out the nearest parade to you, here  http://www.st-patricks-day.com/st_patricks_day_parades_home/

For fun ideas to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day including arts and crafts for children check out our Au Pair in America Pinterest pagehttps://www.pinterest.com/aupairinamerica/st-patrick-s-day-shenanigans/

Presidents’ Day is an American holiday celebrated on the third Monday in February. Originally established in 1885 in recognition of President George Washington, it is still officially called “Washington’s Birthday” by the federal government. Traditionally celebrated on February 22 ~ Washington’s actual day of birth ~ the holiday became popularly known as Presidents’ Day after it was moved as part of 1971’s Uniform Monday Holiday Act, an attempt to create more three-day weekends for the nation’s workers. While several states still have individual holidays honoring the birthdays of Washington, Abraham Lincoln and other figures, Presidents’ Day is now popularly viewed as a day to celebrate all U.S. presidents past and present.

To see a listing of all U.S. presidents go to http://www.whitehouse.gov/about/presidents.  Click on each president to find out who they were and what they achieved during their presidency.  Most American school children have to learn their presidents,  this is a great site to go through with them and test their knowledge!

Valentine’s Day is February 14. Click for some fun activities to do with your children!! (And don’t forget to make your own Valentine’s to give!)

Just in time for back to school, we put together a handy note for au pairs and host parents.