Here are some of our aupairs on a very cold Saturday after touring The White House.

Martin Luther King, Jr. was an important leader of the civil rights movement here in the US during the 1950’s and 60’s. This holiday (this year celebrated on Jan. 16) was created to remember his journey and to encourage public service in his memory. His memorial here in the DC area was dedicated last fall. Visiting it this weekend would be a great way to learn more about him.

NBC Health and Fitness Expo at The Washington Convention Center. Free! Jan. 14 and 15 9am to 5pm. See nbcwashington.com.

At some point this winter, your host child or children will probably develop a fever, ie body temperature that is higher than the normal 98.6F. It is very important to realize that fever itself is not an illness- only a symptom of one. When your host child or children has a fever, his/her heart rate and breathing speeds up slightly and in addition the child or children will feel slightly warm. She/He may appear flushed and may perspire. Only give medicine to your host child/children with the permission of your host parent(s). Be careful to follow carefully dosing guidelines.

First Night Alexandria- a celebration of the New Year through the performing arts…..fun, inexpensive, and safe. See www.firstnightalexandria.org

Twenty APIA aupairs enjoyed a performance of” The Living Christmas Tree-Christmas is Relative” this week as well as dinner together in a local restaurant. It was great to be together.

Here is our aupair, Phyli, from South Africa, presenting about her country to Bishop Ireton students. This  is Phyli’s second time representing her culture at Bishop Ireton. She is a great example of global awareness in action

Phyli in Action

Things to do for our Au Pairs:

Friday, Nov.  25. City of Alexandria Christmas Tree Lighting at Market Square. Enjoy the music, caroling plus Santa Claus- Free-7-9pm

Dec 1- Torpedo Factory Center  Holiday Open House

Zoolights at The National Zoo in Rock Creek Park-FREE- Friday and Saturday nights for now and from Dec. 13-Jan.  1 every night except Dec. 24, 25 and 31. from 5pm-9pm.

Dec 2-4th- Holiday on the Avenue in DelRay. Go HolidayMarket@The DelRayArtisans.org.

Dec. 2 and 3- 41st Annual Campagna Center and Scottish Christmas Walk Parade. Go to www.scottishchristsmaswalk.com

Dec. 2 and on- Visit The National Christmas Tree and Pathway to Peace display on The Ellipse near The White House from dusk to 11pm. There is entertainment on weekends from 4-8:30pm. Call 202-208-1631 for more information. The nearest Metro stations are  Metro Center, Federal Triangle and McPherson Square.

Dec. 3- Holiday Boat Parade of Lights at the waterfront at dusk.

Dec. 17 and again on Dec. 18-“Great Joy”-A Gospel Christmas – presented by Alfred St. Baptist Church at TC Williams High School 6pm each evening. FREE

Dec.  18 – Colonial Handbell Choir Concert at The Lyceum on South Washington St 2pm performance and 4pm performance. FREE.

More concerts every week at Market Square on King St in Old Town

Dec. 4 from 2-3 and 3-4; Dec 10 from 1-2; 2-3 and 3-4. All FREE

The Second Annual Handmade Holiday Craft Fair, to be held on Sat. Nov. 19 from 10am-4pm at TC Williams High School, 3330 King St.

Our aupairs can shop for gift items and even assist their host family’s children in choosing items that they too can give as gifts to their families.

Thursday, November 24th starting at 10am for all our VAO aupair runners!

Start at George Washington Middle School, 1005 Mt. Vernon Avenue in DelRay

You can run with a stroller and/or with a dog!

For information, to register or to volunteer, go to www.alexandriaturkeytrot.com