The Cherry Blossoms will be in bloom shortly and our aupairs will be enjoying walking around the Tidal Basin and attending the Cherry Blossom Parade. Welcome Spring in the Washington, DC area!

March 26 Passover-Passover, also known as Pesach or Pesah, is a Holy Day, observed by several religions, begins today and lasts seven or eight days, depending on your beliefs.  It commemorates the exodus and freedom of the Israelites from Egypt.  It is also observed by some Christians to commemorate the deliverance from sin by the sacrifice of Jesus.

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March 20 – Today is the first day of spring!  Take a walk outside and look for signs of spring – swelling buds on the trees, flowers poking up from the ground, more birds back in the trees.

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St Patrick’s Day is celebrated this year on Sunday, March 17. No matter your country of origin, everyone is Irish on this day.The color green is worn and many Americans eat corned beef and cabbage dinners with Irish soda bread on the side.

VAO aupairs should look at our cluster Facebook page for Pinterest ideas to use as you and your children celebrate the day.

On this day, Americans honor the births of two of our outstanding presidents, George Washington and Abraham Lincoln.  Most schools are closed, the US mail is not delivered and stores have big sales!

What to do today? Take younger and older kids to the George Washington Birthday Parade in Old Town from 1-3pm. Bundle them up!

For older children, today is the only day of the year that Washington’s home at Mt Vernon is open free of charge. Show older kids some US coins and paper money. See how many presidents the kids can name.

The weather in Alexandria has not been good, so our aupairs are probably spending more time indoors. Making sure the house is “childproof” is important:

Small children put everything in their mouths. Make sure that small objects, plastic bags or long cords are out of their reach.

Make sure that laundry soaps or cleaners are also put away up high and out of reach, as well as any medicines, cosmetics, etc.

Sharp objects like scissors and knives are a no- no around kids as well as toys that belong to and are appropriate for older kids.

Chinese New Year is celebrated in the West and most spectacularly here in the DC area with the celebration in Chinatown this Sunday, Feb. 9. Aupairs in our cluster should look at our cluster Facebook page for more information on the parade in downtown DC. Watch for the Lion Dance, and be prepared for a lot of firecrackers. The underlying message of the celebrations is peace, harmony and happiness for all.

Aupairs in our cluster may be interested in watching this year’s Superbowl (American football) championship playoff between the Baltimore Ravens and the San Francisco 49″ers to be played and televised this Sunday, Feb. 3. Of particular interest is the half-time show, always a spectacular, as well as the TV commercials developed just for the very large audience that watches.

Aupairs and their families may be invited to Superbowl parties by neighbors and friends. Enjoy this very American winter experience!

Here are some kids’  activities to celebrate the life of this American

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Martin Luther King Jr. Day- This American was an important leader of the Civil Rights movement in the US during the 1950’s and 1960’s. This holiday was created to remind Americans of the fight for equal rights and the need for change through nonviolence. This year it coincides with Inauguration Day on Monday, January 21.

President Barack Obama will be inaugurated for his second 4 year term this coming Monday. The best way to see the swearing in, parade and other festivities is by watching it on TV in your host family’s living room.