We have lots of hidden talent in the cluster: Carving Jack O’Lanterns! On Sunday, October 17, we gathered to learn more about this uniquely American holiday: Halloween. Every au pair brought their own pumpkin and we had a chance to carve them into Jack O’Lanterns. It was a messy business, but luckily nobody got hurt and we all had fun! We also reviewed the American Red Cross “Lucky 13 Halloween Safety Tips” so that the VVA au pairs are ready to share a safe holiday with their host families.
Yearly Archives: 2010
Important Information about Finding a Doctor or Hospital
Au Pairs and Host Families,
There is a new link to find the most up to date information about doctors, hospitals, etc. within network. It is: http://www.hygeia.net/customer_tools/customers/culturalinsurance/main.asp. The aupairinamerica.com website will be updated to include this information soon, but in the meantime, please refer to this if you need it. Also, there is a $250 surcharge for unnecessary visits to the Emergency Room. Please consider going to Urgent Care, Minute Clinic, or a doctors office when you are sick.
Mother’s Day is Sunday, May 9
Many countries celebrate a special day for mothers. In the U.S, it started as a day of peace; now it is more a day to celebrate and pamper Mom. Help the children make cards or gifts or plan a special meal or other surprise for Mom. Read picture books to young children about mothers such as Are You My Mother by PD Eastman, Little Bear (an I Can Read Book) by Else Holmelund Minarik, or Just Me and My Mom by Mercer Mayer. You’ll find many other choices in your local library. For ideas of activities and surprises, visit www.kidsdomain.com/holiday/mom/.
What would make a host mom happiest? YOU — thanking her for any or all that she has done to make this a special year for you!
Scavenger Hunt in Washington DC
2010 Cultural Fair
2010 Cultural Fair
Thailand Au Pairs Perform at the Cultural Fair
Scenes from the Cultural Fair
Virginia Culture Fair
On March 21, ten clusters from Northern Virginia gathered at Northern Virginia Community College in Annandale for the 2010 Cultural Fair. Over 350 guests attended to see displays by 22 countries and performances by the au pairs from Bolivia, South Africa, Ukraine, and Thailand — yes! we represented four different continents with our talented au pairs. Host parents, their children and guests loved the opportunity to add stickers to their passports as they traveled the globe, and also to try out new foods, hear songs, and enjoy dances that represent our au pair’s diverse cultures.
White House and U.S. Capitol
Here we are at our most recent cluster meeting visiting the White House (top photo) and having a tour of the United States Capitol. Virginia is a great place to be an au pair!