Author Archives: Gina Newell

Saint Patrick’s Day

Our cluster met in Old Town Alexandria for the annual Saint Patrick’s Day Parade. Everyone loved it! Some of the au pairs were curious about Saint Patrick’s Day, and why Americans celebrate an Irish holiday. I explained to them that we are a nation of immigrants and this is another wonderful part of the exchange idea one can get with our program. Here is more information on Saint Patrick’s Day:
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 page https://www.pinterest.com/aupairinamerica/st-patrick-s-day-shenanigans/

Being Part of an APIA Cluster

IMG_5776The APIA Community Counselor plans monthly meetings for all au pairs in the APIA program. These can be outings, such as horse back riding, canoeing, or simply a chatty cake and coffee hour.
Some of the most successful meetings are when Team Building exercises are performed.
Recently, we met at the counselor’s home for sweets and lemonade. We split into three groups, and everyone completed the fashion challenge. Identical supplies of duct tape, a roll of white paper, one feather boa, and scissors were allocated to each group. The results were amazing!
Lots of new friends were made as the au pairs worked together on their creations.

IMG_5775IMG_5791

Au Pair Photo Contest

We know there are great photographers out there!  Do you have a favorite shot of the year?  Please enter the APIA photo contest.  The deadline is November 5th.  Winners of each category will receive a $200 gift card and $25 for the runners up ~ the categories are:

 

  • Family portrait
  • Sharing Cultures
  • Helping Hands
  • Young Ones
  • Community service
  • The spirit of America
  • Best in Show

 

Be creative, show us what you’ve got.  Get details and everything you need to enter here:

 

http://www.aupairinamerica.com/pdf/photo_contest_entry_form.pdf

 

The winner could end up on the cover our 2015 brochure!

 

Concert for Valor in D.C.

Bruce Springsteen, Eminem, Rihanna and many other stars will perform on the Mall on Nov. 11 in honor of American veterans and their families.

 

The concert is free to the public.  Get more information here:  http://www.theconcertforvalor.com/

Back to School Safety

Labor Day.  The unofficial end of summer and it’s back to school for our kids.

Review how to cross roads safely, even with older children.

When the weather is poor, or the mornings dark, make sure kids have reflective strips on backpacks, shoes, or jackets.

Discuss a back up plan in case you are late, and your child does not see you at the expected time.

Watch this quick video on driving safely with the big yellow buses.

 

New Year’s Eve with the Kids

There are so many things to do with kids in our area.  If you do not feel like bundling up and driving into DC or Old Town Alexandria, celebrate in Vienna!

Vienna will hold a family friendly New Year’s Eve celebration.  I, for one, will be there with my family watching the magician and eating fusion tacos!

You can check it out here:http://firstnightvienna.org/

Snow Day

A cry of jubilation could be heard all over Fairfax County as schools were closed due to weather.

8854800238_3514e85102_n

Kids slept late and stayed in jammies all morning.  But then what?  I asked some of the Au Pairs in our cluster,

“How do you entertain the kids on Snow Days?”

One Au Pair said “Build indoor and outdoor forts!”

“Baking.” replied another.

“Build a snowman, play hide and seek, make towers and bunk them, toy car races, board games, dancing contest, rolling on the snow, making costumes with journal papel (or any recycling material), organize shelfs or drawers, go trough the toys to see what they don’t use anymore, jumping race, etc.”

2083715495_476ec694d7

“Warm bubble bath with glow sticks or food coloring  good way to learn kids colors its fun and no mess it also calms kids down after playing in snow!”

“Hide things or toys around the house and find them.”

Thank you to our fabulous and energetic Au Pairs for some excellent ideas for kids of all ages.

Happy Snow Days!

photo credit: girl Big Ben in Japan Flickr

Snowman Dan’l Burton Flickr