Sabine Campbell

Hi, My name is Larissa Feigl. I’m 20 years old and originally from Berlin, Germany. I’m the oldest of 4 kids back home — my sisters are 11 and 13 and my brother is 15. I finished high school in July 2008 and decided to go to America right afterwards to be an au pair. So now I’m here, living in Massachusetts and enjoying my life as an au pair with my great host family. I’m watching three kids: Olivia who is 5 years old, Audrey who is 3 and last but not least there is Henry. He was born the first day I came to my new home, and now he is almost one year old and the cutest baby around! I love them all they’re great!

I’m so glad I don’t have to leave yet because I’ve extended my year until July of 2010. I hope I can give advice to other au pairs about things like how to pick the right family, travel tips, school credits, monthly meetings, housework, arts and crafts, safety and more. Greets, Larissa

What is being an au pair all about?

My host family and I are a great match although I actually had planned to find a host family in New York. But seriously…it’s not the place that is important, it’s the family you stay and live with for so long! In all these 11 months we haven’t fought once and we’ve had a lot of fun! We both (my host mum and I) knew right after our first talk that it was going to work out well. And since it worked out that well I just decided to stay with them for another year.

What is it all about? I tell you it’s all about playing, changing diapers, the right temperature of milk in the right sippy cup with the right top, hot dogs without the ends, pony tails with three hair elastics + headband + barrettes, making tubs, making yummy lunch boxes which every other kid in class is jealous of, making the perfect pancakes, watching the baby so he doesn’t choke, break toys, crumble drawings or chew on favorite stuffies and a lot more! It’s all about spending enough time with everyone and having a lot of fun! I know the kids so well and figured all their special needs out and the nicest things they give me are baby smiles and hugs and drawings from the girls. I love them all they’re great! I’m so glad I don’t have to leave yet and can’t wait for the next fun 13 months!

Come join the Little Tots Club for fun summer activities every other Wednesday between 10.30am and 11.30am from May 13 to August 19.

Location: Atlas Walk @ Virginia Gateway in Gainesville.

http://www.vagateway.com/images/pdf/2009littletots.pdf

Sabine Campbell has been the Local Childcare Coordinator (LCC) for the Haymarket area in Virginia for almost 2 years. She is giving her host families and au pairs all the support and guidance they need for a successful year together.

In addition to that, she educates the community about the benefits of hosting an au pair and helps local families discover the flexibility and affordability of the au pair program.

Sabine is originally from Germany and was an au pair herself 12 years ago. She is a mother of 2 and an active member of her community.

http://buzz.culturalcare.com/post/121876128/hi-im-susan-robinson-author-of-au-pair-answer

Au Pair Answer Mom is now on YouTube! In addition to our office staff and your Local Childcare Coordinator (LCC), there is someone else who can help answer questions about hosting an au pair and that’s Au Pair Answer Mom.

The Au Pair Answer Mom shares her own thoughts on some of the most common questions about hosting a Cultural Care au pair through short video clips. Be sure to check out Cultural Care Au Pair’s YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/culturalcare for answers to the most common questions.

Have a question you’d like answered? Email aupairanswermom@culturalcare.com with your question!

These free summer activities for host families and au pairs in our area, they are perfect for a rainy or very hot summer day.

Free movies at Regal Cinemas in Manassas:

Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 10 AM
 
06/23/2009-06/24/2009The Tale Of Despereaux (G)
Igor (PG)
06/30/2009-07/01/2009Space Chimps (G)
Alvin And The Chipmunks (PG)
07/07/2009-07/08/2009Curious George (G)
Inkheart (PG)
07/14/2009-07/15/2009Horton Hears A Who (G)
Madagascar 2: Escape To Africa (PG)
07/21/2009-07/22/2009Kit Kittredge: American Girl (G)
Spiderwick Chronicles (PG)
07/28/2009-07/29/2009Everyone’s Hero (G)
Kung Fu Panda (PG)
08/04/2009-08/05/2009Mr. Magorium’s Wonder Emporium (G)
Star Wars: Clone Wars (PG)
08/11/2009-08/12/2009Charlotte’s Web (G)
Barnyard (PG)
08/18/2009-08/19/2009Pirates Who Don’t Do Anything: Veggie Tale Movie (G)
Monster House (PG)
http://www.regmovies.com/nowshowing/familyfilmfestivalschedule.aspx?state=VA

Free Bowling at Bowl America in Manassas:

Children can get 2 free games a day bowling all summer long from June 1st-August 31st. You just pay shoe rentals.

http://www.kidsbowlfree.com

The Free Live Concert Series is back this summer.

Don’t miss out on the first concert this Friday, May 29th, from 6.30pm to 9.30pm.

Location: Evergreen Manor House Lawn, 15900 Berkeley Dr, Haymarket.

Bring blankets and chairs and enjoy a free concert by the Glass Onion band. Food and beverages available.

Despite the cold and windy weather this past Sunday, local host families and au pairs had a great time at their annual picnic at James Long Park in Haymarket.

The au pairs brought a variety of dishes and desserts from their home country, which all visitors enjoyed. This will prompt me to creat a recipe section on my website.

The host children played at the playground next to the pavilion, while host parents and au pairs talked about their cultural exchange experiences and got to know each other better.

We are looking forward to a picnic nect year.

Local host families and au pairs are looking forward to our annual picnic at James Long Park in Haymarket this Sunday afternoon.

We will enjoy lots of games and prizes for the kids and some yummy food from around the world.

Come and join us, we will be in the pavilion next to the playground. Just look for the blue balloons.

On Saturday, May 9, 2009, the European Commission Delegation and the Embassies of the EU Member States in Washington, DC, invite you to join us for the third annual European Union Open House Day!

From 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, take a rare behind-the-scenes look at the European Embassies, many of which are among Washington’s historic and architectural treasures. Each Embassy offers a unique program featuring the country’s cuisine, its music and special events. In 2008, more than 50,000 visitors experienced the diversity and richness of European culture during the EU Open House.

Taking place on Europe Day, the 2009 EU Open House kicks off Europe Week, a celebration of European culture in the US capital and around the country. For more information on Europe Week, please see our brochure and visit our calendar of events organized and hosted by EU Member State Embassies, the European Commission Delegation in Washington and other organizations affiliated with the EU in the United States.

For the Open House: no registration is necessary, but please bring identification. All Embassies will conduct security checks. Please avoid bringing large bags and backpacks. Photography is prohibited at some locations.

See you in Europe on May 9!

http://www.eurunion.org/EUinUS/

All of the Au Pairs had a great time socializing at our last meeting on April 15th. Thanks for coming.