Dads, daughters bond at tea party

By Parker RomeJuly 7, 2010

Dads, daughters bond at tea party
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Dads, daughters bond at tea party
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FORT RILEY, Kan. - Fathers and daughters shared a unique experience during the second annual Dad and Me Tea Party.

The tea party, held at Army Community Service Annex, was hosted by Kansas State University Research and Extension and was part of the June Dads Make a Difference Month campaign at Fort Riley.

"My daughter and I had a very good time," said Staff Sgt. Kenneth Steffes, 701st Brigade Support Battalion, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, who attended the event with his 5-year-old daughter, Lily. "She had a really good time actually."

The Steffes's, and other Families in attendance drank tea; played "Fancy Bingo;" made tiaras from construction paper, glitter and cotton balls, and read a book.

"It actually helped me get better with my daughter," Steffes said. "I just got back from Iraq last month, where I spent nine months over there with 2nd Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment (4th IBCT), so events like this help me get back together with my Family."

Steffes said his favorite part of the tea party was just spending time with his daughter and doing things like normal with her again, like reading.

Having children while being in the Army can be tough, Steffes said.

"It's hard sometimes because there are some things you want to do, but you can't," he said. "You miss some things, but it's the little things you don't miss that you treasure."

Sara Mietzner, K-State Research and Extension, helped organize the tea party.

"It's just a great way for fathers and daughters to get out and do things together without the stresses of scheduling and appointments," she said. "It's a fun way for them to learn about each other and have a day out together."

For more information on K-State Research and Extension, call 785-239-9991 or search Facebook for "K-State Research and Extension Fort Riley."