Tuesday, May 1, 2012

Our Titanic Adventure

On Saturday, April 14, 2012 at the home of Mr. and Mrs. David Steffen, 14 passengers of the RMS, Titanic gathered in remembrance of that frightful night 100 years ago
 Mr. William Harbeck and Miss Mary Glynn - aka Brian and Jessica
 Captain E J Smith and Miss Lulu Drew - aka David and Heather (Maci snuck into the photo)
 Mr. James Tozer and Ms. Edith Corse Evans - aka John and Krystal
 Mr. Thomas King and Miss Jessie Goodwin - aka Eric and Paula
 Major Aurthur Peuchen and Mrs. Margaret "Molly" Brown - aka Eric and Aimee
 Mr. Philip Stokes and Mrs. Irene Corbett - aka Jim and Terry
 Mr. Robert Hichens and Mrs. Maud Slocombe - aka Ryan and Krystin

 Back in the beginning of February, I thought it would be fun to put together a Mystery Titanic game night.  I wanted it to be a surprise for David, but then thought he would want to help plan the event. So we start searching the web and brain storming and decided to just have a dinner.  Each person was assigned a name from the passenger or crew list and was to research about them and tell a little about them during dinner.  For the most fun part, we all had to dress up for that era, Edwardian style.

As everyone came in, they were handed a boarding pass:
 Then after "Ooooing and Ahhhing" after each others' outfits, we sat down for dinner.
 Third class plate
 Second class plate
 Each plate had the Titanic "stamp" on the bottom
 First class plate that was never used.
 First class plate

David got excited before our big night and ordered these replica plates for our big night.  They were so perfect!

We had a 7 course meal, the same as was the last meal for the 1st class passengers on the Titanic (except their meal was a 10 course meal).  Each couple was assigned to prepare one course:
 Jim and Terry made Cream of Barley soup.
 Eric and Paula made Poached Salmon with Mousseline Sauce and Cucumbers (sorry about the pic, their presentation looked SO much better with the sauce on our plates)
David and I, well, 98% David, made Lamb with Mint Sauce, Roast Duck with an Apple Sauce, Sirloin of Beef with Chateau Potatoes, Peas, Creamed Carrots, and Boiled Rice.
 
 John and Krystal made Punch Romain (again, sorry about the pic, forgot to take a before picture.  It was soft lemon color on the bottom and a frothy white for top and garnished with orange peel)

 
Brian and Jessica made both Pate de Foie Gras with celery and Cold Asparagus Vinaigrette.
 For dessert, Ryan and Krystin made Chocolate and Vanilla Eclairs with French Ice Cream and Waldorf Salad. (It was supposed to be Waldorf Pudding but we have to tease Krystin about the whole "texture" thing )  :)
And last, Eric and Aimee brought Fresh Fruit and Gourmet Cheese from Salt Lake.


We all LOVED the excitement of trying the new foods.  Some were a hit and others not so much.  This was the most memorable night for all of us and quite a dream night for David.  He has had an interest in the story of Titanic for 20+ years.  Never in my wildest dreams did I ever think that I would help plan/attend a Titanic 100 years event in my home.  Thanks to everyone who came and babysat.  Thanks to Patti and Rhonda for lending us dishware and napkins.  And a special thank you to Robin for buying "The Heart of the Ocean" for me!  I was grateful for the opportunity to learn more about this tragic event and all the lives that were touched, good and bad.  For me personally, I have learned that our earthly life is short and we need to live righteously and enjoy the things that matter most; family and good friends.










(sorry to have taken up a spot on Maci's blog, but I figured this was the best place for family and friends to read and see pictures)





















Sunday, March 18, 2012

Snow pics






These pictures were taken January 23 and probably the biggest snow we had this year :( Maci loved to watch the huge snowflakes fall earlier the evening before and was so excited to go out and play in it. I am sad there wasn't more so we could build a snowman, but there is still hope in the next month. (We had lost one glove so if you notice a sock on one of her hands, that is the reason why.)

Saturday, March 17, 2012

Wichita Zoo

I know I am a few months behind, but while in Kansas, we went to the Sedgewick County Zoo. Maci absolutely loved every minute of it. Here Grandma Held is feeding the sheep close enough so Maci could see.
Hmm, David was enjoying this way too much. Think he was going back to his teenage years when he raised sheep.
Here we were in the jungle area. Maci loved seeing all the birds flying around.
She even refused to nap until we held her still long enough for her to realize how exhausted she was.We were there for feeding time with the otters. That was quite the excitement!The only thing between us and that tiger was thick glass.
Love this animal, but never know what it is.
We had a fabulous time. A six hour zoo adventure was plenty for us. This is a really big zoo and we didn't really get to see the gorilla exhibit. Maybe next time.