Well, We pulled it off! Luis and I, for three months, managed to kept this surprise for our kids a secret. There were moments that I almost blew it. Like when I would find the boys wrestling in the livingroom and I would almost blurt out, "Now boys, when we get to Nani's house there will be no horsing around in the house!", but I would catch myself in the nick of time. There were other times that I contemplated just telling them because I was so excited to see their reactions...but I am so glad I didn't.
The day before our trip, I started loading up the car. Jonathan caught me one time and asked what I was carrying and I quickly responded "Donation for Goodwill". OK, so it wasn't completely true, but eventually all those snow pants, boots and jackets will make it to the donation pile! (I confessed to Jonathan the next day...Guilt is a bad feeling!) At 1am, I was still loading up the car. The plan was to travel light...but that plan never happens! The second plan was to get up at 4am...THAT plan never happens either. So, at 7am, we are finally in the car, heading to "Holiday Hope"...well, that's what the kids thought anyway...Luis and I plotted...he was driving, and I was ready with my phone to video to great secret reveal. Jonathan played right into our plot and was in a cheerful singing mood. I, from the passenger's side, turned and began singing with him...if I recall correctly, it was Doe a Deer from the Sound of Music...yeah...he's mine! Haha...so while we were singing and Luis was driving,he purposely drove right past the exit for church. Jonathan piped up and said, "Dad, you missed the exit!". Luis kept driving. Joshua started getting agitated..."Dada, turn around!" he said impatiently. I knew it was time to let the cat out of the bag...and it was perfect! I even captured it on video!
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=513065948791507&l=4597583113384251532
(Click on that blue link to see video!)
