And here is the story. So the kids were totally clueless. Even though I hung the banner that day and everything! I made up some impressive fibs for Darby on why we were hanging the banner so early and she bought it. Our babysitter is so calm and she played everything really cool. I left like I was going out to dinner with a friend but I put the still camera and video camera in my bag instead of normal purse stuff. When a group comes back from deployment they have what is called a "redeployment ceremony" before they release the soldiers to be with their families. It consists of them marching in and words being said about doing a good job or whatever. From everything I've heard about this ceremony it is almost never on time and lasts an agonizingly long time for the families waiting and watching to be back in their soldier's arms. The ceremony was to start at 3:30. I left the house about 3:10 and quickly realized I was going to be cutting it close. I knew I would be on time but not early. So when I got within sight of the building and saw soldiers and their families walking down the road toward their cars already at 3:29 I was very upset. It was obvious that I had missed it. Cars were parked all along the sides of the road and I found two cars that had a little bit of space between them and swerved through them and parked in the ditch. I got out and ran the rest of the way. It turns out that they started a little early, marched all the soldiers in and then said nothing! Just released them immeadiatly! Our pastor and his wife, and our bible study leader and his wife were there for the whole thing because they knew to be early. And the photographer was waiting for me right inside the door so she flagged me down and then followed me when I saw Robert through the crowd. From there we caravaned home to surprise the kids! Robert injured his back a couple days before getting home so that is why he is standing wierd in the video.
Myself, the photographer, and Robert were standing in the yard and I had texted the babysitter to tell her that she should tell the kids that there is a new netlix movie in the mail so they should go outside to check the mail. She had all three of the younger kids' shoes on and sent Darby to her room to get her shoes on. At which point Darby decided randomly to look outside and saw us there. They say she screamed all the way down the hallway, forgetting her shoes all together. So we didn't get to see her surprised face. And that is also why she screams before she even sees Daddy right after coming out of the door. So there ya have it! Hope you enjoy the video!
7 Comments
Aunt Wee
2/6/2013 01:38:48 am
I'm so glad he's home!
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Karen
2/6/2013 08:00:44 pm
Love it! Love it!
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Brent & Dana
2/6/2013 08:02:59 pm
We are soooooooo happy for you guys!! We are so glad Robert is safe and back home. The video was so sweet. We pray you continue to have many happy memories
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Uncle Mikey
2/7/2013 01:36:24 am
This is a great video! I think you might have one uped me Lindsey, form that time I suprised my Mom. I so glad Robert is back and safe. Now is all family time!!! Hope to see all of you guys soon. Love Ya.
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Melissa Barrett
2/8/2013 10:51:31 pm
That was great. I had been waiting to watch with the kids. We all loved it.
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Aunt Debbie
2/11/2013 01:02:48 am
Love the video & glad Robert is back in the arms of his family. I remember when Mike came home from Afghanistan for Christmas & his "Soldier Surprise". Great memories! Love to all !
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Nannie
2/18/2013 01:40:16 pm
Such a great surprise for the kids. So wonderful that he's back. I really miss you all
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