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My husband’s birthday always falls just days before or after Father’s Day. This year, for his 45th birthday, I wanted to do something extra special for the greatest man in the world. So, we planned the biggest surprise we could and somehow, kept it a secret (which is a miracle because I’m the worst when it comes to surprises).
I mentioned that I wanted to put together a picnic with lots of yummy, fresh salads. I may also have mentioned that we would be having this “picnic” just down the street from our house. BUT… the night before, I booked a room in a new hotel on our favorite beach and made plans for what would be the best 24 hour getaway.
While he took the kids to church, I prepared a number of different foods that included: Pesto Pasta, Cilantro Lime Shrimp Salad, Caprese Sandwiches, Cucumber and Tomato Salad and a fruit tart and cannolis for dessert! I packed an overnight bag for everyone and hid it in the closet. When they got home, I snuck the bag into the back of the car and told them to get dressed for Dad’s Surprise Day of Adventures.
They all got into the car, not knowing where we were headed. I love surprises.
When we got off of the highway, there were signs everywhere that said the name of the beach. I tried to distract him so that it would be a surprise but eventually, he started to recognize where we were. And although he knew where we were headed, he still had no idea that we would be staying there over night.
And then… we pulled up to the front of this incredible hotel and I yelled “WE’RE HERE!”. When the valet opened the door, I told him we were checking in and my husband’s confused look was priceless. I headed around to the back of the car, grabbed the suitcase and he was in shock. He couldn’t believe that I had pulled this off. My girls couldn’t believe that I had packed their bathing suits and goggles and that we would be spending 24 hours in this gorgeous resort. Mission surprise accomplished!
The view from our room was literally the sand and ocean. There was nothing in between us and the private beach. It was magical. We had a little balcony with a table and chairs where I set up our little picnic. We ate and listed to the waves. I couldn’t stop smiling. Giving my husband this 24 hour getaway was so important. He does so much for us and he deserved to be at his favorite place in the world.
After lunch, everyone rushed to get their suits on and they headed down to the beach. Iyla was excited to find a shell that resembled a unicorn’s horn. It’s the little things in life that make her happy. There were baby jellyfish everywhere so we had to be careful. I’ve never been stung by one but wasn’t about to start. So we decided to head to the pool instead.
It didn’t take long for them to get into that pool and it was hours before I got them out. There was a lot of jumping, flipping and laughing.
Luckily we had plenty of leftovers from lunch to fill our bellies before getting a good night sleep. In the morning, we had breakfast in the hotel (yum) and then it was back out to the beach and the pool while I got everything packed up and ready to head back home.
24 hours was just enough time to have some fun family time and celebrate the man of the house. Watching him with this girls really fills my heart to capacity. He loves them more than anything, which makes me love him even more.
We had such a great time, we are headed back to the same resort in a few weeks. I’ll be sharing why it’s a great hotel for both adults and kids. Stay tuned!
What were your plans for Father’s Day? Comment below and let us know!
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Kayla
July 5, 2018What a great surprise. It looks like fun was had by everyone.
Terri Beavers
July 5, 2018This looks like a fun way to spend Father’s Day. I bet it was a memorable getaway. I just love the idea of making cucumber sandwiches. I haven’t had any in forever.
Olga Zak
July 5, 2018I love this! This is such a sweet surprise! It’s looks like a pretty amazing getaway too and the food looks delicious. Thanks for sharing.
betzy cuellar
July 4, 2018It is such a beautiful destination to surprise a loved one.
Hey Sharonoox
July 4, 2018What a great surprise! This definitely looks like the mission to surprise dad a big success. Such a beautiful beach for a family getaway!
Michelle Goth
July 4, 2018What an amazing gift! You guys really rocked his world with this!
Sara Welch
July 4, 2018I am sure he was nothing short of blown away by these. He certainly deserves it!
Fatima Torres
July 3, 2018Who knew you would be able to pull it off? I know if it were me, one of the kids would’ve caught on. I’ve tried, and they went off to let my husband know something was up.
Khushboo M
July 3, 2018Every dad is a super dad and I am so glad you delighted him in such a wonderful manner. I am sure he was blown away by the gesture.
Tara
July 3, 2018Love your photos! What a great father’s day/Birthday celebration with the family.
jehava brown
July 3, 2018Love this! I’m sure it was so perfect!
rosey
July 3, 2018I know you love it if you’re heading back. Thanks for sharing your getaway!
LavandaMichelle
July 3, 2018Oh my! If my Pops was around he would love this. Thanks for sharing, it made me smile! 🙂
Garf
July 3, 2018That is definitely a nice surprise for the superdad and the whole family. What a fun getaway.
What Corinne Did
July 3, 2018Such an adorable surprise! Loving the idea! I’d love to be surprised with a gateway! such a nice idea for father’s day too!
Joanna
July 3, 2018That is definitely a nice surprise for the entire family, not just dad. You can see on everyon’s faces how much fun they’ve had!
Becca Wilson
July 3, 2018This looks like the perfect getaway to celebrate him and all he means to you. What an awesome surprise!
Amy h
July 3, 2018What a great surprise! That resort looks like the perfect place for a family get away!
Gemille Sleweon
July 3, 2018I’m vegan but the cilantro lime shrimp salad looks absolutely delicious. I know my friends would love it. I’m glad you all had a great Father’s Day.
Angela Ricardo Bethea
July 3, 2018Aww. That’s so sweet. He’s so lucky to have you! I am excited to celebrate my husband’s first birthday with Josiah King!
Angela Ricardo Bethea
July 3, 2018Awe! Such an amazing surprise, I’m sure he liked it very much. Glad you guys had a great time during Father’s Day.
Sharon
July 3, 2018Looks like your family had a wonderful time on this surprise trip! It’s so nice to just getaway even if it’s just for 24 hours.
Louisa
July 3, 2018This is such a great surprise! I can only imagine the look on his face when you said “we’re here”.
Jessica Taylor
July 3, 2018What a great way to show some love on fathers day! I wish we could have done something like this this year.
Farrah Less
July 3, 2018That is so sweet I’m sure any dad out there would love this kind of surprise. Going on a beach is always my favorite its like my second home.
Pearl
July 3, 2018You are an amazing mom and wife and oh all that yummy food you packed! I will try to make some of it for my next family picnic.
Princess Quinn
July 3, 2018I haven’t tried making shrimp sandwich. Maybe I can prepare it for our weekend staycation too.
Heather Castillo
July 3, 2018I haven’t tried a shrimp sandwich either lol.
Hannah Marie
July 3, 2018We made it simple last father’s day. I made my husband a chocolate cake with mocha buttercream. And he loved it!
Cristina Coroiu
July 3, 2018Such a wonderful surprise. I think this is one of the reasons I would love to learn how to drive, to be able to “kidnap” my loved ones.
Emma Riley
July 3, 2018That is really a great surprise and it looks like a way to celebrate a Father’s Day. Us, we just hang out and eat in a restaurant with our relatives for our Father’s Day celebration.
Victoria Shari | Arrow and Bliss
July 3, 2018This is the absolute sweetest thing! I have to step my game up for Father’s Day next year.
Marcie
July 2, 2018Oh what a great surprise! We spend the day with extended family and just hanging out together. Maybe next year I’ll try to pull off a surprise like this!
Maysz
July 2, 2018Very nice surprise! it looks awesome! I like the food it makes me hungry! Thanks for sharing!
Shannon Gurnee - Redhead Mom Blog
July 2, 2018What a fun surprise for your husband! I wish I could do a better job at keeping secrets. I get so excited about it and then end up telling. Ha ha!
Karen Morse
July 2, 2018Awesome Father’s day surprise! I’m sure everyone had an amazing time especially since it was spent and celebrated at the beach! Loving the photos!
Tamara
July 2, 2018How nice is that? I love a true surprise like this and those memories will last a lifetime. He looks so happy!
Glenda Cates
July 2, 2018I would love to make an overnight trip somewhere soon. As for Father’s Day, we stayed home as hubby had to work and then my son took him out to dinner. Once home we watched movies together which was a beautiful day.
Maria Magdalena
July 2, 2018How fun! Beach is always a great place to visit in summer. I love the hotel, it has windows and balcony to view the beach and feel the air.
Gladys Parker
July 2, 2018That was a grand surprise for both Father’s Day and a birthday! The beach is an awesome place to spend quality family time. Your picnic was a great idea also right on the balcony overlooking the beach!
tara pittman
July 2, 2018What a great surprise. My husband would love for me to surprise him like this.
Reese Woods
July 2, 2018What a wonderful way to have a family day to celebrate dad! It looks like you guys have fun and made some great memories while you were at it!
Rachel
July 2, 2018What an awesome surprise! I would LOVE to do this for my husband sometime!
Tasheena
July 2, 2018This looks like a pretty amazing Father’s Day. What a wonderful surprise. It’s looks like a pretty amazing getaway too and the food looks delicious.
Joan Cajic
July 2, 2018I could do with those caprese salad sandwiches right about now. They look so good, my hubby travelled during father’s day and so couldn’t really have anything planned on that day but made him great dinner when he got back.
Joanna @ Everyday Made Fresh
July 2, 2018It looks like y’all had a great Father’s Day! I would love to take my husband away for Father’s day, maybe next year!
Amber Myers
July 2, 2018This is such a sweet surprise! I always love being near the beach. This sounds like a great Father’s Day.
Ashley
July 2, 2018It looks like he had a great trip! We stayed around the house and just spoiled my awesome husband.
Jeanette
July 2, 2018Now that sounds like it was an awesome surprise for him! I have been wanting to do that for my husband for quite a while. I need to do this for him. What a great idea
Melissa Chapman
July 2, 2018Good foodand a fun family is all a dad needs on Father’s Day. It looks like you found the best beach front area to spend special times.
Vanessa Palma
July 2, 2018Awww, it looks like you did a great job in surprising him with the perfect gift. Job well done!
Jessica Joachim
July 2, 2018It looks like y’all had an amazing time! That shrimp looks delicious, and I am a sucker for the beach so it looks like a perfect day to me!
Anosa
July 2, 2018What an incredible surprise and what a lovely father indeed, I am sure he enjoyed himself.
Teresa
July 2, 2018What lovely surprise for your favorite guy. I like your picnic suggestions. Those sandwiches look so delicious. We did pretty much nothing for Father’s Day around here. I grilled out and the kiddos gave cards.
robin rue
July 2, 2018I love this!!! What an amazing surprise that was! My family would love to go to a place like this!
candy
July 2, 2018How thoughtful of you to book a weekend get a way just down the road. Bet the family was surprised and excited when you told them the news. Looks like a great time was enjoyed by everyone.
Sarah Bailey
July 2, 2018It sounds like super Dad really had an awesome Father’s Day to celebrate just how special he is! I love the beach you spent time at it seems like a little paradise all of your own.
Alli Smith
July 2, 2018What a wonderful surprise! I can imagine the look on your husband’s face was priceless! What an incredible hotel and beach! Looks like a really fun getaway!
Terri Steffes
July 2, 2018This is so awesome! I love it when a good surprise gets pulled off! My husband went to play golf with our son-in-law and when they returned, we surprised them with a water balloon fight!