For months I had told very few people. I wanted to do something unexpected and memorable this holiday season with my children. At 4 am on Friday, Dec. 18, I woke up my 13 year old daughter and 9 year old son and sat them in the front room. I’d practiced this moment in my head a thousand times.

“I guess you are wondering why I woke you so early today? A limo will be here in an hour to take us to the airport for a vacation. I have you all packed. You will be missing school today.”

Neither jumped up to embrace me the way I had thought, crowing me the best mom in the entire world. They stared at me blankly. Shock? Too early?

“Can you guess where we are going?”

“Florida!” My son screamed.

“That’s where we start. We are going on a Disney Cruise to the Bahamas!”

My daughter says, “I have a test today.”

Seriously? I’m spending my entire bonus for us to do something we have only dreamed of. It isn’t like the commercials where they scream and yell and hug you. At least not until you get there.

As the shuttle drove up I could feel the awe in them as they looked at the huge ship. It was an absolutely amazing time and we took advantage of kissing a dolphin and snorkeling with sting rays and the Star Wars premiere movie playing on the ship.

What I didn’t get from them in screaming and hugging me prior to departure, they made up for the entire trip. The three of us, dreaming, living, laughing, playing and exploring together. There likely won’t be a next time due to funding but the surprise turned out to be well worth it!

What is the biggest surprise you have ever experienced?