For the last several months, I've been planning to take a trip to Indiana to visit my Dad for his birthday. I did the same for my Mom back in November for her birthday. The only difference this time though was that it was kept a secret from my Dad the entire way.

When I ordered the plane tickets a couple of months ago, I told my sisters to keep it quiet because I didn't want Mom or Dad to know about it until I showed up. A couple of weeks later though, Mom sent me an e-mail and reminded me when Dad's birthday was, and asked if I had any plans of something to do for him. Well crap, I had to spill the beans to her. I made her understand though that nobody else was to know, especially not Dad. She did well.

I landed in Indy around 7:00 local time this evening, and as I was making my way out of town I got a call from my Dad. He asked if I got the message he sent me on the instant messenger, and I told him I hadn't because I was out driving around (not a lie - I was driving around). I got off the phone with him and continued my journey to their house. By the time I got there, he was done for the day and was half asleep in front of the TV.

I don't think he really realized at first that I was really here, but as he woke up he certainly did. After a big hug from him and Mom both, we ate dinner, then Dad and I sat and talked for a couple of hours.

So far it has been a nice surprise for him, and I hope that the other happenings this weekend will be just as nice for him. :D