Last week, a couple from the church took us kayaking. Sarah had taken a kayaking class when she attended the local community college and Steve had kayaked in the Boy Scouts. I was the flailing, flapping newbie and provided great entertainment for everyone.
It was such a fun time and beautiful day–very therapeutic after a couple of tough weeks.
(Click on photos to view full size.)
Saturday, Sarah and I hatched a plot to make an 8-hour round trip to surprise Gage. He was excited about a lead role he had in a community theater play and we thought it would be nice to just show up.
(Following two photos courtesy of the Gilbert Theater.)
And here’s Gage!
If you’re anything like me, you are probably curious to know how the surprise played out.
Well, here’s the scoop
Sarah and I arrived about an hour before the 2 p.m. matinee. She was kind of making up the Surprise Plan as she went since she didn’t yet know the lay of the land. (I stayed in the car so she could do the surprise on her own.)
When she got inside, she found out that Gage hadn’t arrived yet so she lurked in the lobby while I lurked in fine maternal fashion out in the car. I was kicked back and relaxing when suddenly, mid-lurk, I glanced up to see a red car pull into a space near me.
I knew Gage drove a red car and I thought, “Eek! That’s Gage! He is going to see me! I am going to ruin the surprise!”
I frantically flung myself sideways in my seat and then grabbed my phone to text Sarah, “He’s on his way!”
Gage had no clue that two conniving Smith females were afoot. He ambled innocently into the building, turned a corner . . . and there was Sarah.
Sarah said he was hugely, absolutely, and happily shocked. So worth all the effort to get there.
We thoroughly enjoyed the play, especially getting to see Gage in his element. He is definitely one of those people who shines on a stage.
Afterward, we had a quick photo session that dissolved into a little goofiness.
Sarah was acting like she was starstruck being with Gage . . . and of course, he was starstruck being with her.
Lots of fun ensued.
I had told Sarah earlier on that we would need to leave right after the play because it was a long drive home and I had to get up at 4:45 a.m. for church.
But it was a perfect, golden fall afternoon and they were enjoying being together so much; I couldn’t stand the thought of them having so little time. Gage’s favorite antique/second-hand store was near the theater and Gage had been wanting to show it to Sarah. So I told them to take an hour and a half to hang out and I would just apply an extra layer of Maybelline to hide the dark circles.
It was such a joy to see them take off into the Saturday sunlight.
Fourteen hours after leaving the house, Sarah and I arrived back home–full of happy memories of a surprising day well spent.
How about you?
Do you enjoy kayaking?
Have you ever surprised someone, either in a big or small way? Has someone ever surprised you?
I vote to see the video! I know I’ve done some entertaining in the past on such occasions and would love the company! 🙂
Lee Anne,
Oh dear. I was hoping no one had seen his comment. 🙂
I thoroughly enjoyed your blog and especially the photos. You really went out into deep water! Congratulations on your success with the big surprise! (The cupola on the brick building in your photo reminds me of the courthouse in Greenville!?)
Fred,
Yes, the water was pretty deep which means I was holding all the tighter to my life preserver! A swimmer, I ain’t.
I’ve never seen the courthouse in Greenville; in fact, I don’t think I’ve ever been downtown. I need to pay it a visit, some time.
I have never kayaked but have been thinking it sounds fun. One of my neighbors kayaks at a nearby lake. My Sunday School teacher kayaked this summer when they visited their daughter in Minnesota. I have gone on float trips in canoes.
I have surprised my cousin for her 30th birthday. I lived in Louisville at the time, just before I moved to Tampa. My aunt and uncle had a party for her at Red Lobster in Springfield. I hid in the ladies room with balloons until they were all seated.
I was also able to surprise my dad somewhat for his 90th birthday. I was having a small party at my house on Saturday. Unfortunately my brother mentioned to him that he’d see him the next weekend so he was suspicious. My cousin and her husband weren’t able to be there on Saturday so they came up Friday evening and we all went to Cheesecake Factory for dinner. He was surprised at that. He was also surprised the next day when his two sisters and niece came for the party.
Phyllis,
Sounds like you’ve been a big part of a couple of special surprises. I don’t know who has more fun–the ones doing the surprising or the one being surprised. Truly a good time is had by all.
And any party that ends at the Cheesecake Factory is a happy part indeed!
First, I loved, loved, loved the surprise story! What a wonderful time of life this is for Sarah, and I couldn’t be happier for her.
As for kayaking, I never tried it. Will tell you a kayaking story, though. I lived 4 blocks from the Niagara River. To get to work, I’d drive those 4 blocks, then follow the road along the river for several miles. One cold, I mean really cold morning, I saw, on the river, a man kayaking between ice floes. There was absolutely no part of that activity that looked enticing to me! But maybe it can be on your bucket list, Becky, now that you’ve mastered kayaking!
Jan,
First of all, what a great thing to get to drive along a river to work. Sounds lovely!
I am of the opinion that any kayaking done between ice floes should not be undertaken by anyone named Jan or Becky. Sound good to you? 🙂
This comment is to inform the Smithy community that I captured some very funny moments on video of Becky boarding the kayak. Let’s your voices be heard. Demand action! You really do need to see it!
Steve,
The Smithy Community. That’s a new one!
Unfortunately, I would have to have at least 2500 voices be heard to play that video so it’s not looking good!
I’ve never tried Kayaking, but would definitely like to. What a fun surprise for y’all to show up for Gage’s play. That was so sweet. I got to surprise some people this spring because of COVID. I am the scholarship liaison for our high school booster club. We usually hold a ceremony to award our 5 scholarships each spring and they are presented by the scholarship namesakes (former coaches, trainers, etc.), but of course, that didn’t happen. So we decided to imitate the prize patrol and surprise the recipients. I contacted the parents to and asked them to keep the surprise. Our booster president and I showed up at each home with balloons to present their scholarship. It was so fun seeing their reactions! (And we even caught one girl in the shower, so she has her hair wrapped in a towel in the pictures!)
Sue Ellen,
How fun to be a part of your own Prize Patrol! I can imagine there were about a bazillion smiles shared that day between the givers and the givees.
Such a happy story.
What a fun day! I love surprising people! I’m glad it worked out and they got to spend some extra time together. We love to kayak! In fact, we have two regular kayaks and two inflatable kayak/stand-up paddle boards (I have not mastered standing up on it and prefer to remain seated.). We recently kayaked among the gators at a lake nearby. It was so neat to see the gators in their natural habitat. I’m so glad you had a nice day on the water.
Gayle,
I didn’t know there was such a thing as inflatable kayaks. That would be a good option for us since we don’t have a trailer or pick up to carry them with.
I will NOT ever stand up on one of them. Yikes!
It was good to hear you paddled among the gators and didn’t get eaten. The same lady that took us on our first jaunt wants to take us to Alligator River the next time . . . which also has bears all around. She’s been doing it a few years and is still alive. 🙂
This post just makes me happy! I love it that you two could surprise Gage and that he was so happy Sarah was there. Great pics of the joy! 😊
The kayaking looks fun! But I think I’m content to be the non-kayaker amongst we sisters. You go, girls! 👍
Love to you all.
Deb
Deb,
Well, every group of gals needs a non-kayaker amongst them if only to laugh and take pictures. 🙂
Yes, it was a great day out with Sarah and so much fun being a part of their surprise. Love it!
You are an awesome mom!!!!!!!! Such fun 🙂
Lesley,
I have to say I have an awesome daughter and she has an awesome boyfriend. Such fun!
Yep, realized I had misspelled that word after posting, but figured you knew what it was. 🙂
Sharyn,
Well, it gave me a smile!
That was a wonderful surprise, to watch him do something that she probably enjoys too – although maybe more media than acting. Kyacting – no way Jose! Guess I am used to watching competitions and watching them go over falls and turn upside down and try and right themselves up – makes me hold my breath. Will stick to regular boats or cruise ships – thanks. So glad you had a beautiful day for the surprise.
Sharyn,
I loved your accidental spelling of “kyacting.” That would been a great title for this post–a combination of kayaking and acting. 🙂
What a fun post! I have not been kayaking, but it looks so fun and relaxing. I’m glad you were able to go and had a good time.
What a great surprise for Gage! I bet he was so happy to know Sarah was watching him. He seems like a great guy!
Have a blessed week!
Krista,
Yes, I’m sure it was extra fun for him to act knowing Sarah was out in the audience watching.
You’ll have to try kayaking one day; if I can do it, anyone can!
Of course — I love kayaking! Just sorry I waited so long in life to try it; been doing it 4 yrs.
Having my son Levi with me, helping every step and paddle-stroke of the way makes it even more wonderful.
Glad you got out there and tried it too!!
Ruth,
It’s really cool that you and Levi get to share this special activity together. When he is grown, I know he will look back at those jaunts with you as special memories.
I have never been kayaking but would love to do it. My son recently bought one, so maybe next summer!
My brother and I cooked up a surprise party for my dad’s 70th birthday. He was shocked that we were there, because it was February and we traveled in a snow storm to Denver. Completely worth it!! We also surprised my daughter on her 35th birthday. She had always wanted a surprise party, so it was tough to fool her but we did and it was such fun to see her utter shock! Lol
Sarah and Gage are too cute together…you are such a great mom to give them some time together like that!
Lee Anne,
Yes, birthdays are GREAT times for surprises. Sounds like you pulled off two big ones! It’s so much fun to plan and scheme and then see so much joy and happiness result from it.
Yes, Sarah and Gage truly are a great match. I was just so happy to see them having fun together; I couldn’t stand to put an end to it. And I was asleep by 11 p.m. so that wasn’t too bad.
I only went Kayaking once and I loved it. My husbands kayak was getting difficult for him to transport and set up, so he sold it. Now someone else gets to enjoy it. I love surprising people and have had all types of responses. One time my friend was so excited she actually shut the door in my face, then reopened it. It reminded me of when Peter got out of jail and Rhoda left him standing outside.
Patti,
That is too funny your friend shut the door in your face! I’m sure THAT wasn’t the response you were anticipating. 🙂 It’s so fun getting to surprise someone.
Yes, kayaks do seem to be a bit of a challenge to haul around and set up but they are sure fun when you finally make it into the water.