A week ago, Sarah told Steve and me that she wanted to take a little road trip on Friday, just to get more practice driving out of town on her own. We were like, “Well, sure, honey. That sounds like a great idea.”
We never even thought twice about it.
Well, we found out later that there was a big story behind that little trip.
It turns out that our sweet daughter-in-law, Meagan, had decided that it had been too long since Nathan had gotten to be with his family so for his 26th birthday (on September 18), she surprised him with a plane ticket to NC. (Sarah chipped in to help pay for the ticket, too.)
Meagan had found a round trip ticket for $120 through Allegiant, but the closest airport they fly into is Raleigh, which is three hours away. Sarah wasn’t comfortable driving into a big city to get Nathan so she and Meagan schemed for a few days, trying to figure out the logistics. Meagan finally contacted Amanda, a friend of hers and Nathan’s, who lives fairly close to the Raleigh airport. Amanda and her husband picked Nathan up and drove him to Rocky Mount, NC (about an hour away) and Sarah met them there.
The Nathan Transfer was made and Nathan and Sarah arrived back in Manteo. At 10:30 I was awakened from a sound sleep by the sight of Nathan standing by my bed. To say I was shocked would be the most enormous of understatements. (By the way, Sarah took a video of that moment which I will post on another day. It is very funny and also a little embarrassing.)
We have had such a wonderful weekend together; I hate to see it end. But I do have our trip back to the airport to look forward to right after lunch today; three lovely hours of mom and son time.
I’ll share a few more pictures and stories in a future post but this morning, while I still have Nathan under my roof, I’m going to use my time to spend with him, rather than write about him.
Many thanks to Meagan for her thoughtfulness in putting all this together. I always thought I had the best daughter-in-law in the world but now I’m really convinced of it!
Here are a few pictures before I close . . .
Saturday afternoon, we took a family stroll.
I loved seeing Nathan’s stuff in the spare bedroom.
This is the sight that greeted me as I came down the stairs yesterday afternoon. Is there anything more beautiful on this whole earth?
I think not.
What a great surprise!:-)
wow1 how lovely!
Mrs. Pam,
It was definitely a lovely surprise and a lovely weekend. It all seems like a dream–it went by so fast!
So glad for all. What a wonderful memory to add to your collection. Your girls rock!!
Ann,
i do have some great gals in my life, don’t I? 🙂
What a great surprise! Doesn’t seem possible that Nathan is 26.
Phyllis,
That’s funny; I was thinking the same thing. How could I possibly have a child who is just 4 years away from thirty? I think I am in middle-aged mama denial.
What a surprise! What a caring daughter in law. How lovely for all of you!!
Jenna,
It was such a great weekend. I forget just how much I miss Nathan until I see him again.
That sight coming down the stairs is the most beautiful ever. I know. So glad you had a wonderful weekend with your baby boy. Before you know it, Christmas will be here!
Lesley,
I know that you know what it’s like to have adult children back in the house. Such joy just to have them under our roofs!
Ah…that brought tears to my eyes, if there are any more surprises in the future and you need a driver, I live about 20 minutes away from RDU!
Dale,
How sweet of you to offer that. I just love this Smithellaneous family!
What a great surprise!
robinandamelia,
There is no surprise any better. The only bad part of it is that the weekend went by way too fast. Can’t believe he’s already gone.
Surprises like this may be the only good thing about having adult children and their own precious little ones live far away. I’m so glad everything came together so Sarah and Meagan and Nathan and Amanda and spouse could make it happen. I’d say Sarah has “road trip” fully mastered!
Jan,
Yes, it definitely took a village to pull this surprise together. And I’m proud of Sarah for taking her first, solo 2 1/2 hour road trip! (She was thankful to have Nathan drive on the way home.)
How awesome!!!!
~Stefanie in St. Louis
Stefanie,
Awesome indeed. Life’s surprises aren’t always good ones–I’m so glad this one was.
What a great surprise!! Such a sweet gift!! Loved the video!!
Catherine,
Well, I can’t say I loved the video but at least it’s entertaining. (For anyone reading this comment, Steve had posted it on his FB wall on Sunday. I’ll post it here later this week.)
What an amazing daughter and daughter-in-law you have. There is nothing better than pulling off a surprise and seeing the joy on someone’s face.
Mel,
I know. Pulling off a surprise is one of the great joys of life.
What a great surprise and perfect gift! Meagan and Sarah ROCK!!! 🙂
LeeAnne,
Yup. Those daughters of mine have got it going on!
perfect present for Nathan and for Sarah, mom & dad. You truly are blessed with a wonderful DIL and daughter
Becky,
Yes, those ladies are two of my my greatest treasures in life.
How awesome are you Meagan & Sarah? I hope you had a happy 26th birthday, Nathan!
Jodi
Jodi,
His 26th birthday will certainly be one to remember!