From Sneaky Plans to Big Smiles: Surprising our Son on His Special Day

Birthdays are a time for joy and celebration, but sometimes, they can also be an opportunity for a little surprise that adds an extra layer of excitement and love. This year, my husband and I decided to pull off a birthday surprise for our son that would be both memorable and heartfelt. Last week, August the 20th was the date my son will never forget.

The night before his birthday, we crafted a plan that would test our acting skills and create an unforgettable moment. We pretended to have a disagreement, which was, of course, completely fabricated. Our son, unaware of our true intentions, was genuinely upset, thinking that this might spoil his special day. Little did he know, this was all part of a grand surprise!
Well, a little background, our son is now on his third year in college. For two years in a row he just celebrates his birthday by himself because the university he goes to is roughly 141 miles or 227km away from us. Around four plus hours drive. During those two years we will just do a video call. Grateful for the invention of the internet which really made everything a bit light. So now on his third year, we wanted to be there on his birthday.

At 11:30 PM, once our son had gone to bed, my husband and I hopped on a bus, setting off on a journey that would lead to the best birthday surprise he could imagine. We traveled through the night, arriving at his apartment around past 4 AM. With a cake in hand and excitement in our hearts, we knocked on his door, ready to reveal the surprise.

The moment he opened the door and saw us standing there with the cake, the look of shock and confusion on his face was priceless. It was a mix of relief and overwhelming joy—he had thought we had a fight and was fearing that his birthday would be tainted by our argument. Instead, he was greeted with a surprise that made him tear up with happiness. It was a truly emotional moment, and seeing his tears of joy made the entire effort worthwhile.

We celebrated his birthday with a special trip to Camp John Hay, a beautiful retreat known for its lush pine trees and refreshing cool breeze for the area was covered with lots of pine trees. Baguio city is known as the city of Pines, the Summer Capital of the Philippines.

It is known as the "Summer Capital of the Philippines", owing to its cool climate since the city is located approximately 4,810 feet (1,470 meters) above mean sea level, often cited as 1,540 meters (5,050 feet) in the Luzon tropical pine forests Eco region, which also makes it conducive for the growth of mossy plants. (Source: wikipedia.org)

Our first stop was Volante Pizza, where the staff made the celebration even more special by singing him a birthday song. They served our birthday boy a delicious apple pie with a candle on top, adding a sweet touch to the celebration.

After enjoying a wonderful meal, we explored the scenic beauty of Camp John Hay, soaking in the aroma of the pine trees and the serene foggy atmosphere. We took our time wandering around, appreciating the peaceful surroundings and creating lasting memories.

The day wasn’t complete without a visit to the historical sites of the Bell House.

Also the Bell Amphitheatre

These landmarks, significant during the early history of the Philippines just before World War I and II, added an educational and historical touch to our birthday celebration. I will create a separate post about it so stay tuned for that.🤗

The entire day was a beautiful blend of surprise, joy, and exploration. From the sneaky pre-birthday ruse to the heartfelt birthday celebration, it was a day filled with love and unforgettable experiences. Our son’s reaction was the highlight of the day, making all the planning and effort truly worth it.

Surprising someone you love is a way to show them how much they mean to you, and this birthday will certainly be remembered as one of the most special. Here’s to making cherished memories and celebrating life’s precious moments with those who matter most. 🎂🎉✨

Thank you for reading my post.
Until next time!

You are loved,
@aideleijoie❤️