Surprises

I love to surprise people, especially my lovely wife and best friend, Kelli. Several months ago I decided to surprise her and plan a getaway weekend. Little did I know that our October would be one of the cloudiest and coldest on record at home and I had picked a sunny warm destination! With great appreciation for our good friend, Joanne, who helped me pack a separate carry on bag for Kelli, my brother in law Dan and his wife Pui for watching our kids this past weekend.

I had to convince my kids and Kelli to spend the 4 day weekend over Halloween in Glenview, IL with my brother in law and sister in law. This is something we have never done and was no easy task when 3 children are taken into consideration. I had to sell them on the fact that they would have more fun with their aunt, uncle and baby cousin than at home with their friends. Kelli had no clue we were going anywhere until the drive to her brother's house on Wednesday night and I told her and the kids I have planned a get away weekend. I through out a few options we have done before. Chicago, Door County, Mackinaw Island. I totally had her going! Then the big stipulation that we had to get up at 5 am on Thursday morning! She was not happy about not being able to sleep in the 1st day of a long weekend, but quickly got over it.

I have an assignment every year in NY City in November, and she has always come with me the past 7 years. This year she will not be able to make it. We always have a blast in NY or anywhere we go for that matter. So I decided to pour her coffee in a I love NY mug that early morning to throw her off yet again. I also did not want her thinking we were going somewhere warm, since she packed for a typical fall weekend in the Midwest. We arrived at O'hare Airport and when we went up to the ticket check in I said to the agent "My lovely wife has no idea where we are going for our 16th anniversary. Would you please tell her!" She was floored, to say the least. Earlier when I poured her the cup of coffee in the NY mug, she remarked very politely so as not to hurt my feelings "The next time you plan something like this, think somewhere sunny and warm with a beach!" I was dying inside and trying not to laugh, knowing we were headed to Miami South beach, with and ocean front room and our own beach!

Even the flight attendant got in on the action. He drew a custom designed mug American Airlines mug for us from "Spike"(photo attached) in honor of our wedding anniversary. The 1st photo in South Beach and my personal favorite one is Kelli's 1st view from our balcony room of the beach and pool!

This has been one of our most memorable and fun trips. I love Marriott Hotels not just because of the awesome points, but also you can expect and receive good service. If you ever make it to Miami South beach, I highly recommend the Marriott South Beach at 161 Ocean Dr. Thanks to the staff for all the little extras, Corrona's with limes, chips and salsa, awaiting in our room as we arrive, the ocean front view room... Love the food and night life here is like no other! Joes Stone Crabs, one of our favorites (not to be confused with Joe's Crab Shack). Kelli's first for Stone Cold Crab's!

Time to head down to the beach!