Back in the U.S.S.A.

My apologies to all.

I know that I have not been the best with my updates here on the blog.
The truth is that I was attempting "Internet silence," as my father and I plotted and planned my secret return to Minnesota as a Christmas surprise for my family and mostly, my mother.
So here is what happened.

My dad--Jim--sent me an email early in November saying that my my mom--Joan--was missing me, and that if I was interested in coming home, he could get a cheap flight with his frequent flyer miles.
He then said this could be a massive Christmas surprise, and that only he and I would know about it.
I liked the idea, and wanted to be a part of this great holiday shenanigan.
So we schemed and plotted as November turned into December.  Knowing I was going home to see the family, I decided I wanted to bring them some Christmas presents from the UK.  In fact, my entire suitcase only contained gifts from England. 
Joshua (9) received an Arsenal football (soccer ball) and an Arsenal cap.
David (11) received a Chelsea football and a Chelsea cap.
Stephen (13) received a pair of goal-keeper gloves and a rugby ball.
Sarah (15), Elizabeth (19), and my mother were given outfits that I thought were "London fashion."
And then my dad received a Manchester United shirt.

At any rate, I flew into Minneapolis on the 14th of December.  My dad picked me up and snuck me home without any of the family knowing. From there, he put me behind the computer desk, and then put a large wrapped box on the desk. This is because my mother had been considering a Mac as the new computer. Dad brought the family upstairs, and told them that the gift had come early and it was too hard to keep hidden for so long, so they could open it early. All the kids were screaming that it was a Mac.  Dad told everyone to close their eyes, and while they were doing that, he removed the box off of the desk and I stuck my head up.  When they opened their eyes, I said, "Hi mom," and everyone screamed.
I wish I had taped it, because it was pretty amazing.  Needless to say, my mom became teary-eyed and still couldn't believe here eyes, while my dad and I just smiled and laughed.

More updates to follow.