My husband, Chad—you might know him as the resident bridge engineer, the cook of my family, dog dad to Wally, an angel, former little league teammate, the other half of my Married at 22 series—made my birthday extra special this year. Knowing that I always looked forward to my golden birthday, Chad planned a surprise birthday trip.
Yeah, an angel.
Here’s how it went.
Background on Chad
Before I brag about Chad, some additional context is important.
In the past, birthdays and gift-giving holidays have not necessarily been Chad’s forte. Big, romantic gestures fall into the same camp. Honestly, there have been a few years when he’s dropped the ball, and Chad will be the first to admit that sometimes the best laid plans get swept into a sea of “it’s the thought that counts.” Planning surprises and gifts and gestures is hard for him.
That’s what makes it so unbelievably special that Chad pulled this surprise birthday trip off.
And that’s why this gift means so much to me.
Guessing game
About 10 days prior to my surprise birthday trip, Chad let me know that we were going on a three-day trip. He said that he was going give me a clue every day, for an opportunity to guess at where we were going. I’d get one guess, and a simple yes or no; Chad said he’d tell me if I got it right.
The big rules: I couldn’t google the hints, and I had to specifically name a city.
So, each day Chad shared a clue on a shared Note, and I guessed. I finally guessed it on day 8—2 days before we hopped on a plane and left for my birthday trip destination.
Disclaimer: Chad made many of these hints tricky and difficult, because he didn’t want me to guess it right away and spoil the surprise. I would say the first couple were straight up disingenuous, lol, and near-impossible to guess correctly.
Clues
Clue 1: It is warm
Clue 2: Has salt water
Clue 3: Has unique fossils
Clue 4: Known college age party destination
Clue 5: Has a unique food like Chicago and deep dish
Clue 6: Has a light rail system
Clue 7: Can get a direct flight from Milwaukee to the location
Clue 8: Mentioned in Harry Potter
Clue 9: Has 4 major sports teams
Clue 10: My hat has three corners, but I’m part of 4
Do you have any guesses?
Established in 2018, Sunshine with Savannah is a catch-all blog with an emphasis on weekend travel, millennial-style marriage and fun, reflection-based musings, outdoor adventure, home design, and all things lifestyle.
Though the content is diverse and varied, the heart of this space stays true to a single, guiding principle: a simple pursuit to find sunshine, wherever I go.
This is amazing!! He did good. 🙂
Right?! I’m still blown away.
How fun – I need more clues!!!!
They were devastatingly tricky! So much fun to piece together.