31 Days, 31 Smiles {Day 8}: Do Something Unexpected

One of the easiest ways to bring a smile to a child's face is to do something unexpected.

I've been waiting until cooler weather to take my kids to the local zoo.  Most children are back in school, the temperatures are inviting, and the animals are more active.  I decided to keep it a secret.  I waited until we finished our morning routine and then said, "Are we ready to start school?  Okay, everyone go to the bathroom and then put on your shoes because we're going to the zoo for school today." I was met with big round eyes and happy squeals (though you can't tell that from the pasted on smiles below).  



So what made this unexpected outing less stressful than a regular outing? 

1. Because I kept it to myself, I could take the time to plan it without anyone saying, "Did you pack my green sweatshirt?" or "What time are we going to leave?"  or "I don't like peanut butter sandwiches!"  or "I'd rather go to..."
   
   
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2.  Because it was unexpected, there were no expectations so everything we did was a treat. 

We strolled through the zoo, saying hello to the bears, the jaguar, the beaver, the wolves, the wood ducks, the alligators, the monkeys...

As we exited, we passed the large playground that my kids never get to visit because it is normally so congested that I can't keep my eye on all five at once, but this day, I was able to say yes. 



When I pulled out a (very simple) picnic lunch, Owen exclaimed, "This is the best school day ever!" 

"Something unexpected" isn't limited to a fun outing.  You can get the same response by saying yes to something unexpected at home. 

Yes... to cake for breakfast. 

Yes... to Wii time. 

Yes... to skipping naps in favor of playing outside (... and early bedtime!). 

Yes... to reading aloud one more book or one more chapter. 

One night last week, I decided at the last minute to grocery shop in the evening instead of waiting until the following morning.  The two littlest were already asleep and the older kids were getting ready for bed.  Owen (age 6) asked if he could go to the store with me, knowing I would say no.  I surprised him (and myself) and said yes instead.  A smile never left his face from the time we grabbed the list off of the refrigerator until we brought the last bag of groceries into the house later that night!  The element of surprise, not the place itself, created a happy time!

Have you done anything unexpected lately?