It’s about that time….SURPRISE VACATION 2014
You guys. It’s my favorite time of year. SURPRISE VACATION! Which actually coincides around my birthday, which I intend to celebrate all summer long so it’s like double the awesomeness.
Okay. Surprise Vacay has been a longstanding Dalkin family tradition since we were kids. In case you haven’t followed along on years past… here’s the deal.
When we were kids my parents would throw us birthday parties. Obviously. Well, turns out, kids like to cry and get upset and somebody would ALWAYS cry or pout. No one likes a pouter. So my parents decided to stop throwing birthday parties and instead they’d plan an epic surprise vacation for us each summer.
It’s basically the highlight of my life. I’m obsessed. We get somewhere in the realm of 8-10 clues each year and we have to figure out where we are going. Some years we’ve figured it out, others we’re totally surprised. One thing is always certain…. I’m always wrong. My sister sometimes figures it out, my husband has been known to do the same… but I’m always, without fail, 100% wrong. I think it’s because I have this burning desire to go on safari in Africa and no matter what clues my parents send over I somehow make them fit into an African safari. Clearly, I have issues.
So…. The time has come! Dalkin Family Surprise Vacation 2014 is upon us. We’re heading out end of July for 9 days and the clues are starting to roll in. I’m posting them here (because, duh!) and hoping that you guys can help figure it out!
Clue #1: Come on, we need to get out of ....., like nomads. Ugh, stinks, can't get it to budge......
Clue #2 Are you sure? I am not sure.... I am sure. Should we play on the sand??
Clue #3 Onward to the supreme law , just a few more steps, how enlightened we will be.
Clue #4 Jiminy Cricket did it
Clue #5 Walking the eighth C, how great it would be!
Clue #6 Check your watch between 46th and 47th for a tasty treat.
Clue #7 The perfect places to rest with those you love: Horse drawn linen for love birds.
Clue #8 Drew Brees and Coach Madden, stranded together.
Clue #9 What is that I hear, both east and west; is there h,i,j,k,l,m,n,o around?
Clue #10 Returning to the Disney theme: A safe place for Bambi.
Also - punctuation has been known to play into the clues in the past!
In case you’re going to play along with us – here’s a list of where we’ve already been so you can rule those out!
1. Alaska (click on over to see clues and my dad's commentary on this trip!)
2. France (click on over to see clues and my dad's commentary on this trip!)
3. Bahamas
4. Banff, Canada
5. Italy
6. Turkey + Greece
7. England + Scotland
8. Cancun/Tulum, Mexico
9. Hawaii
10. Napa
11. New York + Washington DC
12. Las Vegas
13. Texas
14. Disney World
And here’s an example of these twisted clues/explanation from the past:
Noisy Sheep. Tasty Pig. Ah
Noisy Sheep – what sound does it make: Baaaaaaah
Tasty Pig – what’s a tasty pig: Ham
Ah
Put them all together: BAHAMA.
Welcome to the Dalkin fam. We’re totally awesome/weird.
I still think Dubai
Sounds like Egypt! 🙂
With all the camles and pyramids. Awesome!
Another tipp for future vacations: Germany! One of the most interesting countrys ever (and i don't say that, because I am german :D). Nice old buildings, castles, green forest everywhere and huge churches! You would love it! 😉
Gaby! Do you remember any of the clues for Texas? My husband and I do this and I'm surprising him with Austin this year and am just starting to plan our clues. Can't wait to see where you go this year!
oh man I don't! that was one of the first ones and I was 9 years old! sorry!
Such a great idea! Could it be trekking gorillas in Uganda?!
THAT WOULD BE EPIC!
This is awesome, I love it!
It's finally here! Ahh!! I will figure it out!
Nothing can stop me mama and papa Dalkin 😉
I love this tradition. can't wait to hear where you are going!
love this every year - one of these years i'm making my parents take us along with you! 🙂
OMG YES!! and tell them they should be taking us to the galapagos next year!!!
This is the most fun idea ever! I have absolutely no idea how to decipher that clue though!
Pamela and Brandy are right. So awesome if that is where you are going.
I think maybe New Zealand!
I do the same thing with my son. I dont throw big parties anymore for the same reasons you listed above. But we always have my sisters and brothers and grandparents there the day of. Just for the pics and cake.
This year we are off to Hawaii tje Dianey Resort. He has no idea.
Thank you
Egypt was my first inclination as well.
Egypt! "Come on, we need to get out of "Dodge", like nomads (they ride on camels) Ugh, stinks, can't get it to budge (camel also)
I love this idea! What fun!
Australia?
they were just there a few months ago WITHOUT ME!
Israel???