Daddy's home! Father surprises girls

ROUND ROCK (KXAN) - Jaala and Tayonna Howard’s mother had told them Christmas would have to be delayed this year.

But she did not tell them it was because they would be getting the kind of present that even Santa Claus cannot deliver.

That present, gift wrapped in a green Army combat uniform, finally arrived during reading time at Double File Trail Elementary library on Tuesday morning.

Jaala squealed once she saw it.

“Daddy!”

Sgt. 1st Class Antonio Howard surprised his fourth-grade and kindergarten daughters at a time they thought they would be spending with their reading buddies.

It was a reunion seven months in the making.

“It was great to see them smile and be all happy that I am back,” said Antonio after returning from his second tour of duty in Iraq, a mission that is now completed.

Being home to stay is a relief Antonio and his family.

“It’s like she has her get out of jail free card back,” said Antonio about his daughter Jaala. “She can be more energetic. No more going back to Iraq. We are out of there for good.”

The Howard’s are like thousands of other families across the country that will be able to resume their lives together now that the job in Iraq is done.

“Daddy being home is our Christmas gift,” said Tamesha Howard, Antonio’s wife.

“Now we get to go home and open our presents!”