HAPPY HOMECOMING: Military dad gone 5 months surprises his children

ROYAL OAK, Mich. (WJBK) - A local military dad back home for the first time since November and his first order of business was surprising his kids at school.

We all know that feeling, the cold sweats of panic when you're called out in front of the entire school - but this time everyone else had a lump in their throats because we knew what was coming.

Staff Sgt. Shawn Layou with the U.S. Air Force is stationed in Korea.

"I've been gone since November," he said.

Far too long for his wife and five kids. About three months ago his wife Christina contacted their children's school Oakridge Elementary in Royal Oak with this idea.

"I was nervous," he said. "I didn't know how they would react."

Knowing this day was coming helped the time overseas fly, giving Layou something to look forward to - and giving his family a moment that can last forever.

The Layou family will enjoy the next 30 days, then he's back to Korea until November.  After that, the family's only plans will be to stay together.