Air Force dad surprises his kids during 'The Nutcracker

An Air Force dad surprised his kids by returning during the Atlanta Ballet's performance of “The Nutcracker” Thursday evening.

According to WAGA-TV, Capt. Howard Church has been stationed in Saudi Arabia for the past nine months. When he and his wife discovered that he would be coming home for a visit earlier than expected — just in time for Christmas — they decided to surprise their four children.

“They're used to seeing me gone all the time,” Church told WAGA prior to the reunion. “Can't wait to see how surprised they are, when I step out there,” he said.

Before the performance, the Church family was invited on the stage, and the children cried when they saw their father join them.

“I was really surprised,” Austin Church told WAGA. “I really didn't think he was going to be there.”

WAGA reports that Church has served in the Air Force for almost 19 years. He will spend just over two weeks at home before returning overseas.