New Jersey Soldier Gives Son And Daughter The Ultimate Christmas Surprise

FAIRFIELD, NJ(CBSNewYork) -- Christmas came early for two kids in New Jersey.

As CBS2's Ilana Gold reported, Santa granted their wish to see their father who has been serving overseas.

The Christmas list for Reilly and Braddock Archibald isn't a long one. This year, they have just one request for Santa at the Christmas Caverns in Fairfield.

"I want my daddy back," Reilly said.

Santa did not disappoint.

The 5 and 2-year-old got to see their father, Sgt Michael Archibald for the first time after his 9 month deployment to Kuwait.

"This is amazing. I couldn't wait to see them. I really couldn't," Sgt Archibald said.

The feeling was definitely mutual.

"I really want him to come home, really much," Reilly said.

"I missed them so much, there's no way to explain it," Sgt Archibald added.

The timing of the surprise couldn't have been better.

"It's so emotional. I need a box of tissues. It's great. It's a great Christmas, it really is," Betsy Archibald said.

Now, they can spend the holidays together in Sgt Archibald's home town of Harrison.

"It's going to be amazing. They're going to get spoiled rotten. I'm not afraid to say it," Sgt Archibald said.

This deployment was Archibald's first. He doesn't have any tours scheduled so he can spend plenty of time with his kids.

You May Also Be Interested In These Stories