Soldier's family gets a Thanksgiving surprise

HELENA, M.T. (WHDH) -- Sergeant Michael Mikesell had been deployed in Afghanistan for the past seven months and didn't expect to come home until next year.

“I haven't seen my boys since April 14th,” said Sgt. Mikesell of the Montana Army National Guard.

But thanks to an early return -- that all changed.

It was just an average day for the Mikesell brothers until they saw their father walk into their daycare classroom.

And his wife, Athena, breathed a sigh of relief.

"I saw that he was safe and he was home, it was just... I can't even tell you how many emotions went through me. Just relief,” said Athena Mikesell, Sgt. Mikesell’s wife.

Since dad surprised them, the boys wanted to return the favor and told him they had a gift waiting for him at home.

The boys are looking forward to spending more time with their dad.

"They really miss wrestling with dad. I don't know how to do it,” said Athena with a laugh.