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IRMO (WACH) -- It was already a big day for 5-year-old Ada Wright. Wednesday was her first day of kindergarten.

Her day become even more special when her military father, who just returned from deployment, surprised her at Irmo Elementary School.

Robert Wright returned to Columbia from a four month deployment in Afghanistan with the South Carolina National Guard late Wednesday morning.

Hours later, Wright and his wife Alan anxiously waited outside their daughter’s classroom so they could surprise her.

“I’m feeling really excited and looking forward to seeing my daughter,” said Wright as he stood outside the classroom.

Unsuspecting Ada had no idea he was so close. When the moment came, Robert walked in the class, poked his daughter on the back and when she turned around they immediately embraced.

“He came back,” giggled Ada after the reunion.

Mom Alan helped put together the big surprise. She wanted Robert’s return to be a moment Ada would never forget.

The family also surprised their son later in the day. The family is now looking forward to spending time together and going on vacation.