hicago, IL (CBS/WBBM) -- There was a big surprise today for two little girls at Brookfield Zoo and everybody at a dolphin show there today got to share it with them.
Sisters 11-year-old Jorja Coleman and 6-year-old Nataja Howse, take in all the action at the Brookfield Zoo's Dolphin Show.
Both are asked to become part of the act. What these little girls don't know is a big surprise is in store for them. The announcer said, "Ladies and gentelemen, boys and girls please put your hands together and welcome their father, Sgt. Keith Howse."
Both Nataja and Jorja run into the waiting arms of their father, a soldier with the United States Army. He says, "It was kind of hard to grasp the moment. I was just intently focused on their faces and just getting them them. It was probably one of the most memorable moments of my life."
Sgt. Howse is seeing his wife and daughters for the first time in eight months. He just returned from Afghanistan for a two week stay. Jorja says, "I didn't know because she said, he was coming Thursday, so I was very surprised."
Their mother, Aja Moores, spent a week and a half setting up this special day. She says, "This is actually the zoo I came to as a child. This is my childhood memory. So I want that to be for my children also."
Sgt. Howse says he'll be attending his brother's wedding this weekend. He says his only other plan is to spend every waking moment with his daughters.