POULSBO — The stocking-capped, striped shirt-wearing character from the “Where’s Waldo” books knelt down in front of three children at the “Where’s Waldo” party July 29 outside Liberty Bay Books and asked them if they knew who he was.
The children eyed him curiously. His wife, Jessica, pregnant with their fourth child, didn’t give him a second look when he entered the party and walked by her.
Waldo invited Nolan, 2, to take off his cap; the boy was hesitant.
Waldo removed his cap and glasses, revealing that he was really their dad, Lt. Cmdr. Brian Ross, USN, home from deployment with the USS Ohio (SSGN 726).
The surprise was such a surprise, that it took Jessica Ross a few seconds for reality to sink in.
Her husband likes to surprise her, “but this one takes the cake,” she said. “I’m still in shock.”
Lt. Cmdr. Ross, 33, hadn’t seen his family for several months. His captain granted him leave as the baby’s due date neared. He knew from a phone conversation with his wife that she planned to take the kids to the “Where’s Waldo” party, so he called book store owner Suzanne Droppert the morning of the party and asked if he could disguise himself as Waldo. She was more than happy to oblige.
The stars couldn’t have been more aligned on this event. As Ross awaited his cue from inside That’s A Some Italian restaurant, he saw his wife, mother-in-law and children walk by. A recording of Frank Sinatra’s “The Way You Look Tonight” was playing; it’s the song he and his wife danced to at their wedding. They were married Aug. 5, 2005. The baby is due Aug. 6 and could arrive on their anniversary.
Jessica’s mother, Judy Johnson, was able to keep the secret when Droppert handed her a cell phone and said, “You might want to video this.” Johnson recognized the phone as her son-in-law’s. “I couldn’t believe it,” she said.
Lt. Cmdr. Ross said his children — Eden, 5, Korban, 4, and Nolan, 2 — don’t watch much TV, but like to play outside with their dog, Panda, ride their bikes, read books, and play tickle monster with their dad.
Ross said Korban was the first to figure out his identity, and that didn’t surprise him. “She likes puzzles,” he said.
The “Where’s Waldo” party was presented by Liberty Bay Books and sponsored by Candlewick Press. Besides enjoying a family reunion, children were treated to pizza, popcorn, drinks and other refreshments.
Waldo — aka Lt. Cmdr. Brian Ross — arrives at the ‘Where’s Waldo’ party July 29 outside Liberty Bay Books. (Richard Walker / Herald)
Lt. Cmdr. Brian Ross, disguised as Waldo, asks his son Nolan if he recognizes him. (Richard Walker / Herald)
Korban Ross, 4, embraces her father, Lt. Cmdr. Brian Ross, July 29 at the “Where’s Waldo” party hosted by Liberty Bay Books. Lt. Cmdr. Ross surprised his wife and children at the party, arriving home on surprise leave and disguising himself as Waldo. (Richard Walker / Herald)
Jessica Ross expresses surprise at Waldo’s true identity — her husband, Lt. Cmdr. Brian Ross, home on surprise leave from overseas duty. (Richard Walker / Herald)
Lt. Cmdr. Brian Ross and his wife, Jessica, embrace at the ‘Where’s Waldo’ party July 29 in downtown Poulsbo. Filming the event at right is Judy Johnson, Mrs. Ross’ mother. (Richard Walker / Herald)
Nolan Ross, 2, tries on his dad’s Waldo glasses. Sharing a smile with her dad is Eden, 5. (Richard Walker / Herald)
The Ross family reunites at the ‘Where’s Waldo’ party July 29 in downtown Poulsbo. With Brian and Jessica Ross are their children, Nolan, 2, Eden, 5, and Korban, 4. (Richard Walker / Herald)
