Recommendation for a quick weekend for family

From a mother/wife's perspective, a surprise last minute trip the weekend before school starts is not necessarily welcome. Between packing, unpacking, laundry, and getting things ready for the start of school, it sounds like too much hoo-rah at just the wrong time. One person's "surprise" is another person's spur of the moment pain in the arse. Only you know if this is a great idea or a terrible one, depending on your family dynamic.

Are all of the school supplies, uniforms, equipment, etc already purchased, or is someone planning to use the weekend to finish up the last minute stuff? Is there an orientation or back to school party on the 13 year old's weekend schedule? Is the 10 year old committed to a birthday party? Is your spouse planning to use this weekend to chill before the back to school madness begins?

(Can you tell that I hate surprises?)