My son loves movies. As soon as he got his license, he'd take his sisters/brother out for "birthday dates" to movies. He even drags me along from time to time (really the ONLY time I go to movies is if he takes me!)

There was one point when he and his sister Paris were going to see the midnight new release of their favorite series... and then Paris had plans with her boyfriend (of several years) to go to a graduation ceremony of his that was really important. She was literally in tears trying to decide which thing to go to! As it turned out, they all three went to the ceremony and then went to the movie together.

I'm sorry you got ditched for the friend! It happens, but you'll find your traditions (and maybe one of them will be certain movie series or whatever) and your fun things to do together and those will be your awesome memories. Raising kids is awesome :)

I HIGHLY recommend the tradition of 'birthday dates' because when they get older, they'll start taking YOU out for your birthday and you get more quality time <3

I loved reading a post from an involved dad!