• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Brownie Bites Blog
  • Home
  • Food
    • Recipes ->
      • Low Carb and Keto
      • Bars & Barks
      • Beverages
      • Cakes & Pies
      • Candy
      • Cookies & Cupcakes
      • Copycat & Pop Culture
      • Dog Treats
      • Main Dishes
      • Ice Cream & Frozen
      • Muffins & Breads
      • Starters & Sides
    • Restaurant Tours
    • Party Ideas
    • Tips and Tricks
  • Travel
    • View All
    • California
    • Camping & RV Life
    • Disney ->
      • Bahama Cruise
      • Disney World
      • East Caribbean Cruise
      • West Caribbean Cruise
    • Hawaii
    • Hiking
    • Hotel Tours
    • Japan
    • Seaside Florida
    • Smoky Mountains
    • Washington DC
  • Reviews & Unboxings
    • View All
    • Candy & Sweets
    • Nut Butters
    • Nutrition Bars
    • Snacks
    • Specialty Food
    • Subscription Boxes
  • About
    • About Me
    • Contact
  • Contact Erin
  • About Erin
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Main Dishes
  • Appetizers and Sides
  • Drinks
  • Dessert
  • Pop Culture Copycat
  • About Erin
  • Contact Erin
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • TikTok
    • Twitter
  • search icon
    Homepage link
    • Main Dishes
    • Appetizers and Sides
    • Drinks
    • Dessert
    • Pop Culture Copycat
    • About Erin
    • Contact Erin
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • TikTok
    • Twitter
  • ×
    Daily » I Let My Son Play Hooky For A Birthday Date!

    I Let My Son Play Hooky For A Birthday Date!

    Posted: 10/21/2019 | Last updated: 07/16/2024 by Erin K. Browne 59 Comments
    Post may contain affiliate links via Amazon Associates or other programs. (Disclosure)

    • Facebook
    • Twitter

    This past Saturday, we celebrated Jasper and Shelby's combo birthday party.  Today, Jasper officially turned 5.  I couldn't very well drop him off at preschool this morning and act like it was any other day, so instead I totally faked him out.  I pulled up to the preschool, took Shelby in the classroom (they are in the same class) and then I surprised him by telling him that he was NOT going to school today and was instead going to hang out with me alllll day long!

    Pop's Donuts, a cute little shop right on the corner down the street from his preschool, has caught his eye more than once on our morning commutes.  Naturally, that had to be our first stop.  Get used to this goofy fake smile, because that's about all he knows how to do right now when a camera is pointed at him, haha.

    He chose a chocolate-glazed donut with Halloween sprinkles, and we parked ourselves at the counter next to the window to watch the morning commuters go by.

    Best breakfast treat ever.

    The nice lady behind the counter came over to us when Jasper was almost finished and surprised us with two monster donuts to take home for free!  Jasper is incredibly social and had already told her ALL about it being his birthday and about how he had a sister who was having a birthday soon, but that she had to go to preschool today.  So she gave us a pink donut especially for Shelby.  How sweet!!  We will totally be going back to this place!

    Next, because it was still early in the morning and very few places were open, we headed to Walmart, which is always open!  I told Jasper that because he just had his birthday party and already got so many nice new things that we were only going to look and play, but that he could look at anything he wanted for as long as he wanted.  He was good with that!

    I think he pushed every button on the fun Halloween decor.

    And we legit looked at every. single. toy. in the toy section.

    "Hey, mommy!  Take my picture with the Baby Shark!"

    He made sure his hula hoop skills were still finely tuned.

    Since he received his new Aventon bike at his party, he wanted me to measure him to make sure we had definitely bought the right size.  (We did.) And, we did not forget to inform him about the new york bicycle laws to improve his safety and prevent accidents.

    I broke my own rule when I said he wasn't getting anything new and let him pick out a cheap $1.25 Thomas blind bag.  He got a James mini!

    We pass by the mall every day on our commute to preschool and he's been begging to go (since we never really go in there), so that was our next stop.

    We spent a couple of hours inside window shopping and letting him look at toy displays.  In the Disney Store, it was *me* who had to stick to my guns about not buying new things, because I wanted... everything.

    He always wants to ride these dumb things even though he doesn't really actually like them, ha.

    There's a small indoor playground that killed a good 20 minutes.  It's probably a petri dish but, hey, so is his preschool, so...

    Lord of the escalator.

    Finally he announced that his legs were getting tired, so we popped over to the food court and I let him pick where he wanted to eat lunch.  Of course, his choice was Chick-Fil-A.

    The grand finale was his first trip to Chuck E. Cheese.  Since we had already eaten lunch, we were focusing on playtime!  I bought an all-you-can-play pass for 30 minutes (can be recharged if you want more time) and let him have at it.

    Of course he starts with the baby rides.  That's my Jasper!

    But then we got into the more fun stuff.

    This mini football game was one of his favorites.  "Hey, mommy!  I'm old enough to do this one!"

    This snow skiing game was pretty cool, too.  He had to twist his feet and hips back and forth to control the man on the screen.

    The rhythm games were fun!

    The ultimate classic... and he was pretty good at it, too!

    He gravitated toward the games that included hitting things, ha.

    This cannon launcher game was pretty awesome.

    He took this one VERY seriously.

    My phone was done with taking in-focus photos, apparently, but one last selfie to end our date with an EXHAUSTED and happy five (!!) year-old.  Shelby's birthday is in 3 weeks and Matt will be doing something similar with a Daddy Daughter date day!  This may have to become a tradition.

    Blogtober Giveaway #3!

    Today I have a giveaway I'm particularly excited about!  The talented artists over at the Etsy shop, Porter and Hazel, are offering one of our lucky readers their choice of a customized bracelet with choice of personalization with a value up to $40.00.  You pick the bracelet style, color, and the personalization!  I have one of their bracelets and I can tell you that they are absolutely amazing.  The owners of the shop are incredibly sweet and easy to communicate with and they take their craft very seriously.  What a great small business to support.

    Also, Porter and Hazel are offering our readers a special 20% discount off of any item in their shop from October 21st until October 28th.   Use Code: BBITES20 when checking out at their store! Enter the giveaway by using the widget below.
    a Rafflecopter giveaway

    You Might Like These Recipes

    1. Daniel Tiger Birthday Party Ideas!
    2. Homemade Birthday Cake Ice Cream
    3. Birthday Cake Cookies (from scratch!)
    4. Old-Fashioned Date Balls
    « Daniel Tiger Birthday Party Ideas!
    Peppermint Bark Oreos Are Back, And I Tried Them »
    • Facebook
    • Twitter

    About Erin K. Browne

    Erin K. Browne is an author of a cookbook (The Unofficial Dollywood Cookbook, Simon & Schuster/Adams Media) and Dollywood guide (The Ultimate Guide to Dollywood, Simon & Schuster/Adams Media) She has over two decades experience with recipe development. Erin is a mom of two human babies and a sweet kitty named Biscuit Fingers ("Ketto"). She loves comfy clothes, sarcastic t-shirts, and reading thrillers. Make her day and toss her a like on Facebook or follow her on Instagram. Post may contain affiliate links including those via the Amazon Associates program

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      Say Something About This Post: Cancel reply

      Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    1. Philip Lawrence

      October 28, 2019 at 11:08 pm

      I think everyone should have a birthday date with someone who cares about them!

      Reply
    2. Cassandra D

      October 28, 2019 at 10:39 pm

      I like the idea.

      Reply
    3. Sand

      October 28, 2019 at 10:27 pm

      I think it's great, because it's a personalized gift!

      Reply
    4. Julieh

      October 28, 2019 at 10:14 pm

      I think it is a great idea and looks so fun!

      Reply
    5. Rose Santuci-Sofranko

      October 28, 2019 at 9:47 pm

      Awww....I think it's sweet. He looks so happy! Thanks and God bless!

      Reply
    6. eva andrew

      October 28, 2019 at 8:56 pm

      That is a day your son will remember...it's not the birthday parties and the gifts...it's the quality time with you.

      Reply
    7. Laura Emerson

      October 28, 2019 at 6:27 pm

      I love it! This would make such a memorable birthday!

      Reply
    8. Stephanie Grant

      October 28, 2019 at 4:52 pm

      I think this is a fun little birthday date, and I would definitely take my Littles on one.

      Reply
    9. Leela

      October 28, 2019 at 4:09 pm

      It looks like a lot of fun!

      Reply
    10. kathy pease

      October 28, 2019 at 3:11 pm

      I think it is a great idea and looks like lots of fun 🙂

      Reply
    11. Lily Kwan

      October 28, 2019 at 2:58 pm

      I think this birthday date idea is great!

      Reply
    12. Carolyn Daley

      October 28, 2019 at 2:56 pm

      I think you definitely made his birthday special. I love that the woman at the donut shop gave special monster treats for both Jasper and Shelby. That was very thoughtful of her. I am sure Jasper had so much fun with you playing at Walmart, the mall, and of course the arcade. You took a lot of great photos to document the special occasion.

      Reply
    13. Ed

      October 28, 2019 at 2:26 pm

      What a great memory!

      Reply
    14. Elizabeth Miller

      October 28, 2019 at 12:30 pm

      I love the idea of a birthday date. What a great surprise and that probably made it oh so much more special. I think trying to do parties is a hassle anymore and I see so many people posting how people do not rsvp and then have had parties and noone has shown up...it is sad. This is a much better alternative!!!

      Reply
    15. Sharon Schoepe

      October 28, 2019 at 11:58 am

      I love this idea. I need to do this with my littles

      Reply
    16. Tabathia B

      October 28, 2019 at 11:04 am

      I love the idea and it reinforces one on one time with that child especially if you have more than one child

      Reply
    17. Jessica Staley

      October 28, 2019 at 4:31 am

      That sounds like an awesome fun mom and son date

      Reply
    18. Sara Tarver

      October 28, 2019 at 3:40 am

      Looks like a great idea!

      Reply
    19. ae minx

      October 28, 2019 at 3:15 am

      This seems like the best date ever!

      Reply
    20. Susan Chester

      October 28, 2019 at 12:03 am

      I love the birthday date idea!

      Reply
    21. Audrey Stewart

      October 27, 2019 at 7:36 pm

      Am I subscribed? I have tried several times.

      Reply
    22. Audrey Stewart

      October 27, 2019 at 7:30 pm

      I think it's a great Birthday idea. I loved looking at all the photos.

      Reply
    23. Kayla Klontz

      October 27, 2019 at 6:15 pm

      This looked like so much fun! So many great memories all in one day.

      Reply
    24. Kayla B

      October 27, 2019 at 1:17 pm

      I love this! It looks like you had a lot of fun & made some new memories!

      Reply
    25. Angela T

      October 27, 2019 at 6:51 am

      I LOVE this idea - you’re making such wonderful memories! We have all sorts of birthday traditions as well! ?

      Reply
    26. Kristen benson

      October 27, 2019 at 2:05 am

      Precious!!!

      Reply
    27. Tricia Maldonado

      October 26, 2019 at 10:23 pm

      I think that’s such a cute and special way to spend his birthday! I bet he will remember that forever. Those donuts are adorable also!! ?

      Reply
    28. Shayna

      October 26, 2019 at 8:58 pm

      Love the bracelets!! Would love to get one for my mom!

      Reply
    29. beth casey

      October 26, 2019 at 7:07 pm

      sounds fun

      Reply
    30. kendra mcbride

      October 26, 2019 at 1:20 pm

      totally cool idea

      Reply
    31. Quinn Merriam

      October 25, 2019 at 11:18 pm

      Amazing idea!

      Reply
    32. Amy Smeltzer

      October 24, 2019 at 8:06 pm

      Great! I love arcades!!!

      Reply
    33. Michelle Tucker

      October 24, 2019 at 6:54 pm

      I think it's great! I really think he'll remember it forever. It's the time spent, not gifts, that matter. <3

      Reply
    34. Mallory Bailey

      October 24, 2019 at 4:23 pm

      I absolutely love this birthday date idea!

      Reply
    35. Gaye McGill

      October 24, 2019 at 2:55 pm

      Sounds like you and Jasper had an awesome day and I think it sounds like a fantastic tradition to begin. I hope Shelby's day with her dad will go just as wonderfully!

      Reply
    36. Luc

      October 24, 2019 at 1:11 pm

      Fun

      Reply
    37. paige chandler

      October 24, 2019 at 12:04 pm

      I like the b day date a lot, very clever and personal.

      Reply
    38. Christine Yvonne Groce

      October 24, 2019 at 11:22 am

      I think it's a great idea.

      Reply
    39. Julie Wood

      October 24, 2019 at 9:17 am

      I think it is such a great idea!! My son loves going out with his Dad!

      Reply
    40. Melissa

      October 24, 2019 at 8:17 am

      omg this birthday date is so cute. it looks like he had the most fun time! 🙂

      Reply
    41. mami2jcn

      October 24, 2019 at 7:30 am

      It looks like your son had a great day!

      Reply
    42. monique s

      October 23, 2019 at 11:56 pm

      I really like this idea. It is so unique and I love the look

      Reply
    43. Stephanie Liske

      October 23, 2019 at 11:15 pm

      I think it looks super fun and cute.

      Reply
    44. cindy whipple

      October 23, 2019 at 10:58 pm

      would love to see this bracelet

      Reply
    45. ALLI

      October 23, 2019 at 10:45 pm

      What a totally fun day!

      Reply
    46. Melinda

      October 23, 2019 at 9:47 pm

      Can't beat a day like that!

      Reply
    47. Brandy Graham

      October 23, 2019 at 9:13 pm

      This is a very fun idea!

      Reply
    48. R.L. Gibson

      October 23, 2019 at 3:19 pm

      What a fun idea!

      Reply
    49. Cathy Truman

      October 22, 2019 at 11:28 pm

      It looks and sounds like you had an amazing time. I would like to treat my nephew to fun Birthday like that.

      Reply
    50. Antoinette M

      October 22, 2019 at 2:14 pm

      I think this is such a wonderful fun idea! What a day! 🙂

      Reply
    51. Pamela

      October 22, 2019 at 9:33 am

      Enjoying the "Lord of the Escalator" photo!

      Reply
    52. Jessica

      October 21, 2019 at 9:23 pm

      I loved that game where you rolled the balls into the holes for different points to get tickets (Well, that's how it was when I was younger) What a fun day! ?

      Reply
    53. Grandma

      October 21, 2019 at 8:31 pm

      Not sure how that 'question mark' got in the comment. Lol

      Reply
      • Buddy Garrett

        October 28, 2019 at 10:31 pm

        I love it. It is a great way to spend time with your children.

        Reply
    54. Grandma

      October 21, 2019 at 8:29 pm

      Looks like the best day ever!! Love this post and pictures.?

      Reply

    Primary Sidebar

    Erin K. Browne biography photo.

    Erin K. Browne, Cookbook author  (Simon & Schuster/Adams Media) and recipe developer, shares simple approachable dishes and treats.

    My Books

    cover for The Ultimate Guide to Dollywood

    Apps and Sides

    Honey Ginger Roasted Carrots

    Dipping Sauce For Fried Pickles | Texas Roadhouse Copycat

    Cast Iron Skillet Roasted Potatoes

    Homemade Cocktail Sauce Without Horseradish

    Perfect party food idea or appetizer! Crescent rolls stuffed with shredded chicken mixed with a homemade Thai peanut sauce.

    Thai Peanut Chicken Stuffed Crescent Rolls

    Croffles (Crescent Waffles)

    Drinks!

    Blueberry Simple Syrup

    Brown Sugar Old Fashioned

    Cheese Tea Recipe

    Strawberry Basil Martini

    Peanut Butter and Jelly Shot

    Star Wars Blue Milk Recipe

    Mint Chocolate Chip Smoothie

    Blood Orange Cosmo

    Footer

    ? back to top

    About

    • About Me
    • Privacy Policy
    • Disclosure & Terms
    • Sweepstakes Terms

    Contact

    • Contact

    As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2024 Foodie Pro on the Foodie Pro Theme