Yesterday afternoon I got to spend some time with Tracey and my goddaughter Zakiya for the first time since I arrived home here in Detroit. I had a bunch of really fun little gifts for Z from London, Paris and Jackson Hole, WY … I think she liked her cowgirl leather vest the best, she kept saying to anyone who would listen, “I’m a cowgirl! Yee haw!” Seriously, it was adorable:
We took Princess Z to Chuck E. Cheese’s for a little birthday part of her own and she had a blast. She spent all of her tokens on rides galore, she was in heaven. I was a bit dismayed to see that Chuck E. Cheese has really become a diluted version of its former self. I remember when the first Chuck E. Cheese opened in Detroit when I was a wee child (actually, if memory serves, Showbiz Pizza Place came out first … or at least, I preferred Showbiz over Chuck E‘s but the big Cheese ended up winning the battle for supremacy) … it was a much more elaborate experience. The show was better, the prizes were better … but, in defense of the new Chuck E. Cheese franchise, all games and rides cost one token. In an age where video games cost $1 or even $2, this was a nice surprise. I also enjoyed the Monkey Ninja cartoons that they played — they were actually very funny (check them out HERE). But I’m way digressing … Tracey, Z and I had a blast last night. Zakiya also got a whole bunch of really cute clothes so I’m looking forward to seeing really cute pics of my growing little girl very soon.
That was pretty much my day … tonight I’m meeting up with Erik for food and hanging out. I also decided to stay in Detroit for one extra day so I can really enjoy the weekend here in the D to its fullest.
Oh man Showbiz beat the PANTS off that stupid rat place. Princess Z is adorable by the way :)
The cowgirl Z is adorable!!! BTW, have you heard about the documentary about the Rock-afire Explosion (the band that “played” at Showbiz)? Yes, I’m serious. And yeah, Showbiz was waaaay better than the mouse.
Princess Z is such a doll!! :-)
Z’s a cutie!
And ITA, Chuck E Cheese has lost so much of its glitz from its “Glory Days” *sigh* At least the kids don’t know what they’re truly missing. lol
we had Funtime Pizza out in NJ.. must have been a knockoff. but it was good times!!
You are such a great god-father!!! Little Z is so lucky.
I will always be loyal to Showbiz! Mitzi the Cheerleader – she was a class act. Not like that droid knock-off at Chuck E Cheese.
Showbiz effing ruled! Chuck E Cheese just doesn’t measure up. Looks like you guys had a blast. Z is the cutest!
oohhhh my gosh. she is such a doll baby!
i agree, you are a really good god-father. i cant wait to see what you buy her when she is 16!
OMG! Baby Z is no longer a baby. They grow up so fast. I can’t believe she’s another year older. And the pics are simply adorable. I hope you guys spoiled her like the Princess she is.
She is SO adorable!! I loved going to Showbiz too. Yeah , I agree it was much better than Chucky’s and Peter Pipers and the like.
This chica is beautiful! I feel like she’s growing up so fast! Keep her pictures coming!
Chuck E Cheeze owns!!! Love the hair on Zakiya.. Can’t get over how adorable she is.
lady- change your background or font color, the text is unreadable. love the blog though.
“showbiz pizza… where a kid can be a kid”
Im seriously dieing over here. She so cute! She should be in commercials. :)
Z is getting so big! I’ve been a loyal reader of your blog for years and it’s great seeing her growing up. I’ve just become an aunt this year and I think I’m finally starting to get this whole “kid” thing. Maybe it’s the biological clock or maybe all the children I know are awesome.
By the way, big props to Tracey. Zakiya is a beautiful name!
OMG I have been reading since baby Z was born and I cannot believe how big she has gotten! So adorable!
Hey Trent,
It’s so strange how beautiful Z keeps growing and yet I haven’t aged a day. :) These pictures are too cute! Have fun in the D!
I agree with Monica & Kathy regarding Showbiz & how much it ruled! Umm, Z just keeps getting cuter & cuter!