Why didn't we have this when we were kids!???

With each generation, it seems the newer generations have things so much better than us.  Although I absolutely agree that the world was a safer place and my childhood freedom to play in the neighborhood for hours on end without supervision was fantastic, having the options of G6 Airpark (trampoline floor park), Kid's Club (indoor playground), and JJ Jump (bouncy house park) for birthday parties is pretty sweet....especially if you are simply a guest at these parties and don't have to foot the bill!  Yesterday I experienced 2 such obvious scenarios as I drove the children to very mundane appointments: dental checkups and a haircut.

These sound like very average errands and nothing to look forward to, unless you are a kid.  The boys had dental appointments and were thrilled to go.  To those of you with children my age, you know the following experience is standard now, but those of you in earlier generations may not know these things exist now.  This dentist offers toys and a flat-screen TV playing Disney movies in the waiting room alone.  Once the boys are called back, they enter another play area adjacent to the exam/dental rooms for the purpose of acclaimating to the environment.  In this playroom they are free to play with the train table, xBox, Wii, art supplies, books, or just watch TV.  After their checkup, they head back to this playroom while the dentist reports to the parents and they grab a goody back on their way out.  This bag has a new character-themed toothbrush, toothpaste, flossers, and toy.  Is this how it was when you went to dentist as a child?  Not me!

Taking Presley for a haircut was even cooler.  Now I admit to taking the boys to Great Clips closeby, but since she is so young and her haircut would involve more skill than using just clippers, I decided to try a new franchise that specializes in cutting children's hair.  I was unprepared for the pampering that awaited her.  Now, granted, this salon (is this considered a salon?) was pricier than Great Clips, but being her 1st haircut I wanted someone that is equipped for this age.

Presley chose a pink Barbie jeep chair to ride in during the cut (the other options were a Toy Stoy car and a police car).  This jeep had numerous controls to make sounds and a gas pedal that propelled the back tires to spin.  She also had her own small flat screen to watch cartoons and a playful cape.  I was prepared for some diva-like behavior on her part, but she sat quietly during the entire process and the only movement she made was dancing to the music from her jeep.  She did amazing and although her haircut isn't very noticeable, at least her hair is staying out of her eyes and doesn't look as raga-muffin-ish.  After her cut she was treated to some bubbles, a temporary tattoo, a balloon, and a complimentary mini-cure (fingernails painted).  I was pretty jealous for sure.  They had an option for Baby's 1st Haircut which included a photo, certificate and a lock to take home for keepsake but I elected not to partake....didn't want to pay whatever they charged for that.

This place was well- equipped for older children as well.  Kids older than 5 had their own section where each chair housed their own large flat screen TV and gaming system (either xBox, PS3, etc.).  Each chair!  For girls a little older, there is a separate area set up like a Hollywood Dressing Room with clothes to dress up.  This is where the nail painting took place.  This place was so cute and I love that things like this exist to relieve any anxiety children may have with these procedures.  There was a little boy getting started as we were leaving and he WAS NOT down with this place.  If only he could appreciate how awesome it was.  Me and Presley certainly did.

Does this 'fro demand a haircut or what??

 

Finding her fave radio station

Wondering what is going on, I guess.  She was pretty stoic through the whole thing (Thank you Jesus!)

She can see!  This is the best pic I could get as the bubbles had her head going all over the place.