Where A Kid Can Be A Kid

The TV Guide
August 27th, 2008

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.

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25 Responses to “Where A Kid Can Be A Kid”

  1. hrbisson Says:

    Oh man Showbiz beat the PANTS off that stupid rat place. Princess Z is adorable by the way :)

  2. Winona Says:

    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.

  3. Ibby Says:

    Princess Z is such a doll!! :-)

  4. Tiffany Says:

    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

  5. pk Says:

    we had Funtime Pizza out in NJ.. must have been a knockoff. but it was good times!!

  6. Jane Says:

    You are such a great god-father!!! Little Z is so lucky.

  7. Kathy Says:

    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.

  8. monica Says:

    Showbiz effing ruled! Chuck E Cheese just doesn’t measure up. Looks like you guys had a blast. Z is the cutest!

  9. Jenn Says:

    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!

  10. Teeya Says:

    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.

  11. Lissa Says:

    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.

  12. Stephanie Says:

    This chica is beautiful! I feel like she’s growing up so fast! Keep her pictures coming!

  13. Claire Says:

    Chuck E Cheeze owns!!! Love the hair on Zakiya.. Can’t get over how adorable she is.

  14. bambina d'oro Says:

    lady- change your background or font color, the text is unreadable. love the blog though.

  15. KC Says:

    “showbiz pizza… where a kid can be a kid”

  16. tatiana Says:

    Im seriously dieing over here. She so cute! She should be in commercials. :)

  17. JHop Says:

    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!

  18. Divalicious Says:

    OMG I have been reading since baby Z was born and I cannot believe how big she has gotten! So adorable!

  19. Michelle's Spell Says:

    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!

  20. Mrs. Shermender Says:

    I agree with Monica & Kathy regarding Showbiz & how much it ruled! Umm, Z just keeps getting cuter & cuter!

  21. Julie Says:

    I also remember Showbiz. We had many birthday parties there. The chain was Showbiz before the rat took over and ruined things.

    I have heard of the documentary on the Showbiz band.

  22. lizzy Says:

    those animatronic characters have ALWAYS scared the crap out of me.

  23. Natalie Says:

    I looveeeeeed Showbiz Pizza. Not only did they have better Pizza the entertainment was 10 times better. My younger bro had like 3 consecutive birthday parties there.

  24. Nikki Says:

    That fake robot Chuckie up on the stage always used to scare the shit outta me. Still does.

  25. JIL Says:

    i love her curls

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