Niranjana, Melissa and Andy

We let Niranjana's hair get a little wild as it has grown out from the Guild of Service 'do — a next-to-nothing look intended to aid in lice prevention. It's now to her shoulders and, thankfully, lice-free (knock on wood). But many a busy morning the act of detangling and combing simply isn't worth the battle.

School picture day changed our perspective on our girl's hairstyle. It was time to get a real haircut instead of another Mommy butcher job on the bangs.

So I took her to Renee at Pilea Salon in Kennewick. Renee has done my hair for about seven years, plus takes care of Andy, Auntie Rain and Uncle A.

We prepped Niranjana for a few days in advance so she would know what to expect... holding still isn't her forte. But Niranjana did great! I pulled out some M&Ms halfway through, which helped with the wiggles (tip from Grandma).

School photos were the next day. We haven't gotten the pictures back yet. I'm told that she gave the photographer a run for his money with some funny faces, but at least her hair should look good.