I've grown my hair out to donate, too, but never actually mailed the pony. Where are you sending yours?
Pantene. I did it once before. They only require 8" so that's doable for me. But, this is the last time since my greys were taking over and I had my hair dyed. They don't take coloured hair, or hair that's more than 5% grey.
Looks great! lol at your kid. They don't like change, that's for sure.
thankfully he's over it now. He was in tears at the beginning. I've had it this short before and he knew I was going to get it cut, but I think he was just in shock. I remember when my niece was quite young and my father shaved his beard for the first time in years. My niece was screaming and wouldn't go near him!