the end of an era

Today, the boys had their last Jo Jingles session (they don't know that, yet) and for me, this has marked the end of an era- the end of their baby years.  We started going when the boys were 7-8 months old after hearing about it from a friend and it has, undoubtably, been the best thing that I have ever signed the boys up for.

The sessions follow the same structure each week starting and finishing with a hello and goodbye song and the children are supposed to copy the actions of  a doll sized 'Jo Jingles'.  Each term there is a 'song of the term' which the children learn and sing each week, there is always a blue box with a hidden surprise, and plenty of instruments for the children to learn to play.  Aside from the musical enjoyment the boys have learnt to count to ten, stay quiet when asked and tidy up at the appropriate time.  I can't stress enough just how much enjoyment has come from this 45 minute session.  We have watched them grow up there, from sitting on our laps to gaining the confidence to sit either side of their teacher.  Twin 1 even took his first proper steps there!  It has encouraged them to sing and dance and very recently they have begun to re-enact the actions of our wonderful teacher while at home.

I love the fact that they have (for now) this love of music and dance and I sincerely hope it continues even though we won't be able to go anymore.  However, it really does feel that this is one of key moments marking the end of their 'baby' life and the beginning of their 'grown up' years.