From the age of about 8 months I would let Burton watch In The Night Garden once a day, as up until this age I had not let him watch any television. However, I figured that one programme a day would be ok and this show seemed to be the one that I was familiar with from hearing about it from other parents. From the first moment he saw Iggle PIggle and the other characters on our big TV screen, he was captivated! He would happily sit on the sofa next to me or on my lap and watch the entire show from start to finish and before long he would smile and giggle and point and almost jump up and down in excitement on the sofa.
Needless to say he soon gained a collection of ITNG books and toys and it was by far and large his favourite thing to watch and I recorded episodes and if he had nights where I could not settle him maybe because he was teething, him and I would sit together and watch some to take his mind of the pain. When the programme was made into a live show, my Mum and I took Burton to see it in Birmingham when he was 2 years old and he loved it, although he did cry when the charcters left the stage in between scenes as he thought they were leaving!
As he approached his third birthday, although he did not watch it as often as he once did, he still liked it enough for me to book tickets to take him again just after he turned three, but this time in Cardiff. For its second year, the shows attendees were now allowed to meet and greet their favourite characters, and I knew that Burton would be thrilled to meet Iggle Piggle whom he had adored for the last 2 1/4 years of his young life.
He was a little nervous to begin with but slowly walked over and embraced Iggle Piggle and then didn’t want to let him go! It was so sweet but also a little bittersweet at the same time, as I knew that it would probably be the final time that my eldest would want to meet this character or see a live show.
Since his third birthday Burton has grown a fondness for Peppa Pig, as has Jenson as he copies what Burton likes and as they watch the same programmes it is inevitable this would happen. ITNG is a distant memory for Burton now and, along with a couple of other shows which he enjoys watching, Peppa and her family and friends is a firm favourite for him and his little brother in our house.
Some time last year while watching some Peppa Pig on You Tube (we did not have Sky then), Burton stumbled across a review of the brand new attraction Peppa Pig World. After watching the video clip a few times in a row (just one more time please, Mummy), Burton asked me if he could visit it and I told him that I would take him one day soon. Well, finally after about a year since he first asked me, yesterday I (with my Mum in tow) took Burton and Jenson to Peppa Pig World! I will go into more detail in another post about the attractions and what we thought of it and our fun day there.
However, a highlight from yesterday was that he was able to meet some of the characters – Suzy Sheep, Zoe Zebra, George and Peppa. To begin with he and Jenson, although very excited about seeing their favourite friends from Peppa Pig up close and personal, they were also a little wary and would not approach Suzy (the first one we met) and cuddle her as the other children were. Excited shouts of mummy, quick come with us were exclaimed and I had to go and shake her paw and wave!
However, eventually, Burton (and Jenson although he only shook hands and showed her monkey!) over came his shyness and embraced Suzy and then later on Zoe, George and Peppa as if he had met them a few times! It was so lovely and sweet to see – it really made me smile.
How completely magical and amazing to meet your favourite friends from the TV in the flesh – Burton and Jenson were so excited and thrilled to be meeting their heroes. Just like with their belief in Father Christmas, it is such an innocent and magical age and I envy them the happiness that meeting these characters brings them. I hope they continue to believe and want to meet them for a good while longer yet.
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Awww, this is us! I hadn’t realised that The Boy had outgrown The Night Garden until you’ve said it above, but he has. It’s all about the pig now. Glad Jenson and Burton (and you) had fun earlier!
Burton hasnt really been into it for a while as its all about PP , Ben & Holly or MIckey Mouse clubhouse at the moment! although funnily enough, last night there was an advert for some new ITNG toys and he asked if he could have them lol
thanks for linking up x x
Never seen Peppa Pig here but it does seem very popular. I’d still love to take Leo to see Thomas, even now he would love it. I remember those original posts you wrote about him meeting Iggle Piggle!
Emma! i cannot believe you have never seen Peppa Pig!!! Would you like a DVD??? I hope Leo gets to meet Thomas one day before he moves onto another hero x x
Aww lovely! I love Peppa Pig! I can’t wait for our trip to Disneyland so Miss C can meet her favourite Princesses, Rapunzel and Merida. x
oh i am envious of your Disneyland trip and MIss C will be in her element when she meets those wonderful characters x
Awwww looks a really day out. Its sooo nice to see little kids completely in awe when they meet their favourite characters. We had the same when Little Z saw Iggle Piggle, he was completely star struck!
it is isnt it? just feels so magical and special x x
Aww look how little he was. It goes so fast doesn’t it. Is good we can record these magic moments easier now.
it goes by far too quickly x x
Ah – Peanut is 16 months old and loves ITNG, with Iggle Piggle and the singing birds his favourite. He always does this funny dance and flaps his arms – hilarious. We all watch it together every eve – part of the bedtime routine x
awww what a lovely post Jenny, My little man has been an ITNG fan but has also just discovered Peppa Pig .. its amazing how they grow and change isnt it.
Thanks so much for linking up with #MagicMoments
P.s LOVING the new site 🙂
Aww that’s lovely! I love how as you say have that innocence and want to meet their favourite characters. Your photos are beautiful, I love the ones of him in the boot reading his book – so cute! We haven’t got to the stage that the little one has a favourite show but I hope she is like your boys. I remember when I was young meeting Mickey Mouse in Disney for the first time and it being magical…I hope they all keep the innocence and belief in such things for a long long time x