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Kiddo is starting to say words! Mostly “Nonononono”, lol. I’ll always respect and back off if they say it unless it’s something we have to do, like diaper changes or taking things away that are unsafe (how are toddlers so fast???). They may not fully understand yet but I do try to explain why. Probably picks up more than I realize.

They’ll also say hi, but exclusively to the bunnies we see outside. Family and friends are not worthy yet

We got a new car last week, so the kids are excited. It's one of those Chinese brands so good it's illegal in the US. I also got an action camera from a brand too good to be sold in the US on the same day, interesting how that turns out.

One of the kids took my handheld off me and was playing Gato Roboto on the toilet. They're pretty good at video games for a 3 year old. I bought handhelds for them a while ago and we're waiting for the right time to give them as presents. I'm thinking about how to make this a positive experience, like as a way to learn computers and a precursor to learning software development.

And on the camera, I've mentioned those little Aliexpress thumb cameras are good toys for kids, a cheap action camera is very similar as well. They're probably a better size, and they're made to take a beating. The cheapest action camera you can get here is $50AUD on sale, so you don't have to spend hundreds on one. I wouldn't get one since they already have their cameras, but something to keep in mind if one gets lost or breaks.

Next week my daughter will start preschool. Any tips to make it easier for her to transition to school life?

Little Beaver went on her first camping trip, which was a great success. I was delighted to let her run off into the woods a bit, until mom pointed out that there was tons of poison ivy - we fortunately avoided disaster. We're in the middle of potty training, so we had a few times where she had to sit on the portable potty on the side of a trail during a hike, which other hikers thought was very adorable. She also had her first marshmallow, which she wasn't too sure about... maybe the texture was too strange for her. She kept kicking off her little sleeping blanket and getting cold, so she eventually had to sleep on the big inflatable mattress with us.

Next weekend is moving weekend. She is speaking in simple sentences now, and so we've been telling her about the new house and the new daycare this last week, with the hope that it will help a little bit in the transition.

Went to a minor league baseball game yesterday with the kids. We didn't know it was "Jewish Heritage Day", they asked everyone to stand and remove their hats for the Israeli national anthem and then the US national anthem. Other then that bit of awkwardness, it was a typical baseball experience. It was hot as hell, we were directly in the sun, sadly, but the game was fast. I know there's a pitch clock now, so the pitcher cant take forever on the mound, and it really did seem to keep the game moving. I might actually want to see more baseball at that speed. The oldest didn't want to eat anything the park had to offer, because all the food was hot food and she was already too hot. In hind sight, that's totally fair I think. In the moment I really wanted her to eat some real food. I eventually caved, because, it was hot as hell lol.

I've gone full bike-dad during the past few weeks. We're starting school soon, and I'm excited to be biking for drop offs and pick ups when the weather is decent.

We got a little pedal along bike trailer thingy (looks like a tandem bike) that the little one is pumped for. She has her own bike, too, but we still have some work until she's ready for trips outside the neighborhood (both bike skills and listening/being aware of surroundings skills).