You know I love playing RPGs and I hinted at something in the works yesterday. Today, I also used Gemini Notebook to help create this short explainer of how the narrative engine works in RPGs and how you can adapt them for almost any age in your family. Get ready - the quest launches tomorrow.

One year. It's wild to say that out loud. When I started Connected Through Play, I had a simple belief: that play real, genuine, joyful play is how we actually connect. Not through perfect moments or polished highlight reels, but through showing up, trying things, laughing at the mess, and doing it all together. This past year, you've proven that belief right a thousand times over. You've shared your wins and your learning curves. You've cheered each other on. You've built something that actually *feels* like community not because we forced it, but because you chose to be here and to be real. We've learned that connection isn't complicated. It's a game night. It's a question asked without hesitation. It's someone saying "me too" when it matters. You've given that to each other, and we're grateful for it. To everyone who's been part of this, whether you've been here since day one or you just found us, thank you. This space exists because of you. Here's to another year of play, growth, and showing up together. Stick around. Bring a friend. Let's see what we build next.

One thing I'm re-learning as I play with my toddler grandson is how much fun balloons can be. Now, I don't recommend letting them loose outside as they can pose a health risk to birds and other wildlife but indoors, let's have some fun. Here's one I think you and the family will enjoy. Could you sink a balloon into a laundry basket using a wooden spoon? What if your spoon were replaced by a paper plate? Welcome to the Very Serious Balloon Championships, where the equipment is questionable and the sports haven’t quite been invented yet. Start with Spoon Basketball. After that, your family gets to invent the next event. Gather Your Gear: Recruit the Equipment You’ll need one inflated balloon, a basket or open box, and a few lightweight, blunt household objects: wooden spoons, paper plates, cardboard, or an empty plastic container. Clear a small playing space. Ask an adult if you need help blowing up the balloons. Be sure to throw any broken bits in the trash. Steps 1. Open with Spoon Basketball. Place the basket nearby and choose a starting spot. Hold the balloon in your free hand, then release it and use a wooden spoon to send it toward the basket. Tap, guide, or balance it on the spoon. After releasing it, use only the spoon to move it. You can play seated. 2. Give everyone a turn. Players choose how close to start. If the balloon lands outside the basket, pick it up and try again. A balloon that bounces off the rim, lands behind the player, or refuses to leave the spoon may deserve an instant replay. 3. Change the equipment. Try the same shot with a paper plate or piece of cardboard. Does a different tool suggest a completely different technique? Players can demonstrate discoveries or keep experimenting. 4. Let someone change the event. Keep the balloon and change one part of the sport. Turn the basket sideways. Make the balloon land on a cushion. Use two paper plates to pass it between players before taking the shot. Try the new event before deciding its rules. 5. Hold the championships your way. Repeat the favorite event, challenge an adult, or invent another. Players can keep scores if they want, award ridiculous titles, or simply demand another go. Commentary and grand entrances are available to anyone who enjoys them.

I’ve shared some of my coloring book pages and now, I’d love your feedback on a coloring book cover. I’ve mocked up two ideas and as a parent, grandparent, aunt/uncle, teacher, etc. I’m curious if one or the other calls to you. If you have time, and feel comfortable leaving why or why not, even better. I prefer I added one more option. Oops.

Where I live, the schools are moving into Fall break this week which means families are looking for something to do. I present to you, “One Ridiculous Moment.” You’re a robot. You’ve just discovered socks, and you’re fairly sure one of them is dangerous. Do you investigate, sound the alarm, or attempt to make friends with it? You have one minute to find out. Nobody has written your lines or decided what happens next. Pick something ridiculous to become and give it a problem. Then see what you do. Gather Your Gear A timer and whatever is already nearby. A sock, cushion, or spoon might become part of the action, but imaginary props work too. Play on your own, alongside someone doing their own version, or with an audience if you want one. You can move around, stay seated, use your hands, or give the part to a toy. Steps 1. Choose who or what you’ll become. A suspicious robot? A very important pigeon? A superhero whose power is spectacularly unhelpful? Choose something you want to try. 2. Give yourself something to deal with. Your pigeon needs to claim the best chair. Your superhero must open an imaginary jar. Your robot has found that alarming sock. Keep it simple enough to start playing immediately. 3. Start your minute. Become your character and respond. Move, speak, make sounds, or act silently. You don’t have to know how the minute will end. 4. Follow what happens. Your character might discover a new problem, change its mind, or repeat one wonderfully ridiculous action. If an unexpected idea arrives, use it. 5. Decide whether to go again. Keep your favorite part, try another character, or repeat the same minute differently. There are no points to count. You decide when you’ve had enough. Twist: Same Character, New Rule Keep your character and situation, but change one rule for the next minute. Your robot now moves in slow motion. Your important pigeon has to remain perfectly quiet. Your superhero’s imaginary jar keeps getting heavier. Choose the rule yourself or invite someone to suggest one. Try it and discover what it changes.