A New Toy - Week of Mar. 23rd

"The greatest achievement of technology is not how it changes life, but how it improves it.”  ~Satya Nadella 

With spring's official arrival, the neighborhood deer have been visiting frequently, appearing in the front yard as well.

Arriving at our doorstep this week was a new 3D printer, aka "a new toy."

A 3D printer is an additive manufacturing machine that creates three-dimensional, solid objects from digital designs by laying down, or printing, successive thin layers of material (like plastic, metal, or resin). Often operating like a precision, robot-controlled hot glue gun, it builds items from the bottom up, allowing for complex, customized, and lightweight parts.

Creating items with a 3D printer helps fill the gaps where mass-produced products fall short. When replacement parts, custom tools, or niche accessories aren’t readily available—or no longer manufactured—3D printing makes it possible to design and produce exactly what’s needed, right when it’s needed. 

The first project for father and son looked like three pieces of a curved train track.  It wasn't until the pieces were locked together that the curvature card holder took shape.  Cam was so excited when he saw the finished product on the dining room table.

On Sunday, we made our way to the Downtown Market for lunch.  The Market features 20 different indoor artisan food vendors, restaurants and a bustling market hall full of unique gifts and offerings.

As we made our way around the area, we had a surprise for Cameron.  His cousins were headed to the same location and we had not told him.  He was super happy to see everyone!  

We had fun exploring and catching up for a bit before heading out later in the afternoon.

It's always fun to surprise Cam because his pure joy reactions cannot be duplicated and are always genuine!

Camology Quotes:

PSA: When watching TV shows or movies with Cam, be prepared to pause. Not only does he ask appropriate questions, but sometimes he even stumps his parents, especially during cooking shows.

"Mom, what is tamari?"  (Google lookup: Japanese sauce made primarily from fermented soybeans, water, and salt, often produced as a byproduct of miso paste. It is less salty and thicker than soy sauce.)