Wife left with kids yesterday...

[Painter]

Have you talked to a lawyer? Get someone who specializes in father's rights, and talk to more than one. Don't enter into any agreements on your own.

It sounds like you are finding your voice, though, to stand up for the kids, and that is good. It's not up to her to dictate when you can speak to the kids. She's not the gatekeeper, don't let her be.

It can be hard for kids to talk to the absent parent right before bedtime - I'd make sure convos are fun and light.

I like this: "Then she asked why am I using this kind of language with her and said to just speak normal. I told her we should seek a more formal visitation and custody arrangement as this is not what I want to do but its a course of action necessary in support of what she wants." This is a natural consequence of her choice and she should be aware that you will be looking out for the children's best interests and your own needs in this situation.

So now she's saying she hasn't left you and taken the kids, she's just on vacation? Hmm... She can't pretend to be on vacation if she took the kids and left you. This sounds like tactics on her part to try and placate you so you'll give her more time without pushing the issue.

I think it's pretty common that if you let 6 months go by without taking legal action, it will be seen by the courts as if you agreed to the arrangement, just FYI.