ah duh! SUCCESS! Since I wanted it to be true (aka continueRoutine = False) after the third repeat, I set Idx > 105 (because I have 36 trials per loop and the counter starts at 0 so 35 x 3 = 105) and it worked!
I think some things were lost in my translation above and that is why I originally set it Idx >3 in the inner loop. As you said, I could have put Idx >3 in the outer loop and probably have the same effect.
Thanks so much @wakecarter and @Becca. This is a great alternative to .thisN when using Pavlovia.
Take care,
Maya