RLCA Field Hockey 2012 Video

Williamsburg with Abby

On Thursday the 18th, in the wee hours of the morning, Abby and I awoke, gathered our already-packed bags, and headed out the door for the annual 8th grade trip to historic Williamsburg, VA.

I don't use the term "wee hours" lightly.  We awoke at 3:30 am, had ourselves in the lobby of RLCA by 4:30 am, and were southbound and down aboard a charter bus by 5:15 am.  By the time we pulled over for our first rest stop, sometime around 8 am, the sun had finally decided to rise and we had already finished our first movie:  The Lion King (I had forgotten how infectious some of that music is).  From there, we popped in Toy Story 3 (still brings a tear to my eye when they're in the incinerator), and continued our southward trek.

Arriving in Williamsburg around 10:30 am, we went straight to our first stop:  The Jamestown Settlement.  The Settlement is a living history museum, replete with a Powhatan Village, recreations of the ships that carried over the original colonists, and a period-correct re-construction of the Jamestown fort.  While the facility is, by itself, pretty incredible, what really brought the experience to life was 'B' (Bill), our tour guide.   In his own unique way, 'B'  introduced us to Powhatan life before the colonists arrived, explained life aboard the sailing ships as the settlers struggled across the Atlantic (bleh), and detailed many of the struggles and successes as the settlers worked to build a new world.  He also dispelled many of the misconceptions that have permeated our view of history (for example, the job of a blacksmith and much of Pocahontas' story).  The man had a knowledge of and passion for history unmatched by anyone I have ever met in my entire life.

After a couple of hours at the Settlement, we bid 'fare thee well' to 'B', loaded the kids back aboard the buses and headed over to the actual site of the original Jamestown colony over on Jamestown Island. The site, which is mere moments away from the museum, is an active archaeological dig which only recently (1996) discovered the exact location of the original triangle-shaped fort.  Standing on the exact same ground where our great country was truly birthed, the exact same ground where John Smith and Pocahontas walked, the same ground where hundreds of colonists lost their lives to disease and starvation, was quite sobering to many of the chaperones.  Unfortunately, the moment, I believe, was lost on many of the students in the absence of a tour guide (especially on the heels of such a dynamic experience with 'B').

Jamestown was followed by a quick stop at our hotel then it was off to dinner.  Options for dinner included Applebee's, Chili's, and McDonald's (and maybe something called Red Hot & Blue...still a little fuzzy on if that was actually allowed).  Apparently Chili's isn't cool with 8th graders (who knew?), so the overwhelming choice across the group was Applebee's.  Two years ago, this same choice proved to be a bad one for all involved.  However, for our outing, Applebee's proved the wiser decision.  The staff had >30 people fed and on the bus in an hour and half and we never felt particularly rushed.

With our bellies full, and many of the kids jacked up on soda and/or desert (yeah, tell me about it), we re-boarded the buses and headed into historic Williamsburg for the Lanthorn Tour.  This is a night tour which takes you into several shops on Duke of Gloucester St (DOG St, as the locals affectionately call it), escorted by a guide who carries a lantern (or allows your sugared up kids to carry it).  Our group made stops at the Milliner (colonial Walmart), Apothecary (pharmacist), and the Wigmaker (maker of wigs, shocking, I know).  I have to say, while the colonial setting was fairly picturesque by candlelight (sorry, photography was not allowed), stumbling around in the dark, dodging horse droppings, and seeing shops that aren't staffed, left a little something to be desired.

The Lanthorn Tour now behind us, we made for the hotel to break for the night.  Depending on who you were rooming with, sleep came in varying degrees.  Personally, I got in around 7 hours of sleep.  Abby and her bunk mates apparently made due with about 5 hours (Honestly, that's more than I expected they'd get and more than some of the other rooms got).

The following morning, having thoroughly pillaged the hotel's breakfast buffet, we vacated the premises and headed back to DOG St, this time for a proper tour.  Our guide for the morning, a very nice woman (whose name completely escapes me now) toured us through the Capital, the 'gaol' (jail), the Silversmith, the Anderson Kitchen and Blacksmith, the public hospital, and Bruton Parish Church. All of these stops were now well staffed and each offered their own specific glimpse into the colonial lifestyle.

We then had some free time for lunch and shopping.  For my group, lunch ran a bit long and we only ended up getting to stop in the candy shop (why I went to Williamsburg and only ended up buying Gummi Bears and Jelly Bellies, I'll never know).

After lunch, it was time for the always popular Williamsburg scavenger hunt.  For a host of reasons, my group of 4 girls paired with another group and tag teamed the challenge.  In the end, had the scoring been based on accuracy, I'm sure we would have cleaned up.  However, such was not the case.  Crossing the finish line dead last probably didn't help either (its the flautist's fault...he distracted us).

From there, we boarded the bus and made for home.

All in all, it was a pretty amazing trip.  We met some really neat people (hey, 'B'), saw some really amazing places, made some new friends (hey, Dennis), saw only the slightest bit of rain, and didn't lose any kids.  What more could one ask for?

A Really New School Year Begins

With last year's school-based drama now only a fading memory, the kids began the school year at the New Red Lion Christian Academy this week:  Aidan (1st), Amanda (6th), and Abby (8th) started on Thursday and Alex (10th) started today.

Greeting the kids was new leadership, some new teachers (and some familiar faces), new text books, new uniforms, new logos, and some refreshed facilities

Here's to a great year...

The Sea Was Angry That Day My Friends

...like an old man trying to return
soup at a deli.                       George Costanza

Last Saturday we friend-napped Alex's bud Zack and headed to Tower's just for the day.  This despite the less than promising weather forecast.  As it was likely our last trip down before school started, we were determined to make the most of it, rain or shine.

Fortunately, the rain held off until about 3:30 (then hit with a vengeance).  But it never let us forget that it was coming:  Heavy cloud cover abounded, completely obscuring the sun the entire day, and monstrous waves pounded the shore like I've not seen in some time.

Alex and Zack were the only ones who really braved the raging waters; rushing in where angels fear to tread.  But that doesn't mean they were the only ones to get wet.  If one got anywhere close to the cliff that had been cut in the sand, they were thusly doused in foamy, sandy water.

Despite the less then ideal conditions, it really was a great day.  The waves were really something to behold. And no one got hurt...  :)

Happy Birthday Amanda

Vacation Bible School 2012

Many years ago, we began sending the kids to a great Vacation Bible School (VBS) program at White Clay Creek Presbyterian Church.  The program is always well run and well attended making it something the kids look forward to.  And this year was a special treat as cousins Nick and Brianna also attended.

The week-long program culminates with an outdoor concert put on by the kids which is promptly followed by an Ice Cream Social.  Yum.

Below are the songs that Aidan and Nick (top) and Amanda (bottom) performed.

Happy 5th Birthday Sadie

Summer Vacation 2012

On July 6th we migrated the crew a bit southward for our annual week-long trek to the Delaware beaches.

Saturday and Sunday were spent at Towers Beach.  Despite the near 100° temps, both days were awesome.  The water was just the right temp to be refreshing without being cold and the waves were small enough to allow Aidan some freedom in the water.

Monday was spent recouping.  And biking.

Tuesday we met up with Nana, Poppop, Uncle Jason, Aunt Debbie, and Nick and Brianna in Ocean City for the day.  We are so blessed that not only do we live close to our extended family, but that we are close with our extended family.  We truly treasure these times.

Wednesday, we returned to Towers Beach and met up with a friend from church.  She brought with her a horde of children (some hers and some not).  Between her and us, there were 10 kids to monitor.  Despite our being in the minority, and the significantly angrier ocean, everyone came away in tact and had a great time.

Thursday we spent recouping.  And biking.  And playing tennis.  In the street.  While being eyeballed by some neighborhood kids.

Friday was a real treat.  We headed back to Ocean City and met up again with the extended family at Splash Mountain at Jolly Roger Amusement Park.  I don't think we missed a single slide in the whole park.  And the more adventurous souls (looking at you Alex and Abby) tackled such nonsense as the Aqua Loop and the Stealth.  Eek.

Finally, on Saturday, we spent a very leisurely afternoon at Cape Henlopen.  It really was the perfect end to a great week.

Cobras Season Wrap-up

Alex's soccer team, the GRPC Cobras, wrapped up their season by playing in the playoffs at Kirkwood Soccer Club on June 2nd.

Seeded in third place, the team first faced off against the 4th place HSC Rockets.  Winning that game, they progressed to the Championship to do battle against the HSC Vikings.  Putting forward a valiant effort, the Cobras placed 2nd after a narrow over-time loss to the HSC Vikings.

Congratulations, Cobras.  It was a great season.

   

2012 Dover Air Force Base Heritage Half Marathon

On June 10th, Mom ran in her second half marathon this season.  That being the Dover Air Force Base Heritage Half Marathon.  Yes, that date does ring a bell for you:  It was also our anniversary.

The morning started quite early.  We had the whole family packed in the van and on the road by 6AM.  Eating breakfast en-route,we arrived at the base a little before 7AM.  Mom quickly met up with some friends who had also signed up for the race.  The whole brightly colored crew donned their bibs, made small talk, then made their way to the start line.

With the sun up, and the heat rising, the siren sounded around 8AM, and off they went.  The course for this particular gem was a 'there and back':  Racers began at the Air Mobility Command Museum, snaked around the perimeter of the runways to the far corner of the base, then made their way back to the museum.

With mom out on her whirlwind tour of the base, the kids and I toured the museum.  Surprisingly, the kids were really into this.  We got to climb in two planes out on the tarmac then made our way into the hanger where, among a wealth of other things, there was a beautifully restored B17 on display.

While we chilled in the air conditioned hanger, Mom fought heat, a lack of shade, raw boredom, and a shortage of cups at the water stations.  Her official time is clocked at 2:18:53.  This was 'gun time' as this was not a chip race.  She finished 110th overall, out of 194 racers, and 10th out of 20 in her division.  And she persisted to run the entire course.  This is all the more impressive given the nature of the day and course.

Congratulations, Mom.  We're all very proud of you.

Amanda's 2012 Awards

RLCA held their Elementary Awards ceremony on June 7.  Amanda really cleaned up this year, bringing home 5 separate awards:  The Principal's Award, The Christian Character & Sportsmanship Award, The Student Award, an award for Computer Class, and a Certificate of Excellence for Spanish Class.

Congratulations, Amanda!  Great work...!

Ms Amanda Goes to Washington

On May 17th, Amanda, along with her 5th grade class and Mom, embarked on the annual class trip to Washington DC.  Visits were made to the Lincoln Memorial, Smithsonian Air & Space Museum, Smithsonian Natural History, and Smithsonian American History.

Aidan at Ashland

Oops.  Somehow, Aidan took a field trip to Ashland Nature Center back on April 30th, and I completely missed posting anything about it.  Sorry.  To make up for it, here's some pics...

Amanda on Stage

During the month of May, Amanda has found herself performing on stage multiple times.  The first time was on May 1st, at the RLCA Elementary Spring Program entitled "Who is Like the Lord?"

The evening kicked off with Amanda performing along with the RLCA After School Choir.  The selection below is entitled "A World of Music" and features and opening solo by Amanda.

After the ASC finished their portion of the evening, the main act began.  The selection below is entitled "Every Move I Make".  Here, Amanda participated in the choreography line.

Later in the month, on May 18th, Amanda, along with the 5th grade band, participated in the RLCA 2012 Spring Band concert.  The 5th grade band, comprised primarily of clarinets, performed a piece called "A New Wrinkle on Twinkle."

GOOOAAALLL!!!

There are several times over the years where I can recall watching my children and honestly welling up with pride.  Moments where I wanted to turn to the fella next to me, nudge him with my elbow and say, "That's my kid."  Today I can add another of those moments to my list.

Alex's soccer team, the GRPC Cobras, faced off against the WYMCA United.  As the second half of the game started, Alex found himself playing Forward and charged with one purpose:  Score!

The results can be seen below...

Ocean City Maryland Half Marathon

This past weekend, Mom took part in her second ever half marathon:  The Ocean City Maryland Half Marathon/5K.  The event is a point-to-point race that begins at the Inlet and ends at Assateague Island.

Our adventure began Friday night when Mom and I said "au revoir" to the kids then raced down the peninsula to pick up her runner's packet at the Francis Scott Key Resort.  The resort was mobbed with runners and their support coming in from all over the globe.  With packet in hand, we were then off to the condo to turn in and rest up for the soon to arrive 7AM start.

We awoke around 5:30 Saturday morning.  With the sun not yet up, we prepped quickly then dashed out the door.  At the Inlet, we snagged one of the few remaining parking spots, then made our through the crowd to the start line.  Mom stretched, tweaked her music playlist, and the next thing we knew, the siren sounded and away she went.

The course started by snaking around the parking lot, dog-legged around the pier, headed north up the concrete portion of the boardwalk, then banked left at N. Division St, passing under the Ocean City Arch.  From there, Mom and the other racers crossed the Rt 50 bridge then diverted through a few neighborhoods while basically working southward on Rt 611 toward Assateague.  Overall, the course was very flat, save for the whopper of bridge entering Assateague near the end.

When Mom crossed the finish line, she found herself placing 1173 out of 1876 total runners and 106 out of 231 in her division.  She completed the course in 2:14:24 (chip time), notably shaving about 2 minutes off her time at the Delaware Half last year.

The post-race party was held at Seacrets night club.  While the club in and of itself is something to behold, the parking situation was bad, the line to enter the building worse, and apparently the wait time for food was atrocious.  We benefited from heading to the condo first to allow Julie time to clean up then heading over to the club.  By the time we got there, a lot of folks had cleared out and we actually had a decent time.

The rest of the weekend consisted of walks on the beach, movie time, an amazing meal at Ruth's Chris Steak House, and ice cream at Dumser's.  Yum.

Congratulations, Mom.  You never cease to amaze me.

NJHS - Abigail's Induction

On Tuesday, April 24th, Abigail was inducted into the National Junior Honor Society.

Membership in the NJHS goes beyond just having good grades. The society is looking for specific qualities in its inductees: Service, Leadership, Character, and Citizenship.

Congratulations, Abigail.  Mom and I are both very, very proud of you.

Carpe Vacationum Diem

With the kids on Spring Break, we decided to seize a couple of vacation days and head to the Delaware shore Tuesday and Wednesday.  While we didn't expect to be frolicking in the ocean and working on our tans, the brief respite would be greatly welcomed by all.  So with Grammy and the girls already en route Monday afternoon, Mom and I loaded down the new family truckster with the boys, Sadie, and supplies and made our way south Monday night.

Highlights include our trip to Lowe's to purchase a shower head (no, seriously, this was great fun), heading into Rehoboth both days to just bumb around on the beach, and our quest to find the Jusst Sooup Ranch recently constructed by the Extreme Makeover: Home Edition crew.

Happy Easter

Easter this year shared the same piece of calendrical real-estate as Alex's birthday.  So aside from celebrating another year of Alex, and all that accompanies being Alex (hobos, internet memes, etc), we were careful not to forget this, the most important and holy day of the Christian calendar.

As with Christmas and Thanksgiving before it, Nana most graciously opened her home for dinner to not only my side of the family, including my and my brother's broods, but also to Grammy and Granddad.  We are truly blessed beyond measure to not only live close to our families, but to be close to them in spirit as well.  May we never take this blessing for granted.

Happy Easter...

Happy 15th Alex

It is difficult to fathom that 15 years have passed since Mom and I ushered our first born into this world.  In such a brief span of time, he has grown into amazing young man who is incredibly bright, incredibly loving to his younger brother, and incredibly...tall.

Happy Birthday, Alex.  May God bless the next 15.  And the 15 after...

A Taste of Paint

Alex and his friend Jack have been planning a paintball outing for the past month or so.  After having to postpone a couple of weeks ago due to weather, things finally gelled this morning.

Alex donned some cruddy but washable clothes and he and I headed down to Mansion House Paintball to meet up with Jack.  The intention was for just the boys to take part, but as I was settling up with the nice gentlemen behind the counter, they offered me a complimentary chance to take part.  Rental equipment included.  How could I refuse?  But just a single round, I promised.

So the three of us, now armed, headed deep into the woods to the Speedball field where all the action was currently taking place.  We were paired with 2 other players (noobs like Alex and I) for a 5-on-5 competition then were thrust into the heat of battle.

It was a short war.

I dove for cover squeezing a few rounds as I ran, peeked around my bunker and quickly took one to the shoulder.  Alex fell soon after, taking a hit to his upper quad.  The rest fell just as quickly.

We escorted our defeated selves off the field and watched another round then were given a chance to redeem ourselves...with a 5-2 match up.  Despite having the upper hand in man power, the result was strikingly similar to the previous round...albeit slightly more drawn out.

From there, we headed into the woods for several variations of Woodsball.  Among the trees, our noob status wasn't as glaring.  With more variations of cover and sometimes larger groups, we were able to spend more time on the field and actually pick off some of our opponents.

All in all, my promise of 1 round turned into 5-6 rounds while Alex got in 8-9.  

House Guest

Grammy and Granddad have been away for a conference this week in Iowa.  As a result, Maggie has been sleeping over. 

I use the term 'sleeping' loosely as the dog as no 'Off' switch.  Like the Energizer Bunny, she just keeps going, and going, and going...

But in an incredibly rare instance of tranquility, we caught the moment pictured below...

 

Birthday Bonanza

This month saw the passing of a couple of milestone birthdays for the Tokarski family.

First up, earlier in the month, Mom celebrated her 40th.  Per her own pointed direction, we kept the celebrations muted and celebrated with just family.

The following week saw Abigail cross over into the wondrous world of teenage-hood by celebrating her 13th.  Aside from the standard family fare, we also took an evening and had over a small horde of friends.  Activities included dinner, a bonfire, s'mores, and a late movie rental.

Happy Birthday to both of you.

The Nina, The Pinta and the Vanishing Treasure

This week has been a busy one as far as school work goes.  Alex has been taking mid-terms and Abby has been putting together Travel Guides for 7 countries for Social Studies.

Amanda has been facing down 2 projects:  A poster for Día de Reyes in Puerto Rico, also known as Three Kings Day or the Epiphany, as well as the infamous 5th grade video book report.

Her book of choice is from the Alec Flint, Super Sleuth series by Jill Santopolo:  The Nina, the Pinta and the Vanishing Treasure.

Just a note:  If you recall, Abby did this project back in 2010 on the book 11 Birthdays by Wendy Mass.  That video has been my family's 2nd most popular submission to YouTube amassing over 2400 views to date.  The original blog post for it can be found here if you're looking for a refresher.
 

Happy 6th Birthday Aidan

This past Thursday, January 19th, our little man turned 6.  We celebrated Thursday night with just the 6 of us.  Following that, on Sunday we had a larger party with family and friends.

Happy Birthday,  Bub.