..Elsa style on Skyline Drive, Shenandoah National Park. Continue reading Let it snow

After Oliver’s first karting experience in Illinois, Toby researched option for a faster drive for the boys (and get them another step towards real racing karts.) Perfect timing that the new Radio Flyer electric kart was on sale on Prime Day. Just in time for Theo’s 4th birthday (complete with proper Bell karting gloves – birthday gift from grannies.) The kart has a 24V motor … Continue reading Electric kart for the Boys

Oliver decided he wanted to be a race car driver for Halloween. He already has a “driving suit” from Grandma and Grandpa last Christmas, so Toby got to work and “built” him a race car. It took Toby one (long) night to build the car and “paint” the livery, and a quick harness was made with their checkered flag guitar straps. A perfect Halloween costume, … Continue reading Race Car Halloween Custome

Two adults, no kids, so easy choice for Toby to take the Boxster for her first road trip after 2 years! For Toby and Mary’s nineth anniversary, Mary’s sister was kind enough to fly in to babysit for them so they can go on a long weekend getaway. Despite intermittent rain (so top stayed up) it was a beautiful 3-day driving through beautiful Virginia country … Continue reading (Overdue) Boxster Road Trip

While visiting Grandpa and Grandma in Illinois, they suggested Oliver could go go-karting. Toby wondered about covid risk of sharing helmets, but a quick check confirmed they were not required so it was a go! It was a quiet evening and he had the track all to himself. Having watched racing all his life he needed little introduction and drove a pretty good racing line … Continue reading Oliver “Go” Karting

During the covid-19 pandemic, Toby, Mary, Oliver and Theo spent a week at super secluded Big Stone Beach in Milford, Delaware. The 4Runner’s big toe hitch receiver got a new use. Big Stone Beach is famous for horseshoe crab spawning. It was cool for us to see it. On our way back, we also made a quick detour to visit the Monster at the Dover … Continue reading Quick Monster Mile Detour

The 4Runner’s AC had a slow leak and wouldn’t blow cold air. Toby ignored it for a long time (lucky to own another car with working AC). But with instructor’s help, diagnostic equipment, and parts at cost, it was time to fix it. Hooked up to the a/c system tester, and filled with fresh florescent dye, Toby’s instructor Aaron found a tiny small leak near … Continue reading 4Runner AC DIY Repair

After all these years working on his race cars on jack stands, Toby learned from his neighbor that Arlington County offers a “DIY Auto Mechanic” class that includes lift time! The shop was VERY WELL equipped with Snap-On everything, laser alignment rack and Hunter tire mounting and balancing machines. First project was to replace brake pads and rotors. It’s been years since the wheels last … Continue reading DIY 4Runner Brakes

Second time a car rode on top of Toby’s 4Runner. Perfect timing that Oliver and Theo needed to move to bigger beds. Toby found a family selling their Lightning McQueen across town and easily took it home with a couple rachet straps onto the roof rack. Oliver was a great mechanic putting his new bed together. Additional race cars and monster truck accents (including canvas … Continue reading Another Race Car Bed