Last Post of 2008

This is a video clip that was sent to me from a friend (thanks JD) a couple weeks ago. It's not a Hollywood Four productions, but I thought it was very clever nonetheless. See in 2009 on the other side of the "Black Hole."

Christmas in Big Rapids & Holland

Here are some highlights of Christmas with the Dad's side of the family.



December 2008

Christmas in Brighton & Muskegon

Here are some highlights of Christmas with the Mom's side of the family.



December 2008

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!

This is probably the last Hollywood Four post for 2008. We are taking a holiday the remaining days of the year. Please check back the first week of January 2009 to continue with the Hollywood Four video diary for the new year.

12th Day of Christmas!

On the twelfth (and final) day of Christmas my true love gave to me ...



Merry Christmas!

11th Day of Christmas

On the eleventh day of Christmas my true love gave to me ...

10th Day of Christmas

On the tenth day of Christmas my true love gave to me ...

Hockey Preparation

Andrew says he is interested in playing hockey now. After looking into it, looks like he needs to pass "basic 1" and "basic 2" skating skills before signing up for Hockey lessons. Last night he participated in "basic 1" lessons. Here are the highlights.



December 2008

9th Day of Christmas

On the ninth day of Christmas my true love gave to me ...

Merry Chipmunk Christmas!

This is a little Christmas song and video that Abby the Chipmunk edited together and e-mailed to me for posting to the Hollywood Four blog.



December 2008

8th Day of Christmas

On the eighth day of Christmas my true love gave to me ...

7th Day of Christmas

On the seventh day of Christmas my true love gave to me ...

6th Day of Christmas

On the sixth day of Christmas my true love gave to me ...

Eye of the Tiger

Today Andrew got too close to a girl at school ... and this is what happened. It was an accident, but the moral of the story is clear - stay away from girls!



December 2008

5th Day of Christmas

On the fifth day of Christmas my true love gave to me ....

4th Day of Christmas

On the fourth day of Christmas my true love gave to me ...

Choir Concert

Abby had her annual Christmas Choirs Orchestra Concert for school last night. It's amazing how someone so drawn to the stage can be so unenthusiastic ... and even miss her hand queues! Oh well, we love her still. If you want an encore, click here for her Fall Choirs Concert.



December 2008; Starring Abby

3rd Day of Christmas

On the third day of Christmas my true love gave to me ...

Da Tropics

Today Abby has to turn a DVD of a commercial that she and a couple of her classmates made as part of an assignment for Language Arts. The actual show/commercial is around 10 minutes, but here is an edited down version.



December 2008; Starring Abby, Paige

2nd Day of Christmas

On the second day of Christmas my true love gave to me ...

1st Day of Christmas

Today is the first day of Christmas. Do you want to know what my true love game gave to me? Watch and see (and see what my true love gives me the 11 days of Christmas too).

Akron Library Dance Out

Abby and a few of the O'Hare girls had a dance out today at the Akron Library. It was part of "The Grinch's Holiday" multi-cultural program that also included Scottish bagpipes, Nigerian dancers, Hungarian dancers, Greek dancers and other performances (see second video below). The first video is the Irish dancing segment.

AndrewTube

Looks like Andrew got in on the YouTube action as well.

AbbyTube

Another AbbyTube clip today. This must be one that she and cousin Emily made over Thanksgiving.

AbbyTube

Here is another AbbyTube video I found on YouTube. This is one with her friend Kiara.

AbbyTube

Since I am out of new Hollywood Four material to post again this week, I went to Abby's YouTube home page to see if there were any interesting videos there. In the process, I discovered Miss Abby has posted a couple new videos to YouTube herself. Here is one of them with her friend Paige.

No Pets Allowed

Here is a poem called No Pets Allowed from the Shel Silverstein book Falling Up.



December 2008; Starring Abby

Christmas Picture Taking

One annual tradition in the Hollywood Four household is to corral the kids in early December to take Christmas pictures that will be sent to family and friends. As tradition has it, Andrew always complains, gets in trouble, drives Mom crazy, gets a time-out and until which time he returns with a much better attitude. This year was no exception. Any ways, here is the behind-the-scenes look at Mom in action.



December 2008; Starring Abby and Andrew

Belt Testing

This Wednesday, Andrew tested for his first (yellow) stripe on his black belt. The testing was pretty much as it was in the past: Exercises, Forms, Sparring, and Board Breaking. Here are the highlights.



December 2008

Christmas Decorating

Andrew and Abby were very excited to decorate for Christmas this year (as with previous years). Here is a short clip of them decorating the second (of four ... so far) trees that we have put up since last week Sunday.



December 2008

I Love You So

Here is another silly singing clip from this weekend. This one showcases cousin Emily's singing talents.



November 2008; Starring Emily

Poor Charlie

The girls were trying to come up with a YouTube -worthy video for cousin Chloe this weekend. This is all they ended up with so I thought I would post it here instead.



November 2008; Starring Chloe

Bearded Dad

Since I took last week off of work, I decided to grow out my beard. And for the first time, I decided to not shave it before going back into work. Needless to say, I have heard my share of peanut gallery comments from co-workers the past couple of days. I'll probably keep it through the week but it will be gone by next week Monday. So for posterity sake, here is a formal record of the "Bearded Dad" look.



November 2008

Charlie Sings

Okay, this is definitely filler material. The "girls" got a hold of Charlie this weekend and decided to have him sing a little song (not quite as good as the last time).



November 2008

Oireachtas 2008

Well the Mid America Oireachtas competition is finally over. Abby and her two good friends from the O'Hare school (Anne and Jackie) all danced well, but unfortunately none of them were "recalled" for finals Sunday afternoon. Here are some highlights of this Daddy-Daughter trip to Columbus the past two days.



November 2008

The Chloe Show Encore

Here is the encore to The Chloe Show.



November 2008; Starring Chloe, Abby, Emily, Erica

The Chloe Show

This is a little skit that cousin Chloe put together, with the help of Abby, Emily and Erica. Tickets were sold to family members. It was a sell-out crowd with an encore performance.



November 2008; Starring Chloe, Abby, Emily, Erica

Happy Turkey Day!

Today we celebrated Thanksgiving Day at the Hollywood Four studios. After dinner (and after the Lions got thumped), the kids played "pin the hat on the turkey."



November 2008

Working Class Shovelers

Northeast Ohio received another healthy dose of snow again last night. I put the kids to work shoveling this morning and they were less than enthusiastic.



November 2008; Starring Abby, Andrew

The Beverly Hillbillies

Here is a long overdue Classic TV post. This is the Hollywood Four take on The Beverly Hillbillies.



November 2008; Starring Andrew, Abby

Safe

Here is a poem called Safe from the Shel Silverstein book Falling Up.



November 2008; Starring Abby

My Sneaky Cousin

Here is a poem called My Sneaky Cousin from the Shel Silverstein book Falling Up.



November 2008; Starring Abby

Pep Rally

Since the big Mid America Oireachtas competition is only one week away, the O'Hare Booster Club hosted a "pep rally" for the girls this evening. Here is a short highlight clip. Click here to view Abby's various practice sessions.

November 2008; Starring Abby, Anne, Jaqueline

Are You Ready?

For the Digital Conversion, that is. Today I continue my laziness by "borrowing" a clip from YouTube (thanks to a tip from the Creative Instigator).

AbbyTube

I was checking out Abby's custom YouTube Page and I found a video that she and her friend Sydney must have posted to YouTube not too long ago. It's rather silly but it was a good excuse for me to try and learn how to "embed" a YouTube video into our family blog. Whalla - that was easy!

Star Trek

Okay, I don't have any interesting (or uninteresting for that matter) Hollywood Four video footage to post this evening. So, being the Trekkie that I am, I thought I would use this daily post to provide a link (click the image) to the awesome new Star Trek movie trailer! Are you all as Geeked as me to see this movie? Or are you simply thinking that I am a Geek? Just watch our home version of Star Trek posted earlier this year as proof.

Hollywood out

First Snow

Northeast Ohio received the first snow of the 2008-09 Winter Season. And a pretty fair amount of it too. Here is some footage to prove it. This is today after school.

November 2008; Starring Abby, Andrew

Fall Photos

I'm getting ready to burn our Fall 2008 (Sep-Nov) DVD of the our family video footage. As always, here is the photo recap that will go at the end of that DVD.

Fall 2008

No Thank You

Here is a poem called No Thank You from the Shel Silverstein book Falling Up.

November 2008; Starring Abby

Columbus Weekend

The Hollywood Four took a trip to Columbus, OH this weekend. It was a low-cost anniversary weekend get-a-way (with children) in which I cashed in Marriott points for the hotel and United points for Restaurant.com certificates. Didn't get much video footage; but here are the kids swimming in the pool on Saturday.

Novemer 2008; Starring Abby, Andrew

18 Years Ago (part 4)

Here is part 4 of 4 posts from our wedding 18 years ago. This is the slide show that was shown at our reception.

November 1990

18 Years Ago (part 3)

And now for the wedding ceremony ... well, actually just a few clips of the receiving line afterwards (it was dark and our wedding ceremony footage is hard to see).

November 1990

18 Years Ago (part 2)

Okay, today we look at the poofy dress, big hair girls ...

November 1990; Starring Mom, Kelly, Kathy, Molly, Susanne, Jessica, Callie

18 Years Ago (part 1)

As a follow-up to yesterday's post (our wedding anniversary), the next couple days will be a few wedding clips out of the family archives. Today, the baby-faced, full hair, mustache guys ...

November 1990; Starring Dad, Drew, Brit, Hersch, Wibs, Steve

18th Anniversary

Today Dad and Mom Hollywood celebrate 18 years of marriage. November 10, 1990. Wow! To prove that was a long time ago, justs look at Dad's cheesey mustache.

Making Hay

Andrew had his year-end football banquet today. I didn't get much in the way of video footage, but I did get this shot of the team getting ready to take a hay ride. I was going to take a photo of Andrew with his football trophy afterwards ... but he lost it.

November 2008; Starring Andrew

Chin People

Okay, I don't have any new material tonight so here is a clip out of the archives. It's a little early, but hey, we're getting pretty close. This was filmed last November and was part of our annual Christmas DVD we send to family and friends.

November 2007; Starring Chinby and Chindrew

Dance Party!

Here is a fun little music video (with some retro photos) that Abby edited for the Hollywood Four blog this evening. Sort of makes you want to rock-and-rock all night.



November 2008; Edited by Abby

Quick Trip

Here is a poem called Quick Trip from the Shel Silverstein book A Light in the Attic.

November 2008; Starring Andrew

At The Farm

Even though this video footage was taken a few weeks ago, Abby did some editing work on it. So I thought I would post it again.

October 2008

Stair Sliding

What's the quickest way to get down a flight of stairs?

November 2008; Starring Andrew, Abby

Cross Eye Funny Guy

Here is an example of how Andrew is spending his two days off from school this week.

November 2008; Starring Andrew

Oireachtas Practice (2)

Here is part two of yesterday's post.

November, 2008; Starring Abby

Oireachtas Practice

The O'Hare girls continue practicing for the Mid America Oireachtas competition later this month. Today they had an intense practice session in Akron. Here's a couple clips of Abby practicing (they'll be a couple more posted tomorrow). Practice for all of the younger girls can be found at Kick You Bum.

November, 2008; Starring Abby (plus Anne and others)

Halloween

The Rocker and the Kitty Cat did pretty well tonight. On a sad note, it was the first night that Abby did not trick or treat with Mom or Dad (she instead went over to a friend's house).

October 2008; Starring Abby, Andrew, Nathan

Presidential Debate #4

In the spirit of this year's Presidential Election, the Hollywood Four have created their own debate forum where the issues can be addressed by the candidates. Tonight the two Presidential Candidates answer one final question: "Why should people vote for you to be President?"

October 2008; Starring Abby, Andrew

Presidential Debate #3

In the spirit of this year's Presidential Election, the Hollywood Four have created their own debate forum where the issues can be addressed by the candidates. Tonight the two Presidential Candidates answer the question "How would you handle parental affairs?"

October 2008; Starring Abby, Andrew

Presidential Debate #2

In the spirit of this year's Presidential Election, the Hollywood Four have created their own debate forum where the issues can be addressed by the candidates. Tonight the two Presidential Candidates answer the question "What would you do to improve our educational system?"

October 2008; Starry Abby, Andrew

Presidential Debate #1

In the spirit of this year's Presidential Election, the Hollywood Four have created their own debate forum where the issues can be addressed by the candidates. Tonight the two Presidential Candidates answer the question "What would you do to improve the economy?"

October 2008; Starring Abby, Andrew

Sybil The Magician's Last Show

Here is a poem called Sybil The Magician's Last Show from the Shel Silverstein book Falling Up.

October 2008; Starring Abby

Stallions vs Hawks (Playoffs)

Today was the Stallions last football game of the 2008 season. They faced the Hawks in a semi-final playoff game and gave them a run for their money. However, in the end - the Stallions came up short by a score of 0-7. That brings to close the exciting Stallions football season (and the rookie debut of #68).

October 2008; Starring Andrew #68

For Sale

Here is a poem called For Sale from the Shel Silverstein book Where The Sidewalk Ends.

October 2008; Starring Abby, Andrew

Kick Your Bum

That's the name of the new Blog that the Hollywood Four helped launch for Abby's Irish Dancing teacher. Kick You Bum will allow Eileen to post videos of the students training for the Mid America Oireachtas tournment next month. That way the students can analyze and improve their dancing skills and techniquest. Abby actually created the Blog; Dad designed the header; and Mom helped load the first batch of videos.

Scouting Outing

This Sunday Andrew and his boy scout den had an outing at The Quarry in Peninsula. They also stopped by the Brandywine ski resort. Here is some footage from that day.

October 2008; Starring Andrew, Nathan

Stallions vs Grizzlies

The Stallions had an important game this past Saturday against the Grizzlies. By winning this final regular season game 23-10, they have a "coin-flip" chance of making the playoff championships. Overall, the Stallions finished the regular season with a 5-2 record ... not bad considering they were the youngest and smallest team in the league.

October 2008; Starring Andrew #68

Choirs Concert

This past Thursday, Abby's choir class performed at school. Here are the highlights.

October 2008; Starring Abby

Poker Fest - part 7

Here is my final post on Poker Fest. The good, the bad and the ugly ... 18 tournaments of winners, losers and runners-up (not in that order).

October 2008

Poker Fest - part 6

And now ... the Main Event of Poker Fest (Texas Hold 'em, not wrestling).

October 2008

Poker Fest - part 5

We added a new competition to Poker Fest this year.

October 2008

Poker Fest - part 4

Keeping with our Poker Fest tradition, a few (five this year) small warm-up/cool-down poker tournaments were played the night before (and during for losers) the main event. Much to Gentleman Jim's satisfaction, this year we introduced "Omaha High" into the mix. Here are the highlights and winners.

October 2008

Poker Fest - part 3

Here are the remaining five poker professionals that attended the Fall 2008 Poker Fest tournament (see yesterday's post for the first five):

October 2008

Poker Fest - part 2

We had 10 players for our Fall 2008 Poker Fest tournament (see yesterday's post). This post introduces the first five of these poker professionals:

October 2008

Poker Fest - part 1

A couple weekends ago I went to Barryton, MI for the "revival" of Poker Fest. After a 3 year hiatus, this was our 18th tournament since the original one back in the Fall of 1994. I posted a couple videos on this blog back in March with footage from our Fall 2003 tournament and the "documentary" that I created.

This year I again filmed some footage of Poker Fest. Here is a teaser clip for the forthcoming posts that I will be uploading over the next few days (DVDs will be available at the next Poker Fest).

October 2008

Captain Hook

Here is a poem called Captain Hook from the Shel Silverstein book Where The Sidewalk Ends.

October 2008; Starring Andrew

Stallions vs Mustangs

Unfortunately, the Stallions suffered their second loss of the season today at the hands of the Strongsville Mustangs. It was their second straight 0-7 heartbreaker (Andrew was not in the game when the Mustangs scored, so his personal streak of not allowing any points on defense this regular season remains alive). The good news is that if they win next week, they will be in a three way tie for second place and will have a "coin flip" chance of making the championship game.

October 2008; Starring Andrew #68

Wastebasket Brother

Here is a poem called Wastebasket Brother from the Shel Silverstein book Falling Up.

October 2008; Starring Andrew/Abby

This Bridge

Here is a poem called This Bridge from the Shel Silverstein book A Light in the Attic.

October 2008; Starring Abby

Black Belt Ceremony

Andrew officially received his first degree black belt and certificate this weekend after passing his testing a few weeks ago. Here are the highlights from the "tea" ceremony.

October 2008; Starring Andrew

Happy Birthday MOM!

Well, today Mom Hollywood officially turns _0 years old (you fill in the blank). So here is a walk down memory lane in case she has forgotten (the music in the background is Karen's Theme by The Carpenters).

October 1968-Present; Starring Mom

Cowboy

Mom don't let your babies grow up to be Cowboys ... (footage taken this weekend while at the pumpkin farm) ...

October 2008; Starring Andrew

Stallions vs Hawks

The Stallions played a huge game yesterday against their conference rival the Hawks. Both teams came into the game undefeated. Unfortunately, the Hawks defeated the Stallions in this 7-0 heartbreaker. Dad was out of town, so here is some of the video footage that Mom filmed.

October 2008; Starring Andrew #68

The Banana Police!

This is an interesting (we'll call it "artistic") video produced and edited by Abby.

October 2008; By Abby

Abby for President

I received a funny e-mail from Abby yesterday with a link to this video clip. Pretty funny.

October 2008; Starring Abby?

Have Fun

Here is a poem called Have Fun from the Shel Silverstein book A Light in the Attic.

October 2008; Starring Abby

Headache

Here is a poem called Headache from the Shel Silverstein book A Light in the Attic.

September 2008; Starring Abby

The Mummy

Here is a poem called The Mummy from the Shel Silverstein book Falling Up. Coincidentally, we let the kids watch the movie The Mummy on Sunday night. It was a bit scarier than I remembered.

September 2008; Starring Andrew

Ott Family News

Here are a couple news items from the Ott family (Karen's side).

Shawn Ott catches 37 inch pike. Received photo last night. I guess it took 45 minutes to land.

Ricky, Gina, Riley & River launch new family blog at

http://the-ott-family.blogspot.com/

Stop Thief!

Here is a poem called Stop Thief! from the Shel Silverstein book A Light in the Attic.

September 2008; Starring Andrew

Stallions vs White Bees

Northeast Ohio's toughest defense stood strong again this week. In doing so, the Stallions beat the Brecksville White Bees by a score of 30-0 for their four consecutive shutout. Here are the highlights for #68.

September 2008; Starring Andrew #68

Come Skating

Here is a poem called Come Skating from the Shel Silverstein book A Light in the Attic.

September 2008; Starring Abby

Charlie Still Misses You

Ricky, are you out there? Because Charlie has something to tell you ...

September 2008; Starring Charlie

Pictures of You

Filling up more blog time with "these pictures of you" from this past couple weeks ...

September 2008; Starring Family

Happy Birthday Dad!

Yes, today it is Daddy Hollywood's birthday. Last night I was greeted with some extra-special large chocolate chip cookies, a new pair of Detroit Lions pajama pants and this little video from the kids. It's so nice getting old.

September 2008; Starring Abby, Andrew

Hollywood Four-O-Meter Movie Ratings

Here is a quick summary of the movies on DVD that the Hollywood Four have watched as a family over the past couple months along with our highly influential Hollywood Four-O-Meter ratings (out of four stars).


Speed Racer
Dad: 3.0 Mom: 2.0 Abby: 2.5 Andrew: 3.5
Overall Rating: 2.75


Karate Kid Part III
Dad: 3.5 Mom: N/A Abby: N/A Andrew: 4.0
Overall Rating: 3.75


Santa Claus 3: The Escape Clause
Dad: 2.0 Mom: 2.0 Abby: 3.0 Andrew: 3.0
Overall Rating: 2.5


Dudley Do-Right
Dad: 1.0 Mom: 2.0 Abby: N/A Andrew: 2.5
Overall Rating: 1.8

Happy Birthday Herbie!

Today is the 95th birthday for Herbert Lawrence Ott (Mom's grandpa; Abby and Andrew's great grandpa). Here are a few photos of young Herbie as well as some video footage taken at a recent visit a couple weeks ago.

September 2008; Starring Abby, Mom, Herb, Minnie, Dick, Barb, Don, Joy, Rick, Shawn, Kathy, Erica

Stallions vs Orange

Well, the Stallions crushed the Orange 49-0 today. Here are the defensive highlights of #68.

September 2008; Starring Andrew

Stallions vs Browns

Tomorrow Andrew and the JV Stallions take on the Brecksville-Broadview Heights Orange. Last week Saturday the Stallions pounded the Brunswick Browns 25-0. Here is final footage from that game (obviously focusing on DT Andrew #68) along with Coach's inspirational pre-game speech (he sounds a lot like Knute Rockne).

September 2008; Starring Andrew

Summer Cookin'

Here is a short little program that Abby and her friend Sydney produced a couple weeks ago.

September 2008; Starring Abby and Sydney

Muskegon Feis

Here is some footage of Abby and her spectating family members at the Muskegon Feis this past weekend. There is generally a lot of downtime at these things (during which time Abby can often get annoying!). Also, you are not allowed to video record the actual dancing, however, it looks like Karen sneaked a quick clip. Unfortunately, Abby didn't win any medals for only the second time in her dancing career. :(

September 2008; Starring Abby, Mom, Erica, Grandma, Kathy

Blackout Lifted

Well, we finally got our power restored. Here is a short video clip of the kids running around outside as the remnants of Huricane Ike were pounding northern Ohio. Our power went out a few minutes after this segment was filmed.

September 2008; Starring Abby, Andrew

Blackout

We are currently in blackout mode. We've been without power since 7 pm Sunday night. Ohio Edison says it could be back up any time - or it could be a few days. I guess there are a lot of homes without power in the northern Ohio area. Since there are only about 38 homes on our "grid", I am guessing we are a low priority. Andrew's school was closed today (Abby was furious because her middle school was not closed). I had to shower at the health club this morning. We had frozen pizza on the grill for dinner tonight. We had to ask for some water from our nearby neighbors (who still have power) just so we can flush the toilets. Needless to say, we are all feeling gross and grumpy.

PS: No power means no video clips today.

Shoot 'Em Up

That's what Andrew and I did this weekend using our Red Ryder BB gun and our new Smith & Wesson M&P air pistol. Here are a couple highlight clips.

September 2008; Starring Andrew

Mom in China 1988

Nearly 20 years ago, Mom (Karen) went to Beijing, China to visit her Grandma and Grandpa (he worked at Beijing Jeep). She also visited some cool places like Hong Kong and Thailand. Here are a few brief clips I found in our family video archives (nice glasses!). 12 years later the Hollywood Four would go back to China as a family.

1988; Starring Mom, Grandma, Grandpa

This week in Pictures

Okay, I didn't really have any new material to post tonight so here is a quick look at the past week (actually past couple) in the form of pictures taken by Mom.

September 2008; Abby, Andrew, Dad, Ryan, Mr. Scott, Nathan

Irish Dance Practice

Since Andrew has been eating up most of the blog posts with his football practices, it is only fitting that Abby get some blog time. Tonight she was practicing her hornpipe in preparation for the Muskegon Feis this weekend. Rather than the usual footage, I decided to give her a cartoon effect today (to match her cartoon personality).

September 2008; Starring Abby

Stallions Football

Here is some hard-hitting footage of Andrew's football practice the past couple of days.

September 2008; Starring Andrew #38

Black Belt Testing (part 3)

Here is part 3 of Andrew's Taekwondo black belt testing. Today we feature the final, and most exciting, component of his testing ... breaking (He did awesome)!

September 2008; Starring Andrew

Black Belt Testing (part 2)

Here is part 2 of Andrew's Taekwondo black belt testing. Today we feature the sparring portion of his testing.

September 2008; Starring Andrew

Black Belt Testing (part 1)

Andrew completed his official Black Belt testing for Taekwondo on Saturday. While we won't officially know if he earned his Black Belt for another 10 days, we feel pretty confident based on his performance. The next three days I will post the three key areas of his testing. Today we start with his forms (also called patterns).

September 2008; Starring Andrew

My Guitar

Here is another short poetic performance. This one is called My Guitar from the Shel Silverstein book A Light in the Attic.

August 2008; Starring Abby

Broiled Face

Here is another short poetic performance. This one is called Broiled Face from the Shel Silverstein book A Light in the Attic.

August 2008; Starring Abby

Football Season Begins!

Since today is the opening day of football for the NFL, I thought it would be appropriate to post some footage of Andrew's football practice last night. We were even able to bring back the great Vince Lombardi to give the kids a pep talk while they practiced. The Stallions open their regular season on Saturday (but Andrew will be testing for his black belt on Saturday).

September 2008; Starring Andrew

Truckin on the Tractor

This weekend I let Abby and Andrew do some truckin' on the tractor.

August 2008; Starring Andrew, Abby

2008: A Game Boy Odyssey

Here is a Hollywood Four take on 2001: A Space Odyssey, from the Dawn of Boy to the Age of Nintendo DS.

August 2008; Starring Andrew

Star Spangled Abby

Happy Labor Day everyone! Here is a star spangled duet to celebrate the holiday. God bless America (and may you all keep your jobs).

August 2008; Starring Abby and Abby

Hello Munchkins

We were feeling a little silly this weekend, so we decided to do our own version of Munchkinland from the Wizard of Oz.

August 2008; Starring Abby and Andrew

Flowerdance

You've heard of Michael Flatley's Riverdance, right? Have you heard about Abby's Flowerdance?

August 2008; Starring Abby

Kid's Art

The following photo montage of is of Andrew and Abby's school artwork from last year. Generally Karen will take digital photos of the kids art before we (finally) throw it away. Otherwise, we would have a closet full of it! Actually it a great way to preserve the memory (and the house space).

August 2008

Stallions Practice

The Stallions had another practice last night ... in the rain! Here are a few clips of these riders in the storm.

August 2008; Starring Andrew (#38)

Oireactas Training

A couple days ago I posted a video clip of Andrew training for his Black Belt testing. Well, Abby is also in training ... for the Mid-America Oireachtas competition. She will be competing with the céilí dance team and probably in a couple individual competitions as well. Last night she started her training in our basement by practicing some new steps she learned at dance camp in Detroit a couple weeks ago. It was electric!

August 2008; Starring Abby

Surfin' USA

This is a little musical act that Abby, (her friend) Sydney and Andrew choreographed and performed this weekend. Mom filmed.

August 2008; Starring Abby, Sydney, Andrew

Black Belt Training

Andrew is in the final training stages for his Black belt testing. As part of his training, this weekend he had to run 1 mile, clean the Master's studio (wax-on, wax-off) and practice his board-breaking skills (among other thinks). Here are a few highlights that Karen was able to film. Final testing is September 6.

August 2008; Starring Andrew

Move Review

Three of the Hollywood Four (all but Dad) went to see Star Wars: The Cone Wars this weekend as part of a scout outing. Here is our Movie Review.

Hollywood-Four-O-Meter Ratings:

Dad = N/A

Mom = 2.0

Andrew = 3.5

Abby = 3.0

Overall Rating = 2.9

Fantasy Football

Today I am participating in a Fantasy Football draft. This will be the 18th year for the "BSFL". Some high school and college friends started the league back in 1991 and it has been going ever since. Here is some lost film footage from our first annual awards banquet (when we had them). What a bunch of losers baby ...

1991; Featuring Picklehead, Britten, Wibs, Stevage, and ????

Stallions Football

Here is more footage from Andrew's football practice this week.

August 2008; Starring Andrew

Back to School

Today the kids went back to school. Seems so early. Here they are in their "1st day of school" clothes, getting ready for the bus to pick them up.

August 2008; Abby, Andrew, neighbors

Stallions Practice

I wasn't able to make it to Andrew's practice today. However, Karen filmed some footage for me. I guess Andrew was much more aggressive tonight (even more so after the battery on the camera died). I gave Andrew a couple tips earlier this week on how to use the offensive lineman's momentum against him ... I guess it worked since Andrew came home with a relatively clean jersey tonight.

August 20; Starring Andrew

Stallions Practice

Practice makes perfect (or at least a little better). Here is some footage from football practice last week (haven't gotten any this week yet). Andrew is wearing his practice jersey #38.

August 2008; Starring Andrew

Movie Review

Two of the Hollywood Four (Andrew and Dad) went to a movie this weekend and saw WALL-E. Here is our Movie Review.

Hollywood-Four-O-Meter Ratings:

Dad = 3.0 stars "Visually nice, but lacked something."
Mom = N/A
Abby = N/A
Andrew = 3.5 stars "It was good."

Overall Rating: 3.25

Jake's War

Or make that, Jake's Revolutionary War re-enactment. My sister-in-law asked me to edit and burn some footage of "cousin Jake" onto a DVD for her. I figured while I was at it, I would post a little highlight clip to the blog.

Early 2008; Starring Jacob

Stallions Football

Today Andrew's football team - the Stallions (JV squad) - had their team pictures taken and then played their first pre-season scrimmages (3 of them). Andrew played defensive line today. Although he is a rookie to tackle football (and low man on the team roster) he did make a nice tackle on the quarterback today. Here are some of the other highlights.

August 2008

Gabby the Sports Dog

Here are a few photos that Uncle "Crazy Head" Rick and Aunt "Cheese" Chawn of their baby girl ... Gabby (and Xena too) ... sporting her favorite team colors. Gabby has also appeared on our blog before doing a little Christmas dance.

August 2008

Family Reunion (part 3)

Part 3 of 3.

August 2008

Family Reunion (part 2)

Here is part 2 of 3.

August 2008

Family Reunion (part 1)

This past weekend was the Wiechmann (our old country name) family reunion. The next three days I will be posting some video that was taken at the reunion. Special thank you to Rodney and Crystal for hosting this year's reunion (click here for highlights from 2006). Also special thanks to cousin Mike for all of the geneology research on our family roots (and for the neat binder containing his findings to date). My only regret is that we did not take a all-inclusive family photograph at this year's event. Well, I guess we'll have to wait until 2010.

August 2008

Correction: Mike told me that I have improperly labeled some historic footage in the film I posted a few months ago. That is Gary, not Jeff, in the scene with Uncle Jerry in the military outfit.

Vacation Pictures

Here is a pictorial slide show containing all of the highlights of our entire vacation. Goodbye Summer vacation ... :(

July-August 2008

Vacation Day 7

On Day 7 (our last) of our vacation, we took a Casco Bay Line cruise to Peak's Island. It was mostly foggy, but still good fun. In the evening we took in a Portland Sea Dogs baseball game.

August 2008; Starring Abby, Andrew, Mom, Dad

Vacation Day 6

Day 6 was very rainy so we weren't able to drive the Auto Road to the top of Mount Washington. Instead, we drove straight to Portland, ME. There we walked around the downtown area a little bit and then stopped by The Head Light at Fort Williams Park (as the video footage below will highlight).

July 2008; Starring Abby, Andrew, Mom

Vacation Day 5

Day 5 was a very fun day! Most of the day we spent at the Attitash ski resort in Bartlett, NH where we rode the alpine slides, water slides, tube slide, scenic ski lift, bungy jumped and rock climbed. We also hiked a very steep trail up the Cave Mountain Summit (gladly, we did not find any bears sleeping in their caves).

July 2008; Starring Mom, Abby, Andrew

Happy Birthday Andrew!

Attention: We interrupt this string of vacation highlight posts for this important message -- Happy (9th) Birthday Andrew! We will continue with more vacation video footage tomorrow. But for now - here is a short slide show of pictures from Andrew's Birthday party today (beginning with a sad walk down memory lane).

August 2007; Starring Andrew (and friends)

Vacation Day 4

Day 4 was a busy day. We first hiked another long, hot and sweaty trail up Stow Pinnacle mountain (yes, that's me doing the Darth Vader impersonation). After that, we stopped for some ice cream at the Ben & Jerry's factory. Then we drover to New Hamphshire where we stopped at the scenic lookout in Littleton and the Silver Cascade waterfall enroute to Bartlett in the White Mountains.

July 2008; Starring Mom, Abby, Andrew

Vacation Day 3

On day 3, we drove the Auto Toll Road to the top of Mount Mansfield. From there, we took a two hour hike across the "Long Trail" on the mountain top. We also rode the Gondola at the Stowe Mountain Resort.

July 2008; Starring Mom, Abby, Andrew

Vacation Day 2

On Day 2 of our vacation, we traveled to Cooperstown, NY to the Baseball Hall of Fame museum. Unfortunately, this was the same day as the 2008 induction ceremony so the town was packed! As a result, we didn't stay long (but we did get a couple pictures and t-shirts). From there we traveled to Burlington, VT to see a Vermont Lake Monsters baseball game. Then we drove to Stowe, VT where we stayed at the beautiful Green Mountain Inn (and enjoyed an evening swim).

July 2008; Starring Mom, Dad, Abby, Andrew

Vacation Day 1

We spent Day 1 with cousins Sam, Emily, Jacob and Chloe (and their parents). In the morning we went to the art festival in Corning, NY as shown in the first vacation highlight video clip below the map. The rest of the day was devoted to play time.

July 2008; Starring Abby, Andrew, Emily, Jacob, Chloe

Vacation Highlights

The next few posts will be highlights from the Hollywood Four family vacation. They lack some of our cheesy special effects - and will probably be a little boring for most (except maybe family members) - but we enjoyed the trip. As you can see from our travel map below, we started out in Somewhere, Ohio on Day 0 and drove to Painted Post, NY (home of Steve, Kelly, Ben, Sam, Emily, Jacob and Chloe). From there, we traveled across Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine and then back to Painted Post, NY.

We're Back!

We're back from our Hollywood Four vacation that took us to New York, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine. I'll be sharing some of the highlights of our trip over the next few days.

We're On Blogcation!

Well dear friends and family ... the Hollywood Four are officially on blogcation. After 170 straight days of posts, we are taking the next week off from blogging in order to recharge our engines and to create some new video material worthy of posting. Check back on Monday, August 4 for our next post.

Baseball Star (still)

Well, the 2008 Summer baseball season has come to a close. Andrew had a much improved year this year over last year. Here is his third year baseball card - complete with season ending hitting and pitching statistics. MLB agents looking for future stars are more than welcome to call Dad about potential contracts! [On a side note, I realize now that the baseball card I posted yesterday is actually from two years ago - last year they didn't have baseball cards]

Baseball Star

Today is Andrew's last baseball game of the Summer. Tomorrow I will post a copy of his baseball card from this year along with his hitting/pitching stastics. In the meantime, here is his rookie baseball card from last year (to be worth a lot of money in the future). Sorry, no statistics from last year.

Extreme Sports

This is an Extreme Sports production by AF-Videos. Andrew created and produced this with his friend Nathan; although Dad helped with the editing.

July 2008; Starring Andrew, Nathan

Ricky, Don't Lose My Number

The following video is for cousin Ricky and was made at the request of Charlie. You see ... Ricky wanted Charlie sooo bad one year for Christmas. Grandma Barb searched everywhere to make his wish come true. She finally found Charlie in the JCPenny catalog. Grandma Barb was so excited to give it to him. But when Ricky opened the gift Christmas Eve - he was terrified of Charlie and has been ever since. Poor Charlie never went home with Ricky and has lived at Grandma's ever since. Charlie was left behind by Ricky again a couple weeks ago at the cabin (now that Ricky has a family of his own). So Charlie hitched a ride with the Hollywood Four and has been staying with us ever since. He is waiting patiently for Ricky to call his number ...

July 2008; Starring Charlie

Akron Aeros Camping

This past Saturday Andrew, Nathan and their respective Dads, went to the Akron Aeros game. We also camped in the outfield overnight as part of a Boy Scouts event. The Aeros played Detroit Tigers AA affiliate the Erie SeaWolves. Although the SeaWolves lost, we got to see the Indian's star pitcher Fausto Carmono who was pitching for the Aeros on rehap assignment. Here are a couple quick clips of our fun in the field.

July 2008; Starring Andrew, Nathan

This Is My Hair!

Here is a funny little AF-Video that Andrew and Abby made together while Mom and Dad were at work.



July 2008; Starring Andrew

This Week In Baseball

Here is a Hollywood Four look at ... This Week In Baseball ... featuring Mel Allen and starring "AJ".

July 2008; Starring Andrew

Campfire Singing

Here is Andrew and Jacob singing by the campfire.

July 2008; Starring Andrew, Jacob

Synchronized Swimming

Here is Abby, Emily and Chloe doing some synchronized swimming.

July 2008; Starring Abby, Emily, Chloe

Bionic Jump

Here is Andrew taking a bionic jump into the lake.

July 2008; Starring Andrew

You Spin Me

We've been short on time to produce any original film clips lately. So the next few days will be a few "repurposed" film clips of kid fun at the cabin a couple weeks ago.

July 2008; Starring Andrew, Jacob

Movie Review

The Hollywood Four (at least three of us), went to a movie this weekend and saw Journey to the Center of the Earth in 3D. This was our first movie since The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian. Here is our critique.

Hollywood-Four-O-Meter Ratings:

Dad = 3.5 stars "The 3D effects made this a good movie."

Mom = N/A

Abby = 4.0 stars "Um, like huh?"

Andrew = 4.0 stars "It was good."

Overall Rating: 3.8

Irish Dance Out in Parma

Last night we brought our "flower child" to a O'Hare School of Irish Dance performance at the St. Charles Carnival in Parma, OH. It was outside and it was HOT; but the performance was good as always.

July 2008; Starring Abby

Swimming Follies

Here are some swimming highlights from the kids vacation at Grandpa's cabin - compliments of the AbbyCam® (with music from Benny Hill).

July 2008; Starring Abby, Andrew, Emily, Jacob, Chloe

Camp Highlights 3

Here are more highlights from Spring Hill Summer camp. This clip is of Emily's final drama skit.

July 2008; Starring Emily

Camp Highlights 2

Here are more highlights from Spring Hill Summer camp. This clip is of Abby's final drama skit (since she and Emily had a dram-themed camp emphasis).

July 2008; Starring Abby

Camp Highlights

Here are some highlights from Spring Hill Summer camp. These clips are from when we picked the kids up on Thursday of last week. At the end of camp, each camper is recognized based on a characteristic or trait that the counselors noticed in them. I also got clips for cousins Jacob and Emily (sorry Chloe).

July 2008; Andrew, Jacob, Emily, Abby

Dance Club Girls

I'm going back to the vault today and posting this dance club music video make by Abby and Myranda a couple years ago. Let's hope this is the only night club I see these girls in for quite some time!

Early 2006; Abby and Myranda

Family Reunion

The second, bi-annual "Wichman" family reunion will be held one month from now in Paris (sorry, just Michigan). As a preview, here is some footage from the 2006 reunion.

Summer 2006; Starring Wichman family

Catfish Weekend - 1990

Here is my third (and final) walk down Catfish Weekend memory lane. As you can see we are all older and just as immature. Lot a great memories at that cabin in Lake Village. Thanks Wibs!

1990

Catfish Weekend - 1989

Here is part 2 of my trip down Catfish Weekend memory lane. The following photos were taken at the 3rd annual Catfish Weekend in 1989 (I think we had two of them that year, one in August and one in October?). This was a special Catfish Weekend for a couple of reasons. First off, Karen turned 21 that weekend. Secondly, Scott proposed to Karen (and she accepted) thereby forming the Hollywood Two.

1989

Catfish Weekend - 1988

This is the 20th Anniversary (yikes!) of the 2nd Annual Catfish Weekend. One of our legendary friends known as "Wibs" was the founder and host of this annual gathering in Lake Village, Michigan. The first Catfish Weekend was actually held in 1987, but 1988 is really when this event caught fire and became widely attended by a special group of college and high-school friends that would create memories (and steal some) for years to come. I actually edited a 30 minute VHS video of photos and music (using one of those black picture boxes) for the 5th Annual Catfish Weekend in 1991. Over the next three days I will showcase an edited down (and sensored!) version of that video.

1988

Miss American Pie

In the spirit of the July 4th holiday, here is a little video that Abby (and Abby) choreagraphed a few years ago, but it is still cute today.

Summer 2004; Starring Abby and Abby

Summer Camp

This kids have been at Summer camp for four days now. I was able to download the following photos from the Spring Hill web site. Looks like they really miss Mom and Dad!

July 2008; Starring Abby, Andrew; and cousins Emily, Jacob, Chloe

Chester

Here is another short poetic performance. This one is called Chester from the Shel Silverstein book Where The Sidewalk Ends.

June 2008; Starring Andrew

Tight Hat

It's time for another (cheesy looking) poetic performance. This one is called Tight Hat from the Shel Silverstein book Where The Sidewalk Ends.

June 2008; Starring Andrew

Wish You Were Here

Well, Karen took Abby and Andrew to Spring Hill summer camp this weekend. So I won't be seeing Karen or the kids until next weekend. I really enjoy the time alone because those moments of solitude often come few and far between. But it's funny: As much as I look forward to times like these, it doesn't take very long for me to miss them. Life is sort of funny like that. So as I sit here and enjoy the peace and quiet, I can't help but thinking ... wish you were here.

June 2008

iPony

Here is a companion commercial to the Abby iPotty we did a couple months ago. This time we are advertising the Andrew iPony.

June 2008; Starring Andrew

Kids in America

This is a music video that Abby and her friends made at her 9th birthday party (back in Chicago). Just being regular Kids in America I guess.

April 2005; Starring Abby

Pure

This is a short music video I did with Abby a couple years ago, mainly because I like this song by Superchick (which also happens to be a very cool Christian band).

Fall 2005?; Starring Abby

FSU Graduation

Today (actually yesterday by the time this post goes live) is my best friend's 13th (?) wedding anniversary. So to honor him, here is a little clip I found on one of my old VHS tapes of our undergraduate college graduation ceremony at it took place over 19 years ago! Happy anniversary Andy (and Anita too)!

June 2008; Starring Dad and Andy

Louisville Bats

The Hollywood Four visited another professional baseball park this weekend. We saw the Louisville Bats (AAA for Reds) play the Buffalo Bisons (AAA for Indians) place at the Louisville Slugger Field in Louisville, KY. This was my 8th minor league stadium and 34th stadium in total. As you can sort of see at the end of this clip, Andrew was lucky enough to catch a Bats T-Shirt in the 7th inning.

June 2008; Starring Hollywood Four

Louisville Feis

Abby competed in the Louisville Feis this weekend - and she did fabulous! She got a 2nd place medal in her Reel; a 2nd place medal in her Slip Jig; 1st place in her Treble Jig; 3rd place in her Straditional Set; and no medal in her Hornpipe (normally her strongest dance). We were amazed that she took second in both her Reel and Slip Jig given these aren't normally her strongest dances and she was competing with over 25 girls in each of these dances. Abby now has at least one 1st, 2nd or 3rd place medal in all of her dances which means she has qualified for, and can compete in the Mid-America Oireachtas competition this November.

June 2008; Starring Abby

Guitar Hero Encore #2

And here is an encore performance from our Guitar Hero diva rocker.

June 2008; Starring Abby

Guitar Hero Encore #1

Okay, we see your lighters flickering out there ... so here is an encore performance by Guitar Hero rocker Andrew.

June 2008; Starring Andrew