Family togetherness

Families support one another. The same can be said for ours... witness the Anderson Family Reunion. A lot of bonding took place. Witness good ol' fashioned sportsmanship and camaraderie. Today I give you "The Arm Wrestling Championship".

Movie filmed by the Singing Andersons
Edited By Cindy "Momma" Anderson

Everyone is a comedian!

It definitely can be said that the family is full of comedians, I can not remember a time when I laughed so much. So I am sure you have already figured out what today's theme is going to be on. We have some stage acts, and then we also have some unintended comedic acts. First, I give you "Daniel is a Comic".

Movie filmed by the Singing Andersons
Edited By Cindy "Momma" Anderson

Next we have one called "Out to Sea", this one requires a little more introduction. There are several things going on and it is a rather large video. Between vicious tree branches, or "Logs", and the fear of jumping off a kayak due to persistent sirens, I would there is a lot of comedy going on here. Not to mention to watch some of the rowing can also be amusing by its self.

Movie filmed by the Singing Andersons
Edited By Cindy "Momma" Anderson

Then there is the spontaneous comedy, laced subtle humor and undertones. As I recall, I ended the second to the last post with Brickman teaching us a lesson. So, not to be outdone, Daniel gives you a history lesson called "Ancient Whidbey Art".

Movie filmed by the Singing Andersons
Edited By Cindy "Momma" Anderson

And then there is comedy in which you wonder in the back of your mind... are they serious? Enter the "Moose Man", who ironically is "Going on a bear hunt". And so it is called.

Movie filmed by the Singing Andersons
Edited By Cindy "Momma" Anderson

No comedy would be complete without a little stage performance, The Hoppers demonstrate dark comedy along with a play on words... which can be very distressing if your name happens to be Peanut. Here is "P-nut and the Lion".

Movie filmed by the Singing Andersons
Edited By Cindy "Momma" Anderson

I am embarrassed to disclose that I was suppose to be in that one and the next one. But unfortunately, as fate... or luck would have it, I was using the facilities. Their next performance involves a man that has the same problem I have, the ability to spell. I give you "Help Help".

Movie filmed by the Singing Andersons
Edited By Cindy "Momma" Anderson

Well lets tie this one off with a very soft spoken Amara. Don't let her gentle voice fool you into believing that her story might not be funny, that is how she reals you in. Turn up the speakers for this last one of the post... I fear that I might be approaching the Andy "too long of a post" danger zone. Here is The very graceful Amara telling us about "A hot dog for a pet".

Movie filmed by the Singing Andersons
Edited By Cindy "Momma" Anderson

Mezo

I need a Grandpa!

Today's installments will consist of more Anderson reunion mayhem. I really have enjoyed watching these, having never seen them myself, I feel anticipation every time I read a title that has some clever tie in with the movie and it's contents... again thank you Cindy. So why the title of the blog? The first movie is short, but I feel there is a great theme to it, and Momma obviously sensed it as well, hence it's title. When I first saw the title "Good throw" I wondered what it would elude to, and what is neat is that the explanation comes at the end of the movie. Watch and then I will explain my reasons for the today's blog title.

Movie filmed by the Singing Andersons
Edited By Cindy "Momma" Anderson

If you watch Ethan through out the entire clip you can see the build up process, in preparation to throw the rock into the water. What is sad is that right at the climax, he drops it. Tugging at the heart strings a booming voice comes from behind the camera yelling, "Good Throw Ethan"!, in support of his efforts. Reassuring him that he had done a good job, even if it didn't turn out the way he had hoped. Maybe I am making too much out of this; but there has to be some great similitude to this and another father figure, but I will let you connect the dots. :-)

On a similar note, of father or Grandfatherly love and assistance, I present to you "Lia calls a cab".

Movie filmed by the Singing Andersons
Edited By Cindy "Momma" Anderson

That grin and enthusiasm is priceless.

Since were on the them of fatherly bonding, I found this clip to be especially cute. "The Great Pacifier Trick"

Movie filmed by the Singing Andersons
Edited By Cindy "Momma" Anderson

I don't know who enjoys this trick more, Andy or Jennah. But it does reminds me of BanAnna. When it comes to food, she always wants what I am having because it tastes better.

Mezo

Thank you "Momma" Cindy!

I believe it was a couple of blogs ago in which I expressed my sadness for not recording more events from the reunion, that and my amateur ability with my new cam corder... are they even called that anymore? Well, I am pleased to announce that someone took pity on me, and that someone is Cindy. She happened to have a stock pile of already edited video's ready for the posting. After a little battle with figuring out how to get them, I am ready to post more. Keeping in line with a technique that the Brickman has shown me, I will be crediting the work to the creator... though I am not always sure who was recording. I know Eric had the camera a lot, so I guess I will give credit to the singing Andersons. And what better way to start out than with a clip titled "Everything is Great". I want to add that Cindy did the editing and has also cleverly named each movie. A superb job I might add. So without further delay, I give you, "Everything is Great"!

Movie filmed by the Singing Andersons
Edited By Cindy "Momma" Anderson

And what post would be complete without The Brickman explaining something. This one is cleverly named, "Uncle Dick, teaches a lesson"! (It's in his blood ya know)

Movie filmed by the Singing Andersons
Edited By Cindy "Momma" Anderson

Again, I want to give thanks to Momma for putting in a lot of work to not only getting the files to me, but also for the time that went into the editing... and being gracious to share these treasures. Keep checking back for more, I feel like The Brickman when the pictures were posted.

Mezo

A lot of "Yee - Hawin!"

Well, this is it... I really wish I had filmed more... So, until 2010.
Mezo

Richard Sweetcheeks and the Bum-etts!

To follow suite with my theme, I am posting another movie today. This one, by far, was my favorite! They had not performed for years, this in part was due to failed attempts to secure contracts that each member could live with, and you know how that goes. The group disbanded and went off to start their own solo careers. It was believed that they never would play together again. The long nights, being on the road, the adoring fans, it got to be too much for them. Supposedly the proverbial straw that broke the camel was that they were served cookie bars, instead of round cookies in their dressing rooms. That was the beginning of the end.

After years of separation, by chance, they happened to end up at a party together; and then their performance was requested. What impressed me the most was how willing they were to get back together after being separated for so long. Within 20 seconds, they were up on stage, performing as if it was yesterday. I was able to secure a front row seat to this gig, and lucky for me, security was loose (Supposedly they were all tied up with some idiot who parasailed himself into the foliage), so I was able to sneak in a video camera. The story behind this act is interesting. Supposedly the group was formed to destroy another family reunion, at least that is what the tabloids are saying. So, before I start in on that story; let me end by taking the honor to introduce, "Richard Sweetcheeks, and the Bum-etts."

Mezo

There's a Skeeter!

As I mentioned in my last blog, I was able to secure a couple of home movies from the "Anti-Talent Show", back at the reunion in July. I enjoyed watching these, and I was sad to see that the Peanut Butter and Jelly song was not in the mix. I did find, however, the song called "There's a Skeeter in the Bathroom". Today's post will be short, I want to thank all the nice heartfelt compliments from the last couple of posts. I truly have felt the warmth and welcome into an impressive family. I never could have asked, or hoped for a more loving group of wonderful individuals. Thanks again.

Mezo


p.s. Here's a hint for the next movie to come, "Cheeks".

Meet "The Brickman"

I must say that I have really enjoyed the blog scene; Anna had introduced it to me during our time of engagement. And by introducing, I mean that she brought me into the small corner that makes up the network of the family. Being IT, I had already known what blogging was, I actually had a section on my website that was devoted to blogging... I found that I never updated it, because it just wasn't any fun. But this is not what I wanted to talk about today. Today, I want to reflect back on my first encounter with the beloved Brickman. I was introduced to the Brickman back in January; it was during my initial trip out to meet Anna's parents before I proposed to her. Though my intentions at the time were not poised on getting married, I honestly just had the desire to see where her family lived and meet them. Looking at this in retrospect, I can see where I might have had subconscious ulterior motives. It was a smart move on my part none the less; we got engaged 3 weeks latter. I feel it's a good idea to meet the parents before you call and ask permission to marry their only daughter. :-) But this story can, and should be told by Anna; she has remarkable storytelling talents. Now if she could just get over the whole blog posting anxiety. And again, I am off target.

Anyway, my trip out to Washington was supposed to be a meet the parents. Little did I know it was a meet the family. By chance, and I don't know if it was chance or planned, Alan and Christina where there with the kids. So I thought, ok, this isn't too bad; a couple more strangers to meet, and then stay with for a couple of days. Not to hard. In this type of situation you hope you are liked, or else it can be a very uncomfortable couple of days, especially when you are staying at their home. These were things I hadn't thought about until I was on the plane headed for the island, no turning back now. So I start to get to know the family and then I find out, I will be meeting more. Enter Brickman and Janet stage left. Wow, at this point I was starting to develop all kinds of conspiracy theories about my supposed meet the parents trip. The introductions are not over yet, I got to meet grandma after that. So, for those of you who are counting, that makes nine people. Keep in mind that Anna and I were only dating at the time. Some people might think that this is not that big of a deal, they might take this experience in stride and enjoy meeting new people. Me, I was terrified, and without a transferable ticket... not to mention I was trapped on an island. At that point, all I could do was hope that I would be accepted, being liked would be a dream. My fears were squelched as I was warmly received and loved. Even if they did end up not liking me, I never would have known. This brings me to my point, finally.

My introduction to the Brickman is one I fondly remember. I was downstairs in the Hopper House, probably couriering with feelings of fear and nervousness, when Anna came and told me that her Uncle and Aunt had arrived. As I started the long assent up the stairs, I heard a booming voice coming from the hall. My first encounter was classic Brickman, it is one that we, ironically, have all scene before. For those of you who attended the family reunion, you might remember the anti-talent show. It was quite an experience, filled with laughter and great performances. Just last night, I downloaded the movies I had taken of the show from my Camcorder. I had totally forgotten about them. I honestly wish that the movies were of the same quality as the pictures I took; as you will soon see, it is obvious that my skills in filming are lacking in comparison to taking pictures. So, as you might have already guessed, I filmed the famous CARROT DANCE! It was this same dance that became my introduction to the Brickman back in January. Needless to say, after seeing this, all my anxieties and fears disappeared. So, it gives me great pleasure to present to you all; The Brickman, & his famous Carrot Dance, enjoy!

Now you might wonder why I posted the second movie below, what relevance does it have to the Carrot Dance? I unfortunately stopped filming at the end, before the applause was given, so I wanted everyone to see that this act was wildly accepted and loved by all who were able to witness it.

I have many more movies that I will be posting, so keep checking back.

Mezo
p.s. I find revenge is a dish best served in the foliage. ;-)

Out of my league.

I know that this is way out of my league, to even attempt to duplicate Uncle Dick's Reunion Blog would be an insult to his art. With that said, I do feel that posts about him are lacking. So I will make this one quick.

"Brielle can be seen pointing out the flashing lights of a tow truck, to an oblivious Grampa, while it pulls away with His fire engine red Ford Explorer." "She then proceeded to remind him that he should not park in front of a fire hydrant... despite the color and official look of his truck.

A shocking lack of Jonathan

Faster than a clicking shutter. Stronger than steel tripod. Here is our intrepid photographer.

Thanks Jonathan -- the reunion pictures were great . . . but I did notice one flaw. A certain photographer wasn't in any of them? Hummmm.

And so for family and friends that did not attend the Anderson Family Reunion I would now like to show off my new husband -- he was there, I promise.

One can never have too many shoes . . .

Got Socks?

Doesn't this just scream "Anderson Family Reunion"? There's nothing better than a house full of people you love.