Christmas in Grand Rapids

The day after Christmas we met up with Grandma Carole and Grandpa Jack at a hotel in Grand Rapids. This was great because we were able to go swimming. Uncle Rodney and Aunt Crystal came too (since they drove Grandma Carole) and they brought cousin Steven with them.

Christmas in Brighton

As tradition would have it, we again celebrated Christmas Eve and Christmas day with Grandpa Dick and Grandma Barb in Brighton. This year the crowd was plentiful with the Fazikas (Chris, Kathy, Erica), the McEuens (Steve, Kelly, Ben, Sam, Emily, Jake, Chloe), the Otts II (Rick, Chawn, Xena, Gabby), the Otts III (Ricky, Gina, Riley) and also Jessica and Timmy.

More Christmas

Here are a few more pictures and clips of our Christmas in Muskegon with Great Grandpa Herb and Great Grandma Minnie; and our Christmas with Susanne and Myranda (but no Ellie). Also included a short Happy Birthday clip for Uncle Chris, Uncle Steve, Emily and Chloe.

Merry Christmas

Continuing our normal tradition, last night we had our Christmas with the kids. Then Santa came early last night so the kids had a few more gifts to open this morning. Andrew got a PSP, some games, legos and clothes. Abby got a laptop, design stuff, makeup, clothes and a Snuggie. Mom got Super Scrabble, a frog necklace a tea mug, tea and a Snuggie. Dad got a massager, some shirts, a mini Red Wing truck, a calendar and an mp3 speaker. Next stop Brighton, Grand Rapids and Muskegon (among others).

Abby Christmas Choir Concert

Abby had her school Christmas Choir Concert tonight. She looked beautiful and sang lovely!

Hockey Pictures & Scrimmage

Andrew had his House Hockey pictures taken today. After that his Red Team had a scrimmage. Andrew got his "red on" with a nice assist and a Yzerman-like goal. Here are the highlights.

Jib Jab Fun!

This is fun ... a Hollywood Four snowball fight (with Gabby too!)

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Andrew's School Project

Andrew and two of his classmates, Bailey and Connor (hence ABC), worked on a school project today. I guess it relates to starting their own business. They filmed video on our "green screen" and then I helped Andrew edit the video according to his specifications. Here is the finished product (the final DVD includes a blooper reel that l is longer than the actual video). I guess they have to submit a business plan along with it later this week.

Red Team Scrimmage

Andrew received his Red Team jersey this morning. He is #46 (same number as current Red Wings player Jakub Kindl). Today was also the first day they they had a scrimmage. It was an intra-Red squad 3x3 scrimmage. Andrew scored a nice, hard goal and his squad won 3-0. Unfortunately, I didn't capture it on film.

7th Level Black Belt Test

Andrew had his 7th level black belt test yesterday evening. Here are the usual highlights.

Oireachtas 2009

Abby danced at the Mid-America Irish Dance Championship (aka, Oireachtas) today. She danced her treble jig and slip jig both very well (both her current Akron instructor and her previous Chicago instructor said she did very well). Unfortunately she did not "recall" (top 50% of girls recall to dance a final set dance), and only 1 of her 3 other friends did -- contratulations Anne! The results haven't been posted yet but we are curious to see how she ranked among the 166 thirteen-year old girls that competed this year. The difficult part of Oireachtas is that it is by age group (not experience level) and many of the girls competing are championship caliber girls for their age. Anyway, we are still very proud of Abby and hope that she practices even harder for next year's competition. Here are a few video highlights (not actual dances, however, since video-taping is prohibited).

Hockey Practice

This morning Andrew's Uncle Rick took him to hockey practice. This was pretty cool since Uncle Rick is a huge hockey fan and played hockey when he was a kid.

Happy Thanksgiving!

2009 Thanksgiving at the Hollywood Four household (with lots of Otts and McEuens on hand as well). Traditions held true once again: Too much good food, Lions lose, Black Friday shopping, Lake Frogerick Christmas Tree raised, Loogie's Spa and another "Chloe Show" (highlights from the latter contained below).

Oirechtas Pep Rally

This afternoon we attended the O'Hare School of Irish Dance pep rally for Oireachtas. This is a short, fun rally for the girls as they prepare for their big regional competition next weekend.

Abby Tennis Practice

Here are some highlights from one of Abby's recent tennis practice sessions.

Poker Fest #20

Here are three highlight segments from Poker Fest #20 this past weekend. It was the best tournament ever!

Abby Irish Dance Coaching

Here is a videos of Abby practicing for the upcoming Mid America Oireachtas competition. The voice in the background is Eileen her dancing coach.

Hollywood Four Newsroom (part 1)

Reporting from the Hollywood Four Newsroom studios, here is Abby and Andrew with a special report and highlights on the Hollywood Four vacation at Disney World in Orlando, Florida -- Part 1 of 2.

Hollywood Four Newsroom (part 2)

Reporting from the Hollywood Four Newsroom studios, here is Abby and Andrew with a special report and highlights on the Hollywood Four vacation at Disney World in Orlando, Florida -- Part 2 of 2.

Disney World Pictures

On Friday, October 30 we packed up for a short vacation at Disney World in Orlando, FL (yes, the kids agreed to give up Halloween this year). The weather was wonderful (mostly 80's all trip). We returned home Wednesday, November 4. Here are some picture highlights from our trip. We also have some video footage that will be presented by Abby and Andrew as a Hollywood Four Newsroom update in the next few days. It sure was fun dreamin' all day ...

Abby Choirs Concert

On Thursday evening, Abby had her Fall Choirs Concert. Here are a few short highlights from her enthusiastic performance ...

Poker Fest #20 Teaser

Coming soon teaser reel for the 20th Poker Fest tournament to be held in Barryton, MI. Once again Gentleman Jim will host. The new logo at the end was designed by Cougar Iron Graphics. For a walk down memory lane, the following link will take you to Poker Fest #19 highlights.

Andrew Belt Testing

Andrew belt tested yesterday as part of his spiritual journey through the art of Taekwondo. He already holds his First Degree Black Belt (or Poom), so yesterday's test was the sixth level (I think) test on way to his Second Degree Black Belt (If I understand this belt system correctly). Although he got beat-up in sparring by a 4-year old girl (yes, he held back), he finished strong with a flying reverse board-breaking kick.

House Hockey

Andrew started his "house hockey" league today at Hoover Arena in Strongsville, OH. This was his first taste of hockey with full pads and equipment. He looked pretty awesome wearing his black practice uniform. For not having skated in a few months, he did pretty good. After a couple more weeks, they'll divide the kids into teams and scrimmage every third or fourth week (until March 2010). I am sure future sessions will provide plenty of video blog material!

Happy Birthday Herbie

Here is some video footage of (Great) Grandpa Herbie's birthday celebration in Muskegon, MI last week - he turned 96.

School Picture - Abby

Abby brought home her 2009, 8th grade school pictures today. Here she is ... our beautiful young daughter.

Hollywood Dad Makes a Big Mistake

Yesterday I made a big mistake. It was an unfortunate and very unique confluence of events that led to me breaking at least one of our family values, namely "responsibility." It is a mistake that I will surely pay for dearly over the coming months. I thank God for my loving family and for their understanding and comfort. While I strive for perfection in all facets of my life, I am truly an imperfect person. This was a hard life lesson and one that will surely not be repeated again. And so, I am sorry for my mistake and I humbly ask for forgiveness.

Hollywood Dad

Irish Dance in Hudson, OH

Today Abby had a "dance out" performance in Hudson, OH. I guess it was an anniversary celebration for some Catholic church over there (Dad stayed home and watched football all day). Here are the usual highlights.

Visiting Chicagoland

Because it's been over 2 years since we last visited our friends in Chicago, we decided to take a driver over this long, Labor Day weekend. We spent the bulk of our time at "the Halls" but we were also able to squeeze a visit in with "the Bilyks" too. Unfortunately, some of our other friends were out of town (but our time was short any ways). It was still fun. Definitely lots to miss in Northwest Chicago where we used to live.

Medina International Fest

Today Abby and the O'Hare School of Irish Dance girls danced at the Medina International Fest at the main street square in downtown Medina. The weather was mild and the girls did a nice job (and dad and Andrew snuck off to Sully's for a bit too). Here are the highlights of the performance (starring Abby, of course).

Back to School - 2009

The kids went back to school today. Abby started 8th grade - big kid in junior high; Andrew started 5th grade - big kid in middle school. Here are a few photos Karen took this morning of Abby, Andrew and a few of the neighbor kids waiting for the bus.

White Water Rafting

Here are some additional highlights of our family white water rafting trip from day 5 of our vacation. These photos were taken with a waterproof, disposable camera that Karen sent to Snapfish to be developed. We just got them back a couple days ago. Some of the pictures are very cloudy because of the down pouring rain that hit us part way into the excursion. Also, many of the photos don't really capture how intense some of the rapids really were (sorry, we all had to row didn't have any free hands to take pictures).

Vacation - Day 7 (part 2)

The finish our vacation we hiked around Grandfather Mountain. This is a privately owned and managed mountain, but it was well worth the $40 to get it. We walked across a Mile-High Swinging Bridge, saw bears and otters, and hiked the Black Rock Nature Trail. That night we stayed at a truly beautiful Fairfield Inn in Elkin, NC. Since it was officially Andrew's birthday, we took him out for dinner to a neat restaurant called Pirate's Landing where he enjoyed a slab of babyback ribs - and a little embarrassment for dessert.

Vacation - Day 7 (part 1)

We started day 7 of our vacation by departing Asheville and driving the Blue Ridge Parkway north through the mountains. There were many scenic stops along the way, including Mount Mitchell - the highest elevation point in the United States east of the Mississippi River. Our next stop was Grandfather Mountain (highlights tomorrow).

Vacation - Day 6

On day 6 of our vacation we explored some mountain areas around the Asheville, NC region. Our first two hikes of the day were in Chimney Rock State Park. The views were awesome, although the trails were a bit easy. The Hickory Nut Falls trail led us to a cool, 400 foot water fall. From there we drove to Pisgah National Forest where the kids slid down the 60-foot Sliding Rock into very cold water (but they enjoyed it any ways). Our hote in Asheville - Brookstone Lodge - was the only non-Marriott property we stayed at - but it was a very nice, new hotel - and for less than $90 per night, it was a bargain!

Vacation - Day 5 (and a little of day 4)

Most of day 5 of our vacation was devoted to Nantahala Family Adventure at the Blue Ridge Outing Co. (whitewater rafting). Unfortunately, I only have four digital photographs from the day. We did bring a waterproof disposable camera with, but we had to send that away for the film to be developed. Later that night (or was that day 6?) we attended an Asheville Tourists minor league baseball game (a double-header). And, as an added bonus I found some missing video footage from day 4 of our vacation at the Ober Gatlinburg Ski Resort. Enjoy.

Vacation - Days 3 and 4

On day 3 of our vacation we drove from WV to eastern TN. We hung out at the hotel pool, played some putt-putt golf and then went to a Tennessee Smokies baseball game. The next morning (day 4) we hiked to Andrew's Bald in the Great Smokey Mountains National Park (unfortunately, it was very cloudy so couldn't enjoy the views). After that, the kids rode the alpine slides at the Ober Gatlinburg Ski Resort. For our evening entertainment, we went to Dolly Parton's Dixie Stampede dinner show (yes, it was cheesy ... but you know what they say ... When in Rome ... well, you know the rest).

Vacation - Day 2

On day 2 of our vacation, we explored southern West Virginia by hiking the Bridge Trail in the New River Gorge National Park. We also drove across the New River Gorge Bridge (the highest vehicular bridge in the Americas, and the second-highest in the world) and took some photographs. We finished out our evening taking in G-Force 3D at the movie theatre.

Vacation - Day 1

Here are some highlights from day one of our our 7 day vacation in southern OH and WV, eastern TN and western NC. Our day one highlights are from our stop along the way in Hocking Hills State Park. We hiked a trail called Old Man's Cave. It was pretty cool - almost like being on the set of an Indiana Jones movie for something like that. Look for more "vacation" posts in the coming days ... (or don't).

Andrew Turns 10!

Here are highlights from Andrew's Birthday Party today - he is now 10 years old! It was hot, but the kids stayed cool in Lake Frogerick.

Fists of Frederick

Andrew had his next Level 4 Black Belt Testing this evening (it was actually scheduled for next week, but Master Paul allowed him to do it this week since we'll be on vacation next week. Unfortunately, Abby was in charge of filming so we are missing our classic Kill Bill board-breaking sequence in today's video clip -- however, we are still presenting this clip in classic Bruce Lee Fists of Fury style!

This Week in Baseball

Here is Andrew's final week, and last game, of This Week in Baseball 2009. Andrew pitched one shut-out inning and was 1 for 1 hitting (also got hit by a pitch ... by the Coach no less!). I believe they tied 3-3 (according to Mom who was watching the game). I believe the team's overall record was something like 8-1-2 this year.

Kevin gets Anchored

Since we were having too much trouble with Kevin (our inflatable water trampoline) floating to shore, we decided to anchor him down yesterday. He is now a semi-permanent fixture in the center of Lake Frogerick.

St Charles Borromeo Carnival

While Andrew and me were camping out at the Akron Aeros game last night, Karen and Abby were at the St. Charles Borromeo Parish Carnival in Parma, OH where the O'Hare School of Irish Dance put on an Irish dancing show (Abby even made it into a picture on their Web site).

Amish Country Redux

Just as Karen did when Molly and Graham visited a few weeks back, she again took our guests (this time Susanne, Myranda and Ellie) to Amish Country and to the Rolling Ridge Ranch where they visited with various animals. Here are the clips that Karen shot.

This Week in Baseball

Remembered to bring video camera to Andrew's baseball game this week. So here is This Week in Baseball (TWIB) Hollywood Four style.

The Maiden Launch of Kevin

Yesterday we launched "Kevin" (as Abby calls our new water trampoline) into Lake Frogerick. Here are a few clips from yesterday and today of the kids playing with Kevin (Abby, Andrew, Myranda and Ellie too).

Stacie Visits from California

My niece Stacie is visiting from California so we drove to her folks house in Okemos, MI (home of the Spartans!) this weekend to say hello. In addition to the Hollywood Four, Grandma Carole, Claire, Steven, Julianne, Michael, and our hosts, Rick and Kim, we also present.

Campfire Medleys

Here are some final clips from the past two weeks in Michigan. One campfire medley and one rockin' old folks home performance.

Spring Hill Camps

Hello Mudder; Hello Fudder ... Here are a few clips of Andrew and cousin Jacob being dropped off and picked up from Summer camp two weeks ago. They did "extreme sports" in Copper Country at Spring Hill Camps. No footage of Abby and Emily this year, but they went last week (they did horses in New Frontiers).

Lake Miramichi

Here are some video clips of the kids having fun at the Ott Cabin in Lake Miramichi.



(Starring Abby, Andrew; cousins Emily, Erica, Jacob, Chloe, and Claire)

I Will Pump You Up!

Remember the old Saturday Night Live clip Pumping Up with Hanz and Franz? Here is Andrew's impersonation (compliments of a powerful hot tub jet).

Indianapolis, Indiana

Last weekend we all went to Indianapolis for Abby's Indianapolis Feis competition. Saturday night we stayed downtown at Residence Inn on the Canal. It was pretty fun. After the competition (Abby didn't do so well) we went for a paddle boat ride and then to an Indianapolis Indians baseball game (AAA affiliate for the Pittsburgh Pirates).

This Week in Baseball

Holy Cow! Now that Andrew is playing baseball again, here is our version of the classic TV show -- This Week In Baseball (otherwise known as TWIB). Andrew's first game was last week Thursday. They won 10-0 or something like that. Andrew was 2-3 hitting and he played third base and second base. Like last year, it's kid-pitch for four pitches and then coach-pitch after that (if no hit or out within four pitches). As long as his hair is this Summer (even more so than last year), he's sort of like a blonde-headed Magglio Ordonez.

Black Belt Testing - Level 4

Andrew tested (again) for his next level black belt. For a replay of his last test, click here. For a replay of last year's test, click here.

Land of the Lost (Amish Country)

That's where Karen took her friend Molly (visiting us from Denver with her son Graham) along with Abby and Andrew. The trip back in time to Amish Country is about an hour south of where we live. As part of the tour, they went to Rolling Ridge Ranch where they visited with, and were attacked by, various animals. Here are some clips Karen took.

Lake Frogerick Fun

Despite the cool air temperature, Andrew went swimming with an alligator in Lake Frogerick today (along with some of the neighborhood kids).

Queen City Feis Trip

Just like we did last year, we went to the Queen City Feis in Cincinnati again this year. Abby brought home a 1st place and a 3rd place in four dances. The 1st place was in the Hornpipe which is what she needed to qualify for "regionals" this fall - hurray! We also went to a Cincinnati Reds game at the Great American Ball Park. Although we've been to a Reds game at the old Cinergy Field (Riverfront Stadium), this was our first game at the new stadium.

The Abby 400

Abby had another track event last night. She ran the 400 meter and finished 3rd. She also ran in a relay race. Don't have much video of her track stuff so Karen shot the following footage. It was cold cold night and I guess her leg was (is) hurting. Here is a recap of her solo race in Hollywood Four fashion!

O'Hare Irish Dance Revue

On Sunday, Abby participated in the O'Hare School of Irish Dance year end dance revue. Abby danced in only three dances since she was not as active in all of the dance groups this year due to other activities. The performance was still enjoyable as always. Here are the highlights.

Happy Birthday Grandma Barbie!

On Saturday night, we took Grandma Barbie (visiting for the weekend) to Tres Portrillos for her birthday. She probably regretted it after being forced to wear the special birthday hat.

Pitching Practice

Andrew has his baseball tryouts on Tuesday and he is definitely a little rusty from the Winter. So I went out and got him a couple of baseball training accouterments ... a wired baseball you attach to a pole for batting practice; and a pitching net as shown here ... Play Ball!

Enter the Andrew

I completely forgot I had filmed Andrew's belt testing (another level on his black) a couple weeks ago. In Hollywood Four fashion, here are the highlights ... Enter the Andrew (and don't miss our signature Kill Bill replay at the end).

Easter in Painted Post, NY

Here are some highlights from Easter in Painted Post, NY last weekend with the McEuens (Mom, Abby and Andrew only - Dad was home goofing off, 'er, working).

Swimming at Great Wolf Lodge

Here is a short highlight reel from the kids Spring Vacation swimming get-together with Susanne, Myranda and Ellie.

Poker Fest #19

Last weekend we had Poker Fest #19. While I didn't video a full-blown production like I did last year (see links below), here is a short highlight reel (check out Poker Fest Wrestling and Poker Fest Swimming below as well).



Highlights from Poker Fest #18:

Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4
Part 5
Part 6
Part 7

Poker Fest Wrestling

For the second straight Poker Fest, we had a couple wrestling matches break out. Like Poker Fest 18, Gentleman Jim and Lord Swa were in the mix (must have been related to the full moon) ...

Poker Fest Swimming

Some the guys took the MSU-Uconn victory celebration to the extreme ...

Hockey Lessons

Andrew finished is basic skating class and now he is taking hockey lessons. He actually took lessons in Chicago when he was 4 years old (not counting hockey pond), but he sort of had to re-learn it all again. Here are a few highlights from week one.

H-Abby Birthday!

Going a few days back in time to show Abby on the day she turned 13 (actually, the night before). Click here to see a short dedication video I did a couple years ago showing my baby as, well, a baby.

Run, Abby, Run

Abby had her first track meet today (first ever for her). She competed in the 400M, the 100M Relay and 200M Relay races. In the 400M (the only she ran alone) she took 4th place (out of around 18 girls across three schools). Not bad for her first competitive run.

Irish Dance Out

Here is Abby Irish Dancing yesterday at the Medina Library (in her new dress).

Winter 2008-09 in Review

As we always do, here is a pictorial recap of our Winter 2008-09 activities.

Parade of Irish Dancing

Highlights from last night's Summit Choral Society Parade of Irish Music show.

Newsroom Quickie

Hollywood Four Newsroom wildlife editions brought to you by Andrew.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Keepin' with o'spirit of St. Patty's day, ere's a clip of Abby dancin' it up at Sully's Irish pub (wow, was that place crowded ... see my live tweets from earlier).

Newsroom Quickie

Here is a quick Hollywood Four Newsroom update from Abby. Even though her (13th, yikes!) birthday is a couple weeks a way, she celebrated with two of her best friends this weekend because we'll be so busy with other activities in a couple weeks. Of course, since it is St. Patrick's Day this week, she has a few Irish "dance-out" performances going on this week (one of them highlighted here).

Crazy Hair Day

Andrew had "crazy hair day" at school today. So this is what he ended up with (thanks to Karen's help). Definitely not a proud father moment buy, hey, it was crazy hair day I guess.

Poker Fest #19 Teaser Trailer

After a successful Poker Fest #18, the date has been set for Poker Fest #19 starring Gentleman, Red Eye, Breakfast, Swa, PDiddy, Hollywood and many more. Here is a teaser trailer for what's to come ...

Newsroom March 1

It's been a while since we heard from the Hollywood Four Newsroom crew. So here is a little update on some of the activities from this past week.

Abby's on Twitter Too

Abby - aka, Hollywood Three, is now on Twitter.com too. So, to see what she is doing, check out her Twitter page at http://twitter.com/hikindancer13 where she will post her own "tweets" (probably at an annoying rate). You can also see her tweets in the lower right portion of this web site (right underneath Hollywood One).

I'm on Twitter

Dad - aka, Hollywood One, is now on Twitter.com. According to their web site, Twitter is a service for friends, family, and co–workers to communicate and stay connected through the exchange of quick, frequent answers to one simple question: What are you doing?

So, to see what I am doing, check out my Twitter page at http://twitter.com/hollywoodone where I will post occasional "tweets" while checking the tweets of other Twitter folk. You can also see my tweets in the lower right portion of this web site.

Sound silly? Yes, I agree. But I just couldn't resist smelling that spoiled milk!

Ski Club

It's been hard assembling the reporting team of the Hollywood Four Newsroom for an update the past couple weeks. So in the interest of posting something new, here is a stand alone video clip of Andrew at Ski Club last night.

Happy Birthday Grandma Carole!

A special message from two of your grandchildren.

Newsroom February 8

Covering this week's activities ... here are the Hollywood Four Newsroom reporters. Hey, I just noticed I have a typo on the opening frame below. I'll have to fix that next time around.

Vote for the Hollywood Four!

We found this fun Obomicon.me web site on the blog of our favorite Creative Instigator. Abby did us the honor of creating posters for each of us. Please vote for your favorite Hollywood Four family member!

Newsroom January 31

Not a whole lot of news to report on for this past week. Here is our update.

Newsroom January 20

Our January 20 Hollywood Four Newsroom reports on activities this past weekend.

When You're Bothered By A Fly

That's the name of this video that Abby and Andrew created today in front of Andrew's "webcam." However - a more appropriate title might be "Silly things we can do at home when we have a snow day from school."

Newsroom January 9

Welcome to our first official Hollywood Four Newsroom report. Today's report covers activities since New Year's Day and is hosted by Abby and Andrew.

Hollywood Four Newsroom

This is just a sneak peak at the new Hollywood Four Newsroom. As mentioned in our January 1, 2009 post, we will be posting content on a less frequent basis this year (probably weekly). Much of the time we will use the Hollywood Four Newsroom as the forum by which to keep you all informed of our activities and projects. Check back later this week for our first official Newsroom update for the first week of the year.

Happy New Year!

Welcome to the Hollywood Four blog. We've made some cosmetic edits and started the new year with a fresh slate of posts. Our 2008 posts are sill available at http://hollywood-four2008.blogspot.com/ and we will keep a link to these archived posts in the favorite blogs section below. To relieve the pressure on Dad this year, we will try to post new material on a weekly (not daily) basis. So check back weekly to see what were up to or what silly videos we have created.

To all of our loyal family and friends ... God bless and have a wonderful New Year!