Several years ago my siblings and I started having an annual summer N* Family Reunion. This year marked our fourth year running, and we had a fabulous time, as usual! My mom and sister-in-laws and I usually head up the planning and execution of the event. It's been fun to create new memories and traditions together.
Part of the reunion is mandatory participation in a talent show. We usually combine forces, and are in more than one skit or routine. Laughter is a common aspect of the event. My brothers often create skits reliving classic stories from our childhood. I think as our children get older we will demonstrate more traditional talents, but I hope we never loose the comedic shows either!
My dad worked for years as fire fighter and fire prevention specialist for the Forest Service, so Smokey the Bear made a special appearance at the Talent Show, and we all joined in with the Smokey the Bear song... Smokey the Bear, Smokey the Bear, howling and a growling and a sniffing the air, he can smell a fire before it starts to burn, that's why they call him Smokey the Bear!
Sophia was fascinated with Smokey. Porter wouldn't go hear him with a ten foot pole! Very typical of difference in personalities of my two children!
I am the oldest of six children, and the only girl. The brother just younger than me was nicknamed "the king" by the other boys because of some of the things ways he bossed them around when we were all younger. This skit is making fun of one memory the boys have of "the king." (He's blond, thus the wig). "The king" would make his younger brothers push him around and around the yard in the wagon, promising that he would push them next. When it was time to switch places, he would claim he had to go inside to use the restroom. If this happened once or ten times, I have no idea, but "the king" will never live it down!
My dad was starting to feel bad at being poked fun of until Vaughn came out dressed as my mom. He even stole her black leggings and traditional cast off red speech tournament t-shirt from her drawer. He donned a black wig (my mom still has long hair) and started
grooving to Carole King's 'I feel the earth move under my feet.' It was so funny it
brought tears to my eyes! My mom has danced in the living room for years as her way of getting exercise, she always wears those leggings and an old t-shirt (for years it was that red one)... Vaughn did a perfect job of
incorporating the kicks and
back bends into his routine. I am proud of my mom for staying so fit and for finding a way to
exercise that she enjoys!
We tried to sing scripture power as a family, Porter thought the sword would be cool, but he refused to sing, even though it's his favorite Primary song! As you can tell, Doug and I were not too rehearsed on the lyrics. Oh well, better luck next year!
Porter did however do a fabulous job singing, The Books of Mormon for everyone. You know the one.. First and second Books of
Nephi, Jacob, Enos,
Jarom,
Omni... etc Doug taught it to him a year ago, and to my surprise, he picked it right up. It's another one of his favorite Primary songs.
Porter, enjoying the show
Adam singing, Ringo.... Ringo!
Vaughn, dressed up as my dad with his favorite dessert, pie, I can't remember who was dressed up as my mom. Several years ago my dad put one of his blue trucks up for sale, I think he still regrets it. He didn't think it would sell, so this skit was reenacting that fateful day when the
prospective buyer came to look at the truck, he made a full price offer, and my dad proceeded to do everything he could think of to talk the guy out of the sale, including a full run down of every single thing that was wrong with it, it didn't work, and the man left with the blue truck!
I think this another photo from the same skit. Two of the boys are playing the guys who came to buy the red truck. Boys, correct me if I'm wrong!
Paul as the Great Bellini and his assistant, Erin. A comedic magic show!
Sophia and my dad calling the kitty to come closer.
My mom is amazing, and has continued to dance and do gymnastics into her mid-50's. When she taught
Kindergarten she always had an I can do anything day, and she would wear her leggings to school and perform for her students.
Erin and Sophia enjoying the show
Forget your Troubles come on Get Happy! By Judy Garland from the musical Summer Stock. My mom organized this rendition, you can see her in front leading the boys.
Steve sang Bless Your Beautiful Hide from Seven Brides and Seven Brothers to his beautiful new baby girl.
My mom wrote a skit about my Great-Grandma Marie. She has an amazing story that I'll blog about someday. We acted out the skit, everyone had a part. In this scene I am playing Marie, and Pam and her baby are my patients.
