Buying up some mutual funds.

[Joe826]

I'm looking to invest a few thousand dollars in some mutual funds now, and potentially (hopefully) alot more in the near future. I've had my eye on the Vanguard funds since they look like they've done consistently well. Specifically I was thinking about the wellington funds or the windsor funds. Is there anyone who thinks my money would be better invested elsewhere? I'm willing to accept a moderate level of risk.

Also, if I do go with Vanguard, it would probably be best for me just to open an account there instead of getting an account through an online broker like Ameritrade right?

Thanks.