Rock of Ages Festival

It's somewhat of a family tradition to go to the Rock of Ages Festival in Calistoga each year in October. It's an all day event that has Christian bands, skateboard teams, motocross, and so much more. Our kids have grown-up going to this festival and they look forward to it each year(I know they are far from being grow-up but you get my point).

This is Mark Thompson, a ventriloquist who is really great with the kids. His salvation messages are very well explained and you can tell he has a desire for the children to receive Jesus in their hearts. He took a liking to Elisha and spent several minutes talking with him afterwards.

The girls are keeping cool under Bethany's umbrella. This year we had lots of sunshine, a twist from last year's downpour. Last year's rain is the reason why Bethany and Elisha both brought their umbrella's again this year. Cuz' when the rain went away the sun's rays were brutal. So the kids requested to bring their umbrella's to hide from the sun.

The kids show off their face paintings.

Elisha wrote two letters to be put into Bibles for a soldier over seas. He loved this and actually wanted to go back and do it again, but they had already packed up when we went back. The man at the table told him to pray for his letter and that he was certain God would put it into a soldier's hand that needed some encouragement.

One of the kids' favorite parts of the festival is the BMX demonstration. They did lots of tricks and flips and then preached a salvation/re-dedication message. I love watching how God can use our talents in a way to glorify him. You might think kids couldn't receive Jesus from watching stunt bikes, but you'd be mistaken.

The motocross demonstration is another favorite. We saw these guys last year and the kids kept asking how much longer until we can watch the motorcycles?

Elisha and Harmony got autographs and their pictures taken with the two guys that did the motocross tricks. I'm not posting Harmony's pictures though because I think I'll give her mom that privilege.

This is Samson, from our church youth group, helping to entertain our group of munchkins.

Yeah, aren't self portraits great? (You know of course this is sarcasm as I always manage to tilt my head back and take a weird looking picture of my neck) Oh well, it didn't turn out too bad.

Note: digital cameras and friends can make a very fun combination.

This is the comedian Bob Smiley. He was on the sage after almost every band. If you ever have a chance to hear some of his stuff do it. He's a character. He was teasing our kids and had them all cracking up.

This is Mac Powell from Third Day. Not a great shot I know but when you're really far away and it's dark out and you don't know the tricks on your digital camera, then this is the best you can get.

Yohn took this picture. Aren't we just adorable?

I thought this shot of Elisha was kind of funny. Notice the missing upper tooth? He lost that one on Friday. The other one next to it is loose too and I'm hoping that it'll come out before next Wednesday because that's school picture day and I'd love to have a picture with the two front teeth missing.

Here's the kids rockin' out together to Third Day.