Big Church Day Out.

So, it's been like a bazillion years since I blogged here.  A lot of my blogging now happens over at www.longingtobeholy.wordpress.com, if you ever fancy a look.  But there tends to be a bit less family stuff over there.
Anyway, we went to Big Church Day Out during the half-term holiday.  Joshua and I went drove down on the Friday night, having first kidnapped a friend's son, so he could help put our tent up (the rest of his family were coming along later, and we figured it was worth having one tent done during daylight hours!).  We drove through sunshine, showers and downpours, all the time hoping that the sunshine would prevail.  I didn't, but then neither did the downpours.  It was mildly drizzly as we put the tent up.  The others arrived after dark, we put their tent up and then had a hot chocolate before bed (at midnight).  Joshua, unaccustomed to such late nights, woke at about six, and then went back to sleep for another couple of hours (while I lay there getting bored, but resisting the temptation to wake him up!).  And so I amused myself by taking a picture of him:

The rain of the night before meant that this was my first view outside in the morning:

Though looking out onto a ferris wheel was some consolation... (this was taken at about 7am)

Going on the ferris wheel was good too (though the price made me wince a little).

It made for some good views.  This was the house bit of the estate, with various entertainments and a kids work tent next to it.

This is where we stayed.  (If you're wondering about the camera craft, bear in mind I was on the ferris wheel - that's my excuse and I'm sticking to it.)

 This is a whole lot of people being worshippy.

There were loads of groups there exhibiting their services and the like.  There was a whole tent full of them, plus MAF and the like. 

The main stage was one of three stages and the offerings were varied and awesome.

But it was COLD for the late night acts.  We had a duvet with us, thankfully.  One distinct advantage to camping on site (Anna and Luke wisely slept at my parents' house).  

Overall, it was a fab time.  I think the two things I liked best were being there and being there with friends.  In terms of being there, it was just amazing that we could be with so many other Christians at an event that was focused on spending time with God and praising him.  It was great having loads to do as well.  There were actually kid sessions, as well as loads of other activities.  We're a bit starved of lively worship and that sort of thing, so that was amazing to be a part of.
And being there with friends (from church) was also fantastic.  Awesome to enjoy fellowship with them in the context of a big Christian event.
All in, a great weekend (and a very sunny one, after the first night!)