"The hills are alive with the sound of music."

I know it may just be a cheesy line from The Sound of Music, but that is the best way to describe what it was like entering Clay's Park this morning. I arrived just in time to get lost in the mass of people that were migrating along with Brady Quinn, who had just shared as part of the "Know It" portion of the "Know it, Live it, Share it" seminars for the week. I watched him throw a few passesin the sports zone and then realized I was missing the last two New Artist Talent Search finalists, Ward 9 and Mixtape Metro. They both were extremely talented, and I'm going to make a not-so-bold prediction that you'll be hearing from them again in the future. As they finished, I ran over to the Valley Tent to catch a little of the Heart of the Artist seminar with Casting Crowns. I could barely even get close to the tent because of the overflow of fans.

I then made my way throughout the park and caught a show at the skate park, walked along the lake, and visited some friends' campsites before I hurried back to watch a new band, Esterlyn, that I really enjoyed. I didn't realize how many people were actually here until you see them spread out across such a large place as Clay's Park, and everything is still full of people.

Soon the amphitheater evening artists were coming on. I already saw Hawk Nelson signs and homemade shirts. I already saw grandparents and grandkids alike just waiting for Casting Crowns. I personally was even more eager to see Worth Dying For and Leeland, two amazing young worship bands whose passion and creativity oozes out of their songs.

The number of people in the park seemed to multiply as the evening went on. As Hawk Nelson took the stage, the volume of the screams of the audience seemed to almost what was coming out of the speakers. The meet and greet line was also one of the longest lines I've ever seen.

The night closed with Casting Crowns, and let me tell you--the tears were flowing throughout that amphitheater. Moments like this, where the presence of God is so strong among the festival, are the moments that are worthwhile at Alive. Amazing.

Now again just for fun, here are some random thoughts from today:

10:52am: People look like paparazzi, trying to get a photo of Brady Quinn from any angle they can. It's kind of exciting and entertaining at the same time. (I'll admit, I was one of them.)

1:00pm: Sometimes I wish I was more of a camping person. Sometimes.

1:25pm: I see being a stuntman in the future of some of the kids playing in the waterpark. Backflips, somersaults, climbing, jumping...That's talent.

2:30pm: Mountain Dew sherbet is really good.

5:00pm: I've never seen a lightning bolt keytar before until now. I think the world could use some more of them.

6:30pm: I believe that Leeland's music is good for the soul. And my ears are happy.

7:23pm: I've had Chic Fil-A for dinner every night this week, and I'm still not tired of it. Why is it so good?

8:25pm: I don't know why it is, but the sunsets at Alive are always beautiful.

8:40pm: People REALLY love Hawk Nelson.

9:15pm: Who knew kazoos could make the girls swoon like this?


And there you have it. We're already halfway done!