Break the skin

Before you all soil yourselves from the rage I spewed the other day, I apologize. It was therapeutic, though. Very helpful. Scream and rant sometime. Quite cleansing.

We've had various family activities to keep us occupied during this holiday. Thursday, we sat in the park and listened to the Colorado Symphony play patriotic songs. I shed a tear or two during the salute to the armed forces. I'm not a big supporter of the war (not a supporter at all, actually), but when an old man stands up to humbly be recognized for service to his country, it makes me proud.

We picnicked and relaxed in the grass while people admired Amos (as usual). It was a lovely evening full of stars and beautiful music. Lovely, lovely.

Last night, we walked toward downtown to watch the fireworks. We found a spot in the grass (dirt and dried twigs) overlooking the highway and with a clear view of Coors Field. The Rockies were in a tight game that went long, so we sat and then sat and then we tried sitting. All kinds of humanity ebbed and flowed around us. Finally, around 10:30, maybe later (maybe sooner - who's counting?), the official fireworks began. Not that we hadn't already been entertained and frightened by the various illegal items popping around us. Balls to the cars that actually drove through a fervent display of sparkles on the street. That was either ballsy or sheer stupidity. Don't even get me started on what I think about the two guys on bicycles who peddled through it.

Anyhoo...

Amos enjoyed (sort of) his second Fourth of July. He was only a few weeks old during '07s July 4th, and a few neighbors popped loud and colorful things on the street. Despite his tiny stature, Amos was not intimidated. That is when we decided that we have a cool kid. This year, Amos was a little shy, but then he warmed up to the sounds and lights. He pointed at the sky and said, "Huwah!" I take that as a sign of approval.

On the way home, we ran through a sprinkler gauntlet that was much like Indiana Jones bookin' it away from that giant boulder. Except, it wasn't like that at all. Imagination and a little wine are great for a late night walk.

Today was full of shopping. Phil delighted himself with picking out little outfits for Amos. I swear, Phil is turning into a teenage girl with the way he coos over Amos' little man britches or how adorable a T-shirt will be on him. I think I'll buy him some Hello Kitty gear. For Phil, I mean.

Tomorrow, God willing and Sleepy Sarah willing, we will trudge through the mountains for our weekly hike. I'm addicted to the mountains again. How is it that we have lived here for so long, yet we only hiked after we moved here and have just suddenly revived the idea? The Porters: not always intelligent.

OH. OH!

And Amos just got his first tooth! We see the little nugget breaking the skin. I look forward to the day when I can feed him food that he will actually chew rather than gumming away at and then packing into his big chipmunk cheeks.

So, I bid you farewell for the evening. Here's a tasty drink that I toast in your general direction:



1 part tequila
1 part triple sec
1-2 parts 100% pomegranate juice



Yum yum.