Today was a mildly bah humbug 4th for us. We blew off the small-town parade in favor of a quiet morning and a long bath (for me). The afternoon found us lazing around at my parents’ house, enjoying a steak, corn on the cob, and grilled vegetables. During a gloriously violent thunderstorm (hooray for rain!), we watched a movie.

The sky cleared, and I contemplated keeping Maya up late so we could watch fireworks in a nearby town (which claims the title of “best small town display,” and from years past, I agree). By 8pm, however, Maya was fussy and walking like a drunken sailor. Keeping her up late was simply out of the question, so we returned home, and I eventually got her to bed. So much for fireworks.

I’d opened windows to enjoy the evening’s monsoon-induced cool temperatures, and while putzing online, noticed a driving rain starting up. Upstairs with me to close windows! When I reached my South-facing bedroom, what do I see through the rain? Spectacular fireworks on top of America’s Mountain(tm), Pikes Peak. Nice.